Hyderabad, Feb 3 (TNT): Global aerospace major Boeing on Tuesday invited applications for the fifth edition of its Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) program for 2025–26, with a strong focus on nurturing aviation and aerospace innovation in India.
Launched in 2019, BUILD serves as a launchpad for graduates and early-stage startup entrepreneurs, enabling them to pitch and develop ideas by connecting them with incubators, investors, and Boeing’s deep aviation and engineering expertise.
The initiative aims to transform early concepts into scalable, market-ready solutions, particularly in aerospace and defence domains, Boeing said in a release on Tuesday.
By bringing academia, industry, incubators, and investors onto a single, structured platform, BUILD helps de-risk early-stage aviation innovation and accelerates the journey from concept to deployment.
Over five editions, the program has supported thousands of students and startups, contributing to India’s growing aerospace, defence, technology, sustainability, and social impact ecosystem.
Bill McSherry, Vice President(State Advocacy and Global Engagement), Boeing, said the program has a proven track record of shaping the ambitions of young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, noted that BUILD has helped channel India’s strong technical talent into aviation-led innovation through mentorship, industry exposure, and scale-up opportunities.
Boeing is partnering with seven leading incubators, including premier IIT and national innovation hubs, to implement the program across India.
Applicants can submit ideas in aerospace and defence, technology, social impact, and sustainability. Shortlisted teams will compete at regional boot camps, with finalists pitching to aviation and industry experts at Boeing Immersion Day and the BUILD finals scheduled for July 2026.
The winners will receive grants of ₹10 lakh each, along with sustained mentorship from Boeing specialists to help convert aviation-focused ideas into viable business offerings.
The deadline for applications is April 4, 2026.
TNT TS
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