What is the primary goal of the Ericsson Innovation Challenge?

The challenge aims to identify and support the deployment of innovative 5G technology solutions that deliver measurable social impact and address real-world challenges across key sectors in India, rather than serving as a commercial competition.

Who is eligible to apply for this challenge?

The challenge is open to India-based individuals and teams, including researchers, faculty from academic or research institutions, Technology Transfer Offices, incubatees from recognized incubators, and DPIIT-recognized or registered Indian startups.

What kind of solutions are not funded by this program?

The program does not fund early-stage R&D, salaries, overheads, or existing commercial activities. It specifically focuses on the deployment of solutions that are already validated and ready for implementation.

What is the expected outcome of the challenge?

Winning solutions are expected to demonstrate measurable public impact through deployment in India, with auditable outcomes. The challenge culminates in a showcase at the India Mobile Congress 2026.

Is DPIIT recognition mandatory for startups?

Yes, for startups, being DPIIT-recognized or a registered Indian entity is a requirement to apply.

Ericsson Innovation Challenge | Startup Grants India

Application Process

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Apply Online
Submit your application detailing your 5G solution, target challenge, and measurable social impact through the online portal.
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How to apply

Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.

1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

The Ericsson Innovation Challenge, commemorating Ericsson's 150th anniversary, is a prestigious initiative launched in partnership with TiE Delhi-NCR and IAN Mentoring and Incubation Services. This program invites India's brightest minds to harness the power of 5G connectivity to create and implement solutions for critical societal problems. The challenge focuses on leveraging 5G technology for significant social impact rather than commercial competition, addressing key sectors such as rural connectivity and digital inclusion, healthcare access and diagnostics, climate and environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity and food security, and advanced manufacturing.

This challenge aims to support the deployment of innovative 5G use cases that can transform lives across India. It seeks solutions that are beyond the R&D stage, already validated, and ready for real-world application to demonstrate measurable public benefit. Participants will develop solutions that contribute to national development goals, ensuring that connectivity translates into tangible improvements in quality of life, economic growth, and environmental resilience, especially for underserved communities. The program emphasizes auditable outcomes and sustainable impact.

The initiative underscores a commitment to fostering innovation within India's startup ecosystem, providing a platform for researchers, TTOs, incubatees, and startups to showcase and scale their technological prowess. It culminates in a showcase event at the India Mobile Congress, offering significant visibility for winning solutions and their potential to drive positive change through 5G.

Applications for the Ericsson Innovation Challenge undergo a structured, multi-stage evaluation process managed jointly by TiE Delhi-NCR and its evaluation partners, including a joint committee. The assessment criteria focus on five key aspects: the 5G solution's innovativeness and its relevance to a real-world challenge with measurable social impact; the funding's role in enabling deployment rather than supporting direct R&D or operational costs; a commitment to specific, auditable public-impact metrics; the additive nature of the proposed program, ensuring it's not part of normal business operations; and the technology readiness of the 5G solution, which must be at a minimum of being validated in a relevant environment. Shortlisted teams may be invited for further presentations or interviews to elaborate on their proposals before final selections are made for the India Mobile Congress 2026 showcase.

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