23 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — July 2026
23 startup competitions in India are currently open for applications, including 10 newly launched and 15 closing within 14 days. Notable competitions include the Accenture Tech Next Challenge 2026, Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize, and the Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud.
As of July 7, 2026, 23 active startup competitions and challenges are open for applications in India. Among them, 10 are newly launched, including the Accenture Tech Next Challenge 2026, the Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize, and the Zepto Nova Food Safety Innovation Challenge. Additionally, 15 competitions are closing within 14 days, such as the Moonshot Awards 2026 and the Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud. Below is a detailed guide to each opportunity.
At a Glance
Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge (Zepto)
The Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge is a collaboration between Zepto, DPIIT, and FSSAI to improve food safety in quick commerce. It seeks AI, automation, and IoT solutions for real-time monitoring and error reduction. Winners receive ₹1 L to ₹3 L. Open to startups and innovators. Deadline is July 7, 2026.
Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud (Alibaba Cloud)
The Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud is an online hackathon for developers and startups to build AI solutions using Qwen Cloud. Prize pool is ₹4.0 Cr. Open globally, including India. Deadline is July 9, 2026.
Kaya AI IIT India Hackathon 2026 (—)
The Kaya AI IIT India Hackathon 2026 invites Indian students and developers to build AI, IoT, and enterprise solutions. Prize pool is ₹3.5 L. Remote participation. Deadline is July 10, 2026.
Startup World Cup 2026 — Bangalore Regional (Pegasus Tech Ventures)
The Startup World Cup 2026 — Bangalore Regional is the Indian qualifier for the global competition. Open to early-stage startups across sectors. Winner advances to Silicon Valley grand finale. Prize is ₹90 Cr. Applications close July 10, 2026.
Global AI Filmmaking Hackathon (EAST2046 × TapNow × Bionic Awards)
The Global AI Filmmaking Hackathon challenges creators to produce a short film using AI tools within one week. Prize pool is ₹90,000. Open globally, teams of 1-6. Deadline: July 10, 2026.
United Hacks V7 (—)
United Hacks V7 is a global hackathon for all skill levels, focusing on design and education themes. Prize pool ₹2.4 Cr. Deadline July 12, 2026.
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 (RELX)
The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 awards two US$75,000 prizes for projects on clean water/sanitation and ocean innovation. Open globally. Deadline July 12, 2026.
Slack Agent Builder Challenge (Salesforce)
The Slack Agent Builder Challenge is a hackathon for building AI agents on Slack. Prize pool ₹3.8 Cr. Open to developers worldwide. Deadline July 13, 2026.
Moonshot Awards 2026 (Moonshot Platform)
The Moonshot Awards 2026 supports young founders and scientists solving global challenges aligned with UN SDGs. Prize range ₹4.2 L to ₹5.0 Cr. Open to individuals and teams. Deadline July 13, 2026.
The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge 2026 (The Gap in Between)
The Gap in Between Startup Challenge 2026 is for impact-driven startups. Winners receive ₹9 L, mentorship, and investor access. Deadline July 14, 2026.
Defence India Startup Challenge 12 (Re-Open): Development of Inflight Urination Device for Female Fighter Pilots (Defence Innovation Organisation)
The DISC 12 re-open challenges MSMEs and startups to develop a device for female fighter pilots. Prize ₹15 Cr. Deadline July 15, 2026.
HackNexus'26 (—)
HackNexus'26 is a national online hackathon for Indian college students. Prize pool ₹70,000. Teams of 2-4. Deadline July 15, 2026.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE, Nagpur)
The NERVE CoE OCP offers up to ₹5 Cr seed funding, GPU infra, and mentoring for AI/DeepTech startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, etc. 18-month program. Deadline July 15, 2026.
SmartAIthon 2026 (—)
SmartAIthon 2026 is a beginner-friendly hackathon focusing on AI, IoT, and social good. Prize ₹10,000. Deadline July 15, 2026.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) 1.0 at SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai (SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai)
The SmartAgri CoE OCP supports AgriTech startups with up to ₹3.5 Cr funding, incubation, and mentorship. Located in Chhattisgarh. Deadline July 15, 2026.
Accenture Tech Next Challenge 2026 (Accenture)
The Tech Next Challenge 2026 focuses on autonomous technologies for enterprise reinvention. Open to deep-tech startups. Deadline July 17, 2026. Prize varies.
AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 (AWE Funds)
The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge backs tech startups solving issues for underserved communities in India. Prize ₹8.3 Cr – ₹24.9 Cr. Deadline July 31, 2026.
Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)
Indian Innovation Icons is a biennial program for for-profit and non-profit innovators. Provides mentorship, visibility, and investor access. Rolling deadline. Prize varies.
Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge (Greenovation Hub)
The Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge seeks climate-smart agricultural innovations for smallholder farmers. Prize ₹10 Cr. Rolling deadline.
CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders (NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI)
The NASSCOM CoE Innovation Challenge targets deep-tech startups for port operations. Rolling deadline. Prize varies.
The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize (Wellcome)
The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize funds solutions for snakebite envenoming. Prize ₹7.9 Cr – ₹183.8 Cr. Open globally. Deadline September 16, 2026.
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature (Wellcome) — Sep 15
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science seeks novel interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Prize ₹23.8 Cr – ₹95.3 Cr. Deadline September 15, 2026.
Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature (Wellcome) — Sep 18
The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science (separate call) offers ₹20.8 Cr – ₹83.3 Cr. Deadline September 18, 2026.
Before Applying
Several competitions have specific eligibility constraints. The Defence India Startup Challenge 12 is restricted to MSMEs and startups, and the Zepto Nova challenge is open to Indian innovators. The HackNexus'26 and SmartAIthon 2026 are for college students only. The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge targets startups serving underserved and climate-vulnerable communities in India. The Indian Innovation Icons accepts both for-profit and non-profit entities.
Timing is critical: Zepto Nova closed on July 7, so applications are no longer accepted. The Global AI Hackathon Series (July 9) and multiple competitions on July 10 and 12 are approaching fast. Annual competitions like the RELX Environmental Challenge require reapplying if missed. Some programs like the NASSCOM CoE challenge have rolling deadlines, offering flexibility. Ensure you review eligibility criteria and deadline specifics before applying.
