Dialog Axiata PLC and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) have launched the IESL National Startup Challenge to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses.
The initiative was launched at the Dialog Auditorium on 5 October 2026, bringing together engineering expertise, digital resources and practical business support.
Organised through the IESL Entrepreneurship Forum, the challenge is a 12-month national programme open to engineering undergraduates, engineering practitioners and non-engineers through an open category.
Participants will receive mentoring, coaching and industry guidance as they progress from ideas and prototypes towards validation, commercialisation and growth. Incubation and acceleration support will help founders develop their ventures and connect with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The competition covers 12 innovation verticals aligned with national priorities, emerging technologies and market opportunities. The winning team will receive LKR 1 million, while each of the top 10 teams will receive a Dialog Digital Startup Support Package worth LKR 250,000.
As title sponsor, Dialog will provide technical expertise, mentors and digital resources to help teams develop and scale their solutions.
Engineer Jasmine Nanayakkara, Chairperson of the IESL Entrepreneurship Forum, said the initiative aims to encourage an “Engineer to Entrepreneur” transformation, supporting new ventures, commercial opportunities and job creation for Sri Lanka’s skilled younger generation.
By connecting technical talent with structured business development, the programme seeks to create a stronger pathway from innovation to enterprise, enabling founders to prepare their ideas for customers, markets and potential investors.
Applications are open through the IESL website until 16 November 2026.
