Application Deadline:
16 October 2026
About Organisation
The Small Industries Development Bank of India, or SIDBI, is India’s principal financial institution dedicated to promoting, financing and developing the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise sector. SIDBI supports MSMEs through financing, development programmes, innovation initiatives and ecosystem partnerships. Its Innovation Challenge Fund is designed to encourage technology-driven solutions that can address practical problems faced by MSMEs. The current challenge focuses on artificial intelligence and seeks scalable prototype solutions that can improve the MSME lifecycle, from enterprise formation and compliance to credit readiness, financial management, sales and market access.
About the Grant
The SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund 2026 invites startups, MSMEs and innovators to develop AI-enabled prototype solutions addressing challenges across the MSME lifecycle. The programme can provide funding support of up to ₹2 crore for selected solutions. Proposed technologies may focus on simplifying enterprise setup, improving compliance navigation, strengthening financial preparedness, improving market access, enabling multilingual digital assistance and creating measurable outcomes for MSMEs. The challenge is intended for technology solutions with potential for institutional adoption and wider deployment. It provides an opportunity for innovators to move an AI-enabled prototype towards a scalable solution for India’s MSME ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
The challenge is intended for eligible MSMEs, startups and innovators developing technology-based solutions relevant to MSME lifecycle support. Applicants should demonstrate a credible technology solution addressing one or more identified challenges. Solutions should have potential to improve MSME productivity, access to information, compliance, finance, sales or business development. AI-enabled platforms, workflow automation tools, digital assistance systems and other technology solutions may be relevant. Applicants should review the official challenge documentation for the complete eligibility, technical requirements, documentation and funding conditions before submitting their application.
How to Apply?
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 16 October 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
