Harshavardhan Chauhaan, the award-winning marketing strategist and Trident Group CMO, has launched the Young Entrepreneurs Fund (YEF)—a $10 million initiative to empower early-stage startups with groundbreaking ideas in AI, quantum computing, clean energy, and rural tech. The fund prioritizes pre-revenue, high-impact ventures that align with India’s sustainability goals and technological ambitions, offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.

YEF will channel resources into four key sectors:

• Deep Tech: Backing AI, quantum computing, and robotics startups poised to redefine global tech landscapes.
• Clean Energy: Supporting renewable energy solutions, green infrastructure, and carbon-neutral technologies.
• Rural Platforms: Democratizing access to agritech tools, rural fintech ecosystems, and digital literacy programs.
• Indigenous IP: Scaling traditional crafts and climate-resilient agricultural practices through tech integration.
• YEF grantees will gain access to a global mentorship network, including industry leaders like Ashish Soni (IIT Bombay alumnus and AI expert), who joins as a pro bono advisor. The fund emphasizes “trust architectures” over traditional metrics, aiming to reshape consumer behavior through innovation.

Chauhaan stated, “The true revolution will emerge where founders understand that consumers don’t follow brands—they follow trust. YEF invests in neural networks of influence that rewrite commerce from the subconscious up.”

With a career spanning DLF, Spencer’s Retail, and Trident Group, Chauhaan has championed phygital transformation and consumer-centric strategies. YEF reflects his belief that “trust is the only currency that matters” in 21st-century business, moving beyond traditional advertising and spreadsheets.

Rural Tech: Startups like Ngurie Organic (sustainable textiles) and Magna Pads (diagnostic menstrual care) exemplify YEF’s focus on underserved markets.
Global Ambitions: The fund aims to position Indian innovations—from AI-driven healthcare to biodegradable materials—on the world stage.

Key Highlights:

• $10M Fund: Grants of $10k–$250k for pre-revenue startups in deep tech, clean energy, rural platforms, and indigenous IP.
• Mentorship: Access to global experts like Ashish Soni for strategic guidance.
• Philosophy: Focus on trust-driven consumer relationships over traditional metrics.
• Sectors: Prioritizing solutions for sustainability, tech innovation, and rural empowerment.