6 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — June 2026
This month features 6 active startup competitions for Indian founders, including newly launched programs from Maruti Suzuki and NERVE CoE. Three major competitions, including SLINGSHOT 2026 and the TiE Women Program, have deadlines closing by June 30th.
June 2026 offers several opportunities for Indian startups seeking funding, mentorship, and market access through competitive programs. This month's roundup features six active competitions, with a mix of newly launched initiatives and programs nearing their application deadlines.
Notable new programs include the Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 for mobility startups and the NERVE CoE's Open Challenge in Nagpur for deep tech. Founders should act quickly, as three competitions—the TiE Women Global Competition, SLINGSHOT 2026, and the iDEX Open Challenge—close by the end of June.
At a Glance
| Competition | Status | Deadline | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| TiE Women Program 2026 | Closing soon | 25 June 2026 | ₹4.2 Cr (Equity-free) |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Competition | New + closing soon | 30 June 2026 | ₹5.9 Cr – ₹29.7 Cr |
| iDEX Open Challenge | Closing soon | 30 June 2026 | ₹15 Cr |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE | Newly launched | 15 July 2026 | ₹5 Cr |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) 1.0 at SmartAgri CoE | Newly launched | 15 July 2026 | ₹3.5 Cr |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 | Newly launched | Rolling | ₹1.3 Cr |
TiE Women Program 2026 (TiE Pune)
Applications are open for the TiE Women Program 2026 – Global Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, a global pitch competition designed to provide a platform for women founders. Organized by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), the program is open to women-led businesses across all sectors, from early-stage concepts to established companies seeking to scale.
Selected founders receive global visibility, structured mentorship from TiE's network of charter members, and direct introductions to investors. The prize pool includes over $100,000 in equity-free prizes, with a $50,000 Global Winner Prize. The deadline for applications is June 25, 2026.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)
SLINGSHOT 2026 is the 10th edition of Asia's deep tech startup pitching competition. Organized by Enterprise Singapore, the finals are held during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2026. The competition is open to startups across five domains: Advanced Computing & Intelligence; Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Systems; Digital Technologies & Security; Environment, Energy & Sustainability; and Health & Biomedical.
The total grant prize pool exceeds S$2.2 million (approx. ₹16.34 crore). The Grand Winner receives a S$400,000 grant, with significant prizes for the runners-up and top 10 global startups. The top 50 global startups receive a sponsored trip to Singapore for the finals. Applications for this program close on June 30, 2026.
iDEX Open Challenge (Defence Innovation Organisation)
The iDEX Open Challenge is an initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to promote innovation in India’s defence and aerospace sectors. The program provides a platform for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to propose technologies that can enhance India’s military capabilities.
Unlike programs with specific problem statements, the Open Challenge allows innovators to propose original solutions across domains like autonomous systems, AI, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and predictive algorithms. It is designed to attract a wide range of cutting-edge ideas relevant to national security. The application window for the current challenge closes on June 30, 2026.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 (NERVE CoE, Nagpur)
The NERVE CoE in Nagpur has launched its Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 for AI and DeepTech startups. Backed by MeitY, this 18-month incubator program focuses on sectors including HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. The program is based at STPI Nagpur.
Selected startups receive access to dedicated AI and GPU compute infrastructure, expert mentoring through bootcamps, and up to Rs. 50 lakhs in seed support. The program also provides go-to-market support, enterprise introductions, and assistance with patent filing and legal compliance. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2026.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) 1.0 (SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai)
The SmartAgri Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Bhilai is inviting applications for its Open Challenge Program (OCP) 1.0. This is an STPI initiative, in collaboration with MeitY and Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University (CSVTU), to support AgriTech startups.
The program aims to identify and incubate startups developing affordable and sustainable technology products for farmers, particularly in Chhattisgarh. Key objectives include fostering R&D, creating a localized AgriTech ecosystem, and providing startups with the resources to build and deploy innovative solutions in the agricultural sector. The final date for applications is July 15, 2026.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative from Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. The program is designed for early-stage startups and has a focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though it is open to startups serving any part of the country.
The program targets innovations in mobility convenience, ADAS, EV infrastructure, sustainability, social impact, and enterprise manufacturing technologies like GenAI and industrial IoT. Benefits include cash rewards of ₹13 lakh, a potential paid Proof of Concept (PoC) with Maruti Suzuki, industry mentorship, and access to the company's ecosystem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Before Applying
Founders preparing applications should have core materials ready. Typically, this includes a concise pitch deck, proof of company registration, a functional product demo or prototype, and detailed team biographies. Specific requirements can vary significantly between programs.
It is important to review all eligibility criteria before applying. Competitions often have strict rules regarding a startup's stage, sector focus, or founder demographics. Missing a deadline for an annual competition, such as SLINGSHOT or the TiE Women Program, may mean waiting another year to apply.
