Student-Driven Sustainable Startups: How Heis Are Fostering Youth-Led Green Innovation

Abstract

This study explores the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in promoting student-led sustainable startups, specifically on their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) — Decent Work and Economic Growth. This research examines how institutional facilitators, including green incubation centres, financial assistance, mentorship, and sustainability-focused curricula, promote youth-driven green innovation, based on a comprehensive literature review and various case studies from Indian institutions. The research employs qualitative methodology to understand trends in successful student enterprises within areas such as renewable energy, ethical fashion, circular economy, and Agri-tech. Key findings indicate that higher education institutions operate not only as educational entities but also as transformative environments that enable students to initiate socially and environmentally significant businesses. The study enhances the fields of student entrepreneurship and sustainability by introducing a conceptual framework that aligns institutional support mechanisms with Sustainable Development Goal 8 results. The study finishes with practical and policy implications for academia, government, and students seeking to merge sustainability with enterprise.