Delhi’s new NEEV scheme aims to boost entrepreneurship in Classes 8–12 via hands-on training, funding, and startup exposure in government schools.
In a significant push toward nurturing innovation and self-reliance among school students, the Delhi government has launched a new flagship programme titled NEEV — New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision. Aimed at transforming government school students into future innovators and problem-solvers, this pioneering scheme will provide structured entrepreneurial training to students from Classes 8 to 12, starting from the current academic session.
With the increasing importance of practical skills and real-world problem-solving in today’s education system, NEEV represents a bold step forward. It replaces the earlier Business Blasters initiative and promises not just an upgrade in vision but also in scale and impact. While the previous programme provided Rs 2,000 per student, NEEV significantly raises the bar with financial assistance of up to Rs 20,000 per student team, thereby encouraging deeper engagement and more ambitious projects.
The Directorate of Education has already circulated an introductory note on the scheme across all government schools in the capital. As per the guidelines, each school is to appoint a NEEV School Programme Coordinator from among its teaching staff to manage the programme at the school level. These coordinators will be key to ensuring effective implementation and integration of the scheme into the academic calendar.
A core component of NEEV is its emphasis on experiential learning. Weekly sessions will be conducted by trained teachers, focusing on developing entrepreneurial mindsets through real-world challenges, hands-on activities, and practical applications. The idea is to shift the focus from theoretical textbook learning to skill-based education that promotes curiosity, creativity, and leadership.
To bring the entrepreneurial ecosystem closer to students, the scheme will include exciting formats such as the NEEV Dialogue, a curated speaker series that will bring successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders into schools to share their journeys and insights. Another engaging component is Startup Stormers, a multi-phase competition where student teams will brainstorm innovative ideas, pitch their plans, and work towards building their own start-up ventures. Shortlisted teams will receive seed funding to kick-start their entrepreneurial dreams, bringing their classroom ideas to life.
Moreover, students from schools that have Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) will have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies such as 3D printers, IoT kits, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics tools, and STEM modules. These facilities are expected to help students develop prototypes, refine their ideas, and gain hands-on experience with innovation tools that are shaping the industries of tomorrow.
To ensure smooth coordination and implementation, a School Innovation Council (SIC) will be set up in each participating school, led by the school principal. At a broader level, District and Zonal Innovation Councils will also be formed, with selected nodal schools taking the lead in overseeing the programme’s execution and sharing best practices across institutions.
The NEEV scheme aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, both of which advocate for skill-based, hands-on learning to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. By introducing entrepreneurship education at the school level, the scheme aims to instill confidence, leadership, and independent thinking in young learners.
The Delhi government has earmarked a substantial budget of Rs 20 crore for the rollout of NEEV, highlighting its commitment to making entrepreneurship an integral part of school education. By broadening its curriculum to include digital and financial literacy, the scheme ensures students are not only encouraged to dream big but also equipped with the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
With NEEV, Delhi’s government schools are set to become incubators of the next generation of entrepreneurs, thinkers, and changemakers.
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