13 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — ₹78.2 Cr+ in Prizes — September 2026

Indian startups have 13 active competitions for funding and support this September 2026. Five programs are newly launched, with deadlines often rolling, while ten are closing soon, some with deadlines as early as September 30.

Opportunities span defense technology, agri-innovation, and student entrepreneurship, provided by entities like iDEX, FICCI, and Bombay Shaving Company.

At a Glance

iDEX Open Challenge (iDEX)

The iDEX Open Challenge by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX seeks to integrate India's engineering talent with military needs. It targets next-generation engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas like autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, and rocket engines for national security. The program identifies and supports innovative ideas and technologies that enhance India's military capabilities. Submissions close on September 30, 2026, with prizes up to ₹15 crore available.

RevenueCat Shipaton 2026 (RevenueCat)

RevenueCat, a subscription management platform, hosts RevenueCat Shipaton 2026, a global online hackathon. Developers, designers, and product builders create mobile apps and games using RevenueCat's tools. The competition is open to individuals and teams worldwide, with Indian participants welcome. It focuses on subscription-based monetization, offering a total prize pool of ₹38.3 crore. The hackathon concludes on September 30, 2026.

Young Inventors Prize 2027 (European Patent Office)

The Young Inventors Prize 2027 by the European Patent Office (EPO) recognizes young innovators globally. It targets individuals and teams developing technology-driven solutions for global sustainability challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prize offers international recognition and cash prizes from ₹4.8 lakh to ₹1.9 crore. Submissions close on September 30, 2026.

OneAquaHealth IEEE Global Hackathon (OneAquaHealth)

The OneAquaHealth IEEE Global Hackathon is an online competition organised by OneAquaHealth in partnership with IEEE. Participants develop solutions for water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and environmental issues using technology, AI, and data science. Open to developers, data scientists, engineers, students, and innovators worldwide, it runs from September 14 to October 1, 2026. The total prize pool is ₹2.7 lakh.

HackTheHurdle STBI Hackathon 2026 (STBI)

HackTheHurdle (HTH) is a statewide, tech-led innovation challenge by Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat. It scouts for indigenous technologies, inviting students, researchers, and innovators to solve regional and industrial problems. HTH supports high-impact solutions and funnels them into STBI’s Regional Innovation Cells. The deadline for applications is October 2, 2026, with prizes up to ₹1.5 lakh.

GatewayHacks 2026 | Software & AI (GatewayGS)

GatewayHacks 2026 is an online hackathon by GatewayGS, a community initiative for developers and innovators. It challenges participants to build software and AI solutions for real-world problems, emphasizing social good and accessibility. Open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced builders, the hackathon supports portfolio development. Focused on Software and AI themes, the event concludes on October 2, 2026, with prizes totaling ₹1.1 crore.

Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi (Electropreneur Park)

The Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi provides a platform for startups to solve real-world problems in the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) domain. It identifies and rewards early-stage tech entrepreneurs, offering networking, seed funding, mentorship, and support for training, marketing, and patenting. Participants access state-of-the-art labs and incubation facilities. The application deadline is October 6, 2026.

Hefty-Hacks (TechZap)

Hefty-Hacks is a fully-online Finance × Trading hackathon presented by TechZap. Teams of 2–6 members (engineers, quants, designers) develop trading systems, market predictors, fintech, risk engines, and DeFi solutions. Tracks include Finance (payments, lending, neo-banking, fraud/AML, insurance) and Trading (algo/HFT, market prediction, backtesting, portfolio optimization). No solo entries are permitted. The competition concludes on October 10, 2026, with prizes of ₹75,000.

AWS × IDFC × Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 (Campus Fund)

The AWS × IDFC × Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 is India’s largest competition for student startups, hosted by Campus Fund. It helps student founders gain visibility, connect with investors, and grow their ventures. Eligible founders include current students, recent graduates, or dropouts from 2023 onwards holding at least 25% equity. The challenge has funded over 25 startups in previous editions. Applications are free and close on October 10, 2026. Top finalists pitch live in December 2026.

Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 (Bombay Shaving Company)

The Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 identifies and invests in promising young entrepreneurs. Targeting students in grades 11-12 and first-year undergraduates, it aims to shape future founders. The program includes 3-4 intensive summer internships (Pit-Stop Internships) at top Indian startups and VC firms, mentorship, and practical business experience. Applications close on October 15, 2026, with prizes ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 crore.

FICCI Agri Innovation Hackathon 2026 (FICCI)

The FICCI Agri Innovation Hackathon 2026 by FICCI, partnered by Pioneer, seeks to transform Indian agriculture through technology. This national platform supports promising agri-startups with scalable, high-impact solutions addressing sector challenges. It fosters innovation, economic growth, and sustainable practices, aligning with national food security and farmer welfare priorities. The hackathon provides an ecosystem for developing solutions, with a rolling deadline and prizes from ₹5 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.

Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program (Social Alpha)

The Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program is a pioneering initiative by Social Alpha, supported by ISRO. It functions as India's premier lab-to-market platform for SpaceTech entrepreneurs and startups. The program addresses the use of space science and technology for aviation, maritime, urban planning, mapping, disaster management, food security, and environmental monitoring. SpIN catalyzes innovation and entrepreneurship within deep science and SpaceTech, offering a comprehensive support ecosystem with a rolling deadline.

Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program (NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore)

The Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program is a 6-month initiative by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, and Maruti Suzuki India Limited. It accelerates technology and mobility startups transforming the automotive sector. The program targets ventures past ideation, specifically at the MVP or paid pilot stage, up to growth-focused companies. It fosters innovation in electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, data analytics, and sustainable manufacturing. The program has a rolling deadline, offering prizes up to ₹10 crore.

Before Applying

When considering these opportunities, note specific eligibility criteria. The Anandi Fellowship targets students in grades 11-12 and first-year undergraduates, while the AWS × IDFC × Campus Fund Grand Challenge is for current students, recent graduates, or dropouts from 2023 onwards. The Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi focuses on the ESDM domain, and the FICCI Agri Innovation Hackathon is sector-specific to agriculture. Hefty-Hacks requires teams of 2-6 members, not solo entries.

Timing is critical for many of these competitions. The iDEX Open Challenge, RevenueCat Shipaton, and Young Inventors Prize all close on September 30, 2026. HackTheHurdle and GatewayHacks follow closely, ending on October 2, 2026. Programs like the FICCI Agri Innovation Hackathon, Social Alpha SpIN, and Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation have rolling deadlines, offering flexibility for application submission.