IESL, Dialog open Sri Lanka entrepreneurs challenge
ECONOMYNEXT – The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) and Dialog Axiata have launched the IESL National Startup Challenge, for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable, investment-ready startups.
The competition invites Engineering undergraduates, practitioners and participants in an Open Category for Non-Engineers to submit ideas across 12 innovation verticals.
“The IESL National Startup Challenge is designed to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry expertise, mentorship and continuous practical support,” Eng Jasmine Nanayakkara, Chairperson of the Entrepreneurship Forum at the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, said.
“By encouraging our engineers and aspiring founders to create, commercialise and scale solutions, we aim to contribute to new ventures, new opportunities and meaningful job creation for Sri Lanka’s skilled and educated next generation.”
Participants will progress through idea development, pitching, incubation, prototyping, validation, minimum viable product development and business scaling, supported by industry experts, mentors and ecosystem partners.
The programme will culminate in a Top 10 selection, with the first-place winner receiving an award of 1 million rupees.
Each of the Top 10 teams will receive a Dialog Digital Startup Support Package valued at 250,000 rupees, comprising selected Dialog digital products and services.
Dialog is providing technical expertise, mentors and digital resources to help participating teams develop, validate and scale their solutions.
“Dialog is extending its digital capabilities, mentorship and ecosystem support to help promising teams progress from concept to validation and investment readiness,” Dialog Axiata said.
The National Startup Challenge also brings together a network of partners, including The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as Ecosystem and Mentoring Partner, Helago as Official Mobility Partner, Helakuru as Official Digital News Partner, and Real Life as Official Climate Action Partner.
Applications are now open via www.iesl.lk/announcements, giving aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to access the resources and funding they need to succeed. Applications close on 16th November 2026. For more information, contact mgr.pub@iesl.lk / 071 109 4393. (Colombo/Oct9/2026)