Chennai: Boeing has announced the opening of applications for the fourth edition of its Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) programme for 2024-25, targeting university graduates and early-stage startup entrepreneurs in India, the company said in a media release. This year’s launch event upped its impact with 40 angel investors and venture capitalists reviewing startup ideas from past BUILD winners, offering exposure and investment opportunities to support the full lifecycle of their innovative concepts.
On the occasion, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, president of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), said, “I congratulate Boeing and its incubator partners for the success of the BUILD programme that harnesses the innovative spirit of India’s young minds. This initiative is fuelling the advancements needed to shape the future of the aerospace and defence sector in India and for the world.”
Chris Raymond, executive vice-president of the Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, stated, “India presents immense opportunities for innovation and growth, particularly within its dynamic startup ecosystem. The BUILD programme is a crucial initiative that taps into the talent and young minds of the country and underscores our commitment to supporting India’s journey toward becoming a global startup and innovation hub.”
Boeing continues its partnership with seven incubators across India to organize BUILD. These include the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IIT-Mumbai, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer at IIT-Delhi, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at IIT-Gandhinagar, IIT-Madras Incubation Cell, Society for Innovation and Development at IISc-Bengaluru, T-Hub at Hyderabad, and Technology Business Incubator at KIIT Bhubaneswar.
Applicants are invited to submit ideas in aerospace and defence, technology, social impact, and sustainability.
Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India and South Asia, said, “BUILD has expanded over the last four years, offering new opportunities and fostering growth for innovators. With the support of venture capitalists, angel investors, and our incubator partners, we are confident that the most promising ideas will secure the necessary grants and capital to thrive. This collaborative effort will catalyse the advancement of India's innovation and startup ecosystem.”
This year’s BUILD applications will undergo evaluation and shortlisting for regional-level boot camps. Finalists will pitch their ideas to subject-matter experts on Boeing Immersion Day and at the BUILD finals, scheduled for January 2025. Winners will receive a grant of ₹10 lakh each to support the development of their ideas.
Boeing mentors and industry experts will work closely with the finalists to refine their concepts and suggest ways to transform ideas into viable business offerings.
Application Eligibility:
• University graduates of 2024
• Faculty members
• Budding entrepreneurs
Support from Boeing and Incubators:
• Mentorship from Boeing experts and incubator mentors
• Support offered to participants through the grant, incubation, and platform to raise capital.
The BUILD programme achieved unprecedented popularity in 2023, attracting over 2,200 students and startup enthusiasts from across India who submitted more than 1,200 innovative concepts. Boeing India maintains its commitment to fostering talent through various initiatives, including the HorizonX India Innovation Challenge and a specialized apprenticeship scheme for aircraft-maintenance engineers, designed to accelerate their professional development.
Interested students and entrepreneurs can apply at www.boeing.co.in/boeing-in-india/build.
The last date for submissions is October 15, 2024.
