Boeing Invites Applications for Fifth Edition of BUILD Program 2026

Boeing has officially opened the application window for the fifth edition of its Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) program for the 2025-26 cycle, inviting ambitious students and early-stage startup entrepreneurs across India to submit innovative ideas. The deadline for submitting applications is 4 April 2026. The BUILD program, now in its fifth year, is designed to help university graduates and early-stage startup teams develop and scale their solutions in key sectors such as aerospace, defence, technology, sustainability and social impact. Through structured mentorship and industry engagement, participants can refine their ideas and build business-ready proposals

Who Can Apply and Key Themes?

The BUILD program welcomes applications from:

• University graduates (or those graduating in 2026) from engineering or related disciplines, including postgraduate researchers and faculty members.
• Early-stage startup teams in the ideation or pre-seed stage with proof of concept but without external funding.

Innovators and entrepreneurs can propose solutions related to:

• Aerospace & Defence technologies and systems
• Technology startups such as IoT, AI, robotics and digital aviation
• Social impact focused innovations
• Sustainability and energy-efficient solutions.

Applications can be submitted by individuals or teams of up to three members, and the selection process involves evaluation by Boeing’s incubator partners and industry experts.

Selection Process and Benefits

After the application deadline on 4 April 2026, submissions will be reviewed by Boeing and its network of seven incubator partners located across India. Shortlisted teams will be invited to regional-level boot camps where they will receive specialised training, coaching and industry insights. Finalists will go on to pitch their concepts at the Boeing Immersion Day and BUILD Finals, expected to be held in July 2026, where they will present to subject-matter experts and potential investors. Winners may receive a grant of INR 10 lakh to support the development of their ideas into viable products or services.

Partner Incubators and Mentorship

Boeing continues to collaborate with seven leading incubators in India to support the BUILD program:

• Society for Innovation – IIT Mumbai
• Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer – IIT Delhi
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center – IIT Gandhinagar
• IIT Madras Incubation Cell
• Society for Innovation and Development – IISc Bengaluru
• T-Hub Hyderabad
• Technology Business Incubator – KIIT Bhubaneswar

These partners will provide mentoring, market insights and connections to help participants refine their business propositions and accelerate product development

How to Apply?

Prospective applicants must visit the Boeing BUILD application portal and complete the online form, detailing their idea, team composition and relevant background. Each submission should clearly articulate the problem being addressed and the proposed solution’s practical value. Boeing’s BUILD initiative aims to de-risk early-stage innovation by offering structured support, access to industry expertise and opportunities to network with mentors, incubators and investors across India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurial teams are encouraged to apply before the 4 April 2026 deadline to take part in this flagship development platform.