12 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — ₹4.9 Cr+ in Prizes — November 2026

November 2026 brings a wealth of opportunities for Indian startups, with 12 active competitions available for applications. Six of these programs have deadlines approaching within the next 14 days, offering immediate funding and support.Concurrently, eight newly launched initiatives are open, including the prestigious National Startup Awards 6.0, the MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge, and the Hello Tomorrow Challenge, alongside the D-Prize Global Competition. These programs collectively provide significant capital and resources for emerging ventures across various sectors.

At a Glance

MDBA Youth Blockchain Hackathon (Maryland Blockchain Association)The MDBA Youth Blockchain Hackathon invites young innovators globally to build blockchain-based solutions. Organized by the Maryland Blockchain Association in partnership with the Blockchain Legal Institute, this hackathon offers a prize pool of ₹46 lakh. Participants, including Indian students and early-stage builders, develop projects addressing various blockchain applications. The program runs for an extended duration, suggesting a multi-round format for project submission and judging. Registration closes on November 1, 2026. This competition provides a significant platform for youth interested in leveraging blockchain technology for real-world impact.## BuildX Hackathon 2026 (T-Hub)The BuildX Hackathon 2026, a collaboration by AIC T-Hub and Crescent Innovation Incubation Council, challenges university students, early-stage startups, and individual innovators. This 36-hour hackathon requires participants to develop solutions in Aerospace & Defence, Banking & FinTech, Mobility & Automotive, and Climate & Urban Sustainability. Hosted in Chennai, it provides a dynamic platform for applying engineering, AI, ML, and robotics skills. Beyond the competition, the event emphasizes practical application and collaboration. A prize range of ₹15,000–₹50,000 is available, with applications closing on November 1, 2026.## MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge 2027 (MIT Solve)The MIT Solve Global Climate Challenge 2027 seeks impactful solutions for the climate crisis, focusing on equitable adaptation and decarbonization. Areas include low-carbon cities, protection against extreme climate hazards, transformation of agrifood systems, and sustainable use of ocean and coastal environments. Solutions must be implementable within existing systems. The challenge offers a prize of ₹9.5 lakh to innovators worldwide. This is a critical opportunity for those addressing urgent climate issues, with a deadline of November 2, 2026.## MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 (MassChallenge)The MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 connects pre-seed to Series A startups with industry organizations to address complex challenges. This cycle focuses on sectors such as FinTech, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Security & Resiliency, Sustainable Food Systems, Climate, and Global Financial Systems. Startups gain opportunities to deploy technology, build enterprise relationships, and accelerate commercial application through direct collaboration with industry leaders. Prize amounts vary, but the program emphasizes significant business development. Applications close on November 9, 2026.## Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24)The Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026, organized with Startup India, identifies and empowers early-stage startups solving critical challenges in India. The program focuses on Fintech & Lending, Mobility & Road Safety, Supply Chain, and Sovereign AI. Selected startups receive capital, mentorship, deployment opportunities through pilots, and investor visibility. It provides a platform for innovators to develop solutions for India's progress, moving from ideation to implementation within a four-month period. A prize of ₹1 crore is available, and applications close on November 10, 2026.## NLDSL DigiTwin Grand Challenge 2026 (NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd.)The NLDSL DigiTwin Grand Challenge 2026 aims to revolutionize India's logistics sector through Digital Twin technology. Organized by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd., this initiative seeks solutions leveraging real-time virtual replicas across port operations, freight corridors, warehousing, multimodal hubs, and supply chain networks. The goal is to facilitate data-driven decision-making and optimize logistics at scale. Prizes range from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Innovators focused on advanced logistics technology should consider applying before the November 14, 2026 deadline.## D-Prize Global Competition 2026 (D-Prize)The D-Prize Global Competition 2026 funds new organizations that distribute proven poverty interventions. It addresses global poverty by supporting ventures that scale the distribution of existing solutions to the