The Open Challenge Program (OCP) is a dynamic platform designed to empower startups by providing opportunities to solve real-world problems through innovative solutions. This program specifically aims to identify, recognize, and reward aspiring and early-stage tech entrepreneurs and innovators operating within the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) domain across India. It acts as a comprehensive launchpad, facilitating the success of these entrepreneurs and innovators through strategic networking, crucial seed funding, expert mentoring, and dedicated support for training, marketing, and patenting activities. Participants gain invaluable access to Electropreneur Park's state-of-the-art Centers of Excellence (CoE) labs, specialized tools, software, and advanced incubation facilities.
The core objectives of the OCP are multifaceted. It strives to create globally competitive startups in the ESDM sector, encompassing emerging areas like cognitive computing and social sensing. The program nurtures startups and design entrepreneurs to bolster India’s capabilities in ESDM, while also supporting service and trading MSMEs in alignment with the 'Make in India' initiative. A significant focus is placed on generating Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and developing innovative products. Over a five-year period, OCP aims to support 200 Start-ups/MSME beneficiaries through a range of tailored programs, including Pre-incubation, Incubation, Virtual Incubation, Acceleration, and Collaborative Programmes for startups, alongside specific MSME acceleration and Launchpad initiatives. The initiative also seeks to establish over 10 Spoke Centres dedicated to nurturing students and budding entrepreneurs, thereby promoting widespread ESDM innovation and fostering a holistic ecosystem for R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurship across India. Furthermore, it facilitates global exposure for startups through collaborations with international ecosystem partners, bridges the gap between invention and commercialization, and aims to build an empanelled group of investors for sustained long-term support to ESDM startups.
Electropreneur Park (EP) was established in August 2016 as a dedicated ESDM incubator, fully funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Since its inception, EP has been a pivotal force in supporting startups and emerging entrepreneurs. Its remarkable achievements include supporting 59 startups, facilitating the development of 183 prototypes, creating 129 products, and filing 66 IPRs/Patents. Startups associated with EP have collectively attracted investments totaling ₹25.79 crore and generated a cumulative revenue of ₹149 crore. Building on this track record of success, the Electropreneur Park 2.0 project, a five-year continuation phase, has been officially approved by MeitY, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian ESDM sector.
