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What Happens in 3 Days at YFS?
- Navya Mehta
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Inside the Young Founder Summit: A 3-Day Journey from Ideas to Action
If you're considering joining the Young Founder Summit but wondering, "What exactly happens during those three days?" — this article gives you the full behind-the-scenes look.
The Young Founder Summit (YFS) is a fast-paced, immersive startup bootcamp designed for high school students. It's hands-on, energetic, and built to help you turn curiosity into confidence. Over three incredible days, students dive into ideation, team-building, real-world market validation, and finally, pitch their ventures to a live jury.
Here’s how it all unfolds.
Day 1: Registration, Ideation, and Team Formation
You arrive at 9 AM and step into a buzzing environment filled with 150 high school students from across the country — and sometimes the world. Right from the start, you're handed your mini business cards and encouraged to begin networking. The summit hasn’t officially begun, but the connections have already.
Ice Breakers & Networking
The day kicks off with light, engaging ice-breaker games. They help you ease into the experience, get to know your peers, and start building relationships that last well beyond the summit.
Mentor-Led Ideation
You are introduced to mentors who guide you through identifying real-world problems and crafting meaningful problem statements to work on.
Mini Jury Pitching Round
Every student gets to pitch their idea in a mini jury session. From these, 24 top ideas are shortlisted, and through a voting process, the final 12 are selected for development.
Team Formation & Startup Planning
Students form teams around these selected ideas. Each team begins working with mentors on their Business Model Canvas — developing structure, strategy, and vision.
Energizing Team Activities
Throughout the day, quick dance breaks and interactive group activities create moments of energy and connection, helping teams bond and reset.
Lunch at a 5-Star Venue
A delicious and well-deserved lunch is served at a 5-star venue, setting the tone for the premium YFS experience.
Every student gets to pitch. No one is eliminated. Everyone finds a place on a team.
Pro Tips for Day 1 :
Don’t come with fixed ideas — stay open.
Pitch with heart — your “why” matters.
Join a team that excites you, not just your friends.
Day 2: Market Validation, Workshops, and Pitch Prep
This is when your idea begins to take shape — and the day is jam-packed with high-energy learning, exploration, and execution.
Skill-Building Workshops
You attend multiple interactive workshops covering branding, marketing, storytelling, and pitching — all led by experienced professionals. These sessions are designed to be hands-on, practical, and directly applicable to your startup journey.
Real-World Market Validation
In one of the most exciting parts of the summit, students take their ideas outside and test them with real people. They gather honest feedback, learn to listen, and adapt their solutions based on insights from potential customers.
Workshop: Integrating Tech into Your Business
Explore how technology can power your startup — from simple tools to smarter systems that make your idea scalable and future-ready.
Focused Pitch Prep
With continued mentor support, teams begin polishing their presentations, working on clarity, impact, and delivery in preparation for the final day.
Yes Day: Confidence Through Challenge
In the spirit of spontaneity and growth, students participate in "Yes Day" — where they must say “yes” to every activity. It’s a fun, energetic challenge that encourages team bonding, adaptability, and a break from overthinking.
Social Evening
After a long day of hustle, students come together for a relaxed evening of conversation, reflection, and connection. It’s a space to wind down, share ideas, and simply enjoy being part of an inspiring community.
Lunch at a 5-Star Venue
A premium lunch experience keeps energy levels high and gives you a moment to recharge before diving back in.
Pro Tips for Day 2:
Ask questions — every session is for you.
Talk to real people, take notes — it’ll shape your idea
Day 3: Pitch Day, Celebration, and Recognition
The final day starts early, with excitement running high. This is your chance to present everything you’ve worked on — and to celebrate your growth.
Team & Group Photos
Students gather with their teams and as a full community to take photos and capture the experience.
Mock Pitching Slots
Early arrivals can book slots for final practice rounds and get one last round of mentor feedback to fine-tune their delivery.
Final Pitch Order
Presentation slots are assigned by lucky draw. All teams submit their pitch decks in advance and await their turn to take the stage.
Main Stage Pitching
Each team presents their startup idea on stage in front of a live jury panel — including investors, founders, and industry leaders — along with parents and teachers. With over 350 people in the audience, it’s a powerful moment.
Jury Deliberation & Parental Hi-Tea
While the jury deliberates, parents are invited to a special hi-tea, giving them a chance to connect and celebrate the entrepreneurial energy of the summit.
Guest of Honor & Award Ceremony
The ceremony includes an inspiring address by the Guest of Honor, followed by awards for the top teams and standout participants — including the prestigious Young Founder of the Year.
Final Celebration & Lunch
A grand lunch at a 5-star venue marks the end of the summit. It’s one last chance to celebrate, connect, and reflect on a journey like no other.
Pro Tips for Day 3:
Book your pitch slot early — get mentor feedback.
Keep slides clean and simple.
Watch other teams — learn from every pitch.
Expect the Unexpected
The truth? We keep the surprises coming. You might hear from us weeks in advance, a few hours in advance, or just moments before something amazing happens.
At YFS, we believe the best moments are the ones you didn’t see coming.
“We help students become entrepreneurs in just 3 days.” — Young Founder Summit
What You’ll Walk Away With:
A startup built in just 3 days
Practical skills in business, communication, and leadership
New friendships and a powerful network
Confidence to dream big and act bold
A chance to be featured in our “18 Under 18” young founder list
Recognition for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
Young Founder of the Year award
Three days. One incredible journey.
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