Future-Ready India: Get Set Learn’s Young Pioneers Launchpad Inspires K-12 Students to Think Beyond Textbooks
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
The next generation of Indian innovators converged in Mumbai as Get Set Learn, a future-skills-focused K–12 learning startup backed by the Arvind Mafatlal Group, in partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, successfully concluded its inaugural ‘Young Pioneers Launchpad 2025.’ Young minds from across the nation pitched groundbreaking projects that showcased their enterprising skills- from AI-driven solutions for the deaf-blind to sustainable alternatives for chemical pesticides. This landmark event not only showcased the immense potential of India’s K-12 students but also cemented its mission to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of a rapidly evolving future. Ameet Zaverii, Co-Founder & CEO of Get Set Learn, provided deeper insights into this transformative program.
What is the ‘Young Pioneers Launchpad 2025’ and what is its core purpose?
The ‘Young Pioneers Launchpad’ marks the culmination of the 1st year of a comprehensive 10-month program where students learn to build a problem-solving mindset and understand entrepreneurial concepts like market assessment, product idea development, and research. They then translate these learnings into a business plan. Launchpad is the final phase where they come and present their ideas. Our core purpose isn’t necessarily for them to immediately go and start a company. Instead, it’s about building a mindset that allows them to identify problems, think critically about them, and devise solutions.
How many students and teams participated in this inaugural event, and how were they selected?
This year, 450 young innovators worked in teams across 99 teams with top 150 of them across 39 teams pitched their ideas in the Launchpad, each comprising three to four students, from all over the country. While some teams presented physically here in Mumbai, others presented virtually from different parts of India. The selection process involved students going through a 10-month programme with multiple components, such as quiz for students who enrolled in the programme. These students then received mentorship, leading to a jury selection process for the final presentations.
Beyond creating entrepreneurs, what are the key skills students gain from participating in this program?
When students are building a plan from an idea to a presentation, they are thinking about multiple things. They develop problem-solving skills by identifying real-world issues and assessing market viability by talking to people. They learn to work collaboratively in a team, communicate their ideas effectively, and engage in public speaking. So, they pick up a multitude of critical skills – communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and analytical thinking – which are invaluable, regardless of whether they pursue entrepreneurship later. It helps them build a strong foundation. The Launchpad brought together two powerful forces: young minds full of ideas and leaders who’ve built from the ground up. That exchange shifted something. You could see students step into a different mindset, more curious, more confident, more ready to engage with the real world.
How does this program align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP)?
The NEP emphasizes cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset along with critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our program is directly aligned with these core objectives. We have carefully mapped our curriculum to NEP guidelines as well as various educational boards to ensure comprehensive coverage.Importantly, the government aims to instill these competencies across India, reaching students from small towns to large cities. In line with this vision, GSL has been actively partnering with schools across the country—from Tier 2 cities like Davangere, Srinagar, Surat, to metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Through our hands-on, project-based learning approach, we move beyond traditional textbooks and directly support the government’s agenda for future-ready education that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow.
What kind of innovative projects did students present at the Launchpad?
The ideas were incredibly unique and diverse, spanning technology, health, and sustainability. For instance, we saw “Feel the Sound” from Foundation World School in Jammu and Kashmir, an AI-powered wearable that converts speech into braille-like vibrations for deaf-blind users. “Nature Guards” from Laurel High Global School in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, proposed an organic pesticide company to provide eco-friendly, health-conscious solutions. “Mediverse” from Nahar International School in Mumbai, Maharashtra, offered virtual consultations and medicine delivery, especially for remote communities.
“Qryptonix” from Lakshmi Global School in Surat, Gujarat, looked at tackling quantum cybersecurity with AI-powered encryption, before it’s mainstream.
“Bananacorps” from Wisdom International School in Nashik, Maharashtra, looked at transforming banana waste into eco-friendly skincare.
Other notable projects included:
• Aura (Dr. SSNP School, Davangere, Karnataka): An AI wardrobe assistant that helps choose outfits based on lifestyle and skin tone.
• The Tough Coats (DAV Public School, Delhi): Aiming to revolutionize fire safety with innovative, sustainable solutions.
• Intellikid (Bharati Vidyapeeth Rabindranath Tagore School of Excellence, Pune, Maharashtra): A smart companion offering age-appropriate learning and safe digital access.It’s truly remarkable to see such innovative thinking from school students.
What is the role of the jury, and what benefits do students receive beyond the competition aspect?
The jury comprises accomplished individuals from various backgrounds – industry veterans, entrepreneurs, and academics. Their role is not just to judge but to provide valuable perspective and feedback to the students, helping them understand where they’ve done well and where they can improve. This is more about teaching and learning than just a competition. The experience of presenting in front of such accomplished leaders also significantly boosts their confidence.
What is the significance of the partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment?
Our partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment is crucial. We built this programme together, combining Cambridge’s globally recognized academic framework with Get Set Learn’s innovative, hands-on approach to learning. This collaboration creates a holistic learning ecosystem that truly helps learners demonstrate and fulfil their potential. This is our first year of collaboration on this specific program, and we’re already receiving very positive reviews from schools. Cambridge brings a legacy of academic excellence, and Get Set Learn offers expertise in building innovative 21st century skill-building programs.
What are Get Set Learn’s future plans for the ‘Young Pioneers Launchpad’?
We are committed to making the ‘Young Pioneers Launchpad’ an annual event. Our mission at Get Set Learn is to make learning relevant and impactful, and this event is a physical manifestation of that goal. We believe that by empowering learners with the right tools and opportunities, they can create extraordinary value. Our end goal is to foster a generation of problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders who will become job creators, not just job seekers, and contribute to India’s future as a global innovation hub. We are growing very quickly and hope to bring about a significant change in mindsets for students across the country. The Young Pioneers program is designed as a three-part experiential learning journey, progressing through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced stages, focusing on entrepreneurship fundamentals, masterclasses, and mentorship from industry experts.