Organisation Name:

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Application Deadline:

30 December 2025

About Organisation

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched in 2016 under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It aims to build a strong and inclusive startup ecosystem by encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across the country. Through policy support, funding access, incubation, and mentorship, Startup India empowers innovators to develop scalable solutions addressing national priorities. The initiative plays a key role in transforming India into a global hub for innovation while promoting self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.

About the Grant

The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025 is a national innovation programme focused on Rural Development Technologies and Advanced Drone Systems. It seeks scalable, indigenous solutions addressing rural healthcare, waste management, digital education, and advanced drone applications such as anti-drone and swarm technologies. The challenge bridges social innovation with deep-tech development, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat. Participants gain exposure to mentorship, incubation support, investor connections, and advanced infrastructure. The programme encourages practical, prototype-based solutions with real-world impact, strengthening rural livelihoods and India’s technological and defence ecosystem.

Who can Apply?

The challenge is open to students, startups, and companies across India. Students must be final-year undergraduate or postgraduate candidates, applying individually or in teams, with a functional prototype and demonstration video. Teams may be multidisciplinary. Startups or companies must be DPIIT-recognised startups or registered MSMEs in India with a working prototype or MVP. Proposed solutions must align with either Rural Development Technologies or Advanced Drone Technologies and demonstrate feasibility, scalability, and relevance to the challenge themes.

How to Apply?

Eligible applicants must submit their application before the deadline with details of their innovation, problem statement addressed, and prototype demonstration. Student teams and startups should ensure their solution aligns clearly with the selected challenge track. Applications are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and social or technological impact. Shortlisted participants will be invited for further evaluation and final selection under the challenge framework.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025 must be submitted on or before 30 December 2025 to be considered for evaluation and selection.