The TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Global Summit 2026 was held at the Digital Hub of Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in Kochi, bringing together student innovators, startup founders, mentors, and industry leaders from across the country. The summit was inaugurated by Kerala’s Minister for Higher Education, Shri. Roji M. John.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that students should strive to achieve more and that those who take the initiative to start something new are the ones who eventually reach greater heights. He emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely about launching a company or a new venture but is also about the holistic development of students.
“The future belongs not to those who look for opportunities, but to those who create them,” he said. Highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, he noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to create significant opportunities, bringing transformational changes similar to those brought by tractors and computers in earlier generations.
The Minister also pointed out that many of today’s jobs may not exist in the future, making innovation and entrepreneurial thinking essential skills for students. He urged young minds to embrace creativity and develop solutions that can contribute to society and the economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Member of Parliament Shri. Hibi Eden called for entrepreneurship to be integrated into the education system. He noted that every entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons and experiences that help shape future leaders.
The summit was organized by TiE Kerala in association with Kerala Startup Mission. Speakers included Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission; Vivek Krishna Govind, President of TiE Kerala; Vinodini Sukumar, TYE Kerala Chair and TYE Global Board Member; Dr. Geemon Korah, Vice President of TiE Kerala; Piyalee Chattopadhyay, TiE Global Representative; and Sandith Thandasherry, CEO of Navalt Boats.
Several student startup founders and representatives were honoured during the event. The summit attracted nearly 2,000 students, including school startup teams from across India and students from government schools in Kerala.
Ahead of the TYE Global Finals, the summit featured student startup exhibitions, a Maker Fair, demonstrations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and gaming technologies, entrepreneur interaction sessions, mentor clinics, a technology and innovation expo, and an Intellectual Property (IP) Clinic.
