Introducing the French Summer Program Pitch Competition 2025

In September 2025, Ask Sétu hosted a national essay competition for the Journée européenne des langues, inviting students to reflect on themes of communication and culture. With over 100 entries from schools across India, the response highlighted the curiosity and global mindset of today’s learners

The enthusiasm around this competition reaffirmed the value of initiatives that promote communication, culture, and global citizenship. The winners, who received scholarships for French language courses, DELF exam support, and guidance for study opportunities in France, all embody the spirit of ambition and openness that drives our mission.

This momentum has set the stage for our next initiative, one that takes student creativity even further and encourages them to imagine solutions for the world ahead.

Next Steps: Introducing the French Summer Program Pitch Competition

Building on the success of the essay competition, Ask Sétu is excited to launch its next flagship initiative: the French Summer Program Pitch Competition 2025. This competition marks a natural evolution from exploring languages to exploring ideas—the shift from expressing thoughts to building solutions.

This new challenge invites students in Grades 9–11 to submit a 3-minute video pitch presenting an idea at the intersection of Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence. While last month’s essay competition encouraged students to reflect on language, communication, and culture, this new competition encourages them to look ahead towards innovation, technology, and the future of problem-solving.

Why Entrepreneurship + AI?

Today’s world is shaped by digital transformation. AI is redefining industries, education, creativity, and everyday life, while entrepreneurship remains one of the strongest pathways for young people to turn ideas into real-world impact. By combining both, students are encouraged to think boldly, design responsibly, and apply technology meaningfully.

Whether it’s using AI to support healthcare, solve environmental challenges, improve education, or create new tools for community development—the possibilities are limitless. Students are challenged to dream big, think creatively, and articulate how their ideas can make a difference.

Why France?

France has emerged as a global hub for shaping the future of artificial intelligence, a role highlighted during the AI Action Summit held in Paris in February 2025. The summit brought together participants from over 100 countries, including international organizations, civil society groups, academic and research communities, and major AI companies. Discussions focused on how AI can advance public interest, bridge digital divides, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The summit emphasized three core principles—science, open and responsible AI solutions, and global policy standards—reflecting a shared commitment to safe, inclusive, and human-centric innovation.

The event also underscored the growing collaboration between France and India in the field of emerging technologies, with India set to host the next edition of the AI Summit. This expanding partnership signals an exciting moment for young learners: AI is transforming industries while simultaneously reshaping global conversations, international cooperation, and future career pathways.For students interested in exploring AI in depth, France offers one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems for research, ethics, and innovation, making it an ideal setting to learn, experiment, and imagine what comes next.

A Pathway to Paris

The most outstanding pitches will win scholarships to attend the French Summer Program: Entrepreneurship & AI Immersion – a two week experience in France. Participants will:

• Learn AI fundamentals & generative AI tools
• Build startup ideas through entrepreneurship workshops
• Visit French educational institutions and startup hubs
• Connect with innovators, students, and mentors
• Explore French culture and language through immersive activities

This summer program opens pathways to global exposure and equips students with future-ready skills

Continuing the Mission

At its core, Ask Sétu remains committed to empowering Indian students with meaningful global opportunities, international exposure, and transformative learning experiences. The remarkable response to the JEL Essay Competition proved that when students are given a platform, they rise to the occasion with creativity, passion, and originality.

The French Summer Program Pitch Competition is the next step in that mission—an invitation for students to think boldly, explore the possibilities of AI and entrepreneurship, and turn their ideas into impactful solutions. This competition offers young innovators a dynamic stage to experiment, collaborate, and deepen their learning in ways that align with the rapidly changing world around them.

From celebrating languages to celebrating ideas, we are excited to watch this new wave of student creativity unfold.

If you’re a student ready to imagine, innovate, and take your ideas global, we invite you to submit your pitch and be part of this journey. Apply today and take your first step toward Paris.