18 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — ₹565.2 Cr+ in Prizes — September 2026

This September 2026, 18 startup competitions are available for Indian innovators, comprising 4 newly launched initiatives and 15 programs closing within the next two weeks. Notable opportunities include the Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge, the MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge, the TATA Social Enterprise Challenge, and several Wellcome Foundation prizes.

These competitions collectively offer substantial support and potential funding, addressing diverse sectors from energy and deeptech to urban sustainability and mental health science. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to review eligibility and apply promptly.

At a Glance

Gloo AI Hackathon 2026 (Gloo)

Gloo AI Hackathon 2026 is an AI hackathon from Gloo focused on developing AI agents, ministry tools, and Bible-based AI applications. The competition invites developers globally, including from India, to create impactful AI solutions. The total prize pool is approximately ₹23 crore. Submissions are accepted until September 7, 2026.

This hackathon is open to individuals and teams interested in AI and mission-driven technology, with no specific eligibility restrictions mentioned for Indian participants. The format is likely online and self-paced, running from June 5, 2026, to the submission deadline.

FEG Innovation Hackathon 2026 (T-Hub)

The FEG Innovation Hackathon 2026, hosted in partnership with T-Hub, is an intensive two-day challenge. It aims to unite tech builders, startups, and creative thinkers to address digital entertainment problems for Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG). Participants will choose from challenges related to Session Quality & User Conversion, Native App Experience, and Game Load Time. Winners can receive between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh. The deadline for applications is September 7, 2026.

Participants are required to transform an idea into a working prototype within 24 hours. Mentors and technical experts provide guidance. FEG India Solutions Pvt. Ltd., based in Hyderabad, supports this initiative. The event is designed for startups and technology enthusiasts.

TestAutothon 2026 (STeP-IN Forum)

TestAutothon 2026 is an offline software testing hackathon organized by STeP-IN Forum in Bengaluru. This event allows QA professionals and automation testers to demonstrate their skills in a competitive, hands-on environment. The total cash prize pool is ₹1 lakh. The hackathon accepts applications until September 8, 2026.

The competition is open to QA professionals, automation testers, and software testing enthusiasts. Both individual participants and teams can apply. The final event will likely take place in Bengaluru, with participants competing in software testing challenges judged by industry experts.

Indradhanu: PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 (PCCOE)

Indradhanu: PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 is a multi-round innovation competition from Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), Pune. It invites undergraduate and postgraduate students in Engineering or other STEM programs to propose and develop solutions across various domains. Prizes amount to ₹2 lakh. Registration closes on September 10, 2026.

This challenge is exclusively for students enrolled in Engineering UG, PG, or other STEM programs. Teams must include a faculty or industry professional as a mentor, who does not count towards the team size. Participants must register on both Unstop and the official IGC website, submitting a PDF/PPT on their chosen idea.

P.A.C.E - Where Logic Meets Expression. (Coding Club of TIT)

P.A.C.E - Where Logic Meets Expression is an online coding challenge organized by the Coding Club of Technocrats Institute of Technology (Excellence), Bhopal. It provides a platform for individuals to showcase technical and analytical capabilities in a competitive setting, with a prize of ₹10,000. The deadline for participation is September 10, 2026.

This competition is open to individual participants, including students and early-career professionals, who have an interest in logical reasoning, data structures and algorithms, and critical thinking. Team size is strictly limited to one participant. The competition features three rounds, including an online assessment and an offline code contest for shortlisted candidates.

TATA Social Enterprise Challenge 2026 (TSEC 2026) - 14th Edition (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The TATA Social Enterprise Challenge (TSEC) 2026, initiated by Tata Sons and IIM Calcutta, identifies and supports social enterprises across India. This national platform promotes social entrepreneurship, encouraging youth to pursue ventures focused on social impact. A total prize pool of ₹10 crore is available. Applications close on September 10, 2026.

TSEC aims to raise awareness about social entrepreneurship and connect innovative social ideas with resources. The program fosters an ecosystem for impact-driven businesses, providing support beyond the competition itself. It targets enterprises with tangible social impact goals.

Build With Bharat 3.0 (CodeVerse)

Build With Bharat 3.0, India's national-level hackathon, is organized by CodeVerse in collaboration with Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh. It convenes developers, designers, and innovators to build technology solutions for real-world challenges across various domains. A prize of ₹40,000 is offered. The hackathon's deadline is September 11, 2026.

This event is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across India, from all branches and specializations. Teams can have 2–5 members, with individual participation also permitted. Tracks include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Web & Mobile Development, Blockchain & Web3, and Cybersecurity.

Hacktivate 2.0 (JIMSEMTC)

Hacktivate 2.0 is a 36-hour national hackathon organized by JIMS Engineering Management Technical Campus (JIMSEMTC), Greater Noida. It brings together student teams from across India to develop solutions across nine technology tracks. The prize pool is ₹1.5 crore. The deadline for participation is September 12, 2026.

This hackathon is open to college students and early-stage tech enthusiasts nationwide. Teams can consist of 2–4 members, and solo participants may be matched with others. Mentorship from industry experts is provided throughout the event.

CALL-E: Your Code Is Calling (Devpost)

CALL-E: Your Code Is Calling is a global online hackathon hosted on Devpost, offering a $10,000 (approximately ₹9.2 lakh) prize pool. It seeks innovative projects in communication, enterprise, and machine learning/AI. The competition invites developers, designers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. The deadline for submissions is September 14, 2026.

This hackathon is open to individuals and teams globally, with no geographic restrictions. It targets students, professional developers, startup founders, and hobbyists passionate about building with AI and communication technologies. The focus is on tools that enhance communication, enterprise solutions, and applications leveraging machine learning/AI.

Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge (FIPI)

The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), supports innovation in India's energy sector. It aims to identify and support Indian startups developing solutions across the energy value chain, from renewable energy to alternative fuels. Prizes range from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026.

This challenge is open to entrepreneurs, research enthusiasts, and students. It highlights innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity, aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Participants will address critical areas including renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon technologies.

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature champions interventions to transform the lives of individuals with anxiety, depression, and psychosis. This international prize from Wellcome and Nature aims to accelerate the development, adoption, and policy prioritization of effective solutions. Prizes range from ₹23.8 crore to ₹95.3 crore. Submissions close on September 15, 2026.

Wellcome, a global charitable foundation, supports cutting-edge research across life, health, and wellbeing. The prize seeks solutions that advance mental health science and foster innovation, leveraging significant resources to address urgent health challenges.

Startup League 2026 (Startup Stairs)

Startup League 2026 is India's DeepTech startup funding program, powered by Startup Stairs and backed by Startup Haryana, aligning with Startup India and DPIIT goals. It identifies and supports Indian startups in DeepTech sectors such as AI, Electric Vehicles, Drone Technology, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology. A total prize pool of ₹100 crore is available. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026.

The program connects early to growth-stage companies with investors, venture capital firms, incubators, and corporate partners. Its objective is to help startups secure investment and accelerate business trajectories, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize is a global challenge prize from Wellcome and delivered by Challenge Works, addressing the impact of snakebite envenoming. It seeks solutions to strengthen community responses, accelerate access to appropriate care, or improve treatment delivery for snakebite, a condition affecting millions globally. Prizes range from ₹7.9 crore to ₹183.8 crore. The deadline for submissions is September 16, 2026.

This prize supports both early-stage concepts and established innovations. It calls for innovators worldwide to develop and scale solutions in regions acutely affected by snakebites, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, focusing on underserved rural communities.

The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon (Rice University)

The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon is an online competition inviting participants globally to develop innovative solutions for urban sustainability challenges. Hosted by Rice University, it addresses pressing issues in urban environments through technology, design, and social good. A total prize of ₹1.6 crore is available. Submissions close on September 18, 2026.

This hackathon is open to students, professionals, and teams passionate about sustainability, urban planning, data science, and technology. Individuals and teams of up to 4 members can participate. The event runs entirely online, with no geographic restrictions for participants.

Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is a global initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Launched by Wellcome and Nature, it identifies and supports groundbreaking interventions for rapid development and policy integration. Prizes range from ₹20.8 crore to ₹83.3 crore. The deadline for applications is September 18, 2026.

This prize aims to foster innovation in mental health science, generate public and political enthusiasm for research, and drive global impact. It seeks solutions that can be widely adopted and effectively integrated into healthcare frameworks worldwide.

MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 (MIDC)

The MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026, launched by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), fosters innovation in addressing sustainability and infrastructure challenges within MIDC's industrial estates. It seeks ready-to-implement solutions from students, startups, and independent innovators. The prize pool is ₹20 crore. Applications are open until September 20, 2026.

Focus areas include road maintenance, carbon emissions, wastewater management, green energy adoption, and AI for smart industrial infrastructure. The challenge aims to transform MIDC estates into sustainable, efficient, and future-ready hubs, benefiting industries, workers, and local communities.

Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 (EarthON Foundation)

The Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026, a flagship initiative by EarthON Foundation in collaboration with Greenovation Hub and SwitchON Foundation, identifies and scales innovations for circularity in India's waste streams. It targets startups, SMEs, and social enterprises with solutions for plastic, textile, and food waste. A total prize pool of ₹40 crore is available. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.

The challenge focuses on plastic circularity (recovery, reuse, recycling), textile circularity (innovations for waste textile management), and food waste circularity (reducing waste, improving valorization). It supports solutions addressing waste collection, segregation, and advanced recycling methods.

Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge 2026 (Gujarat Police)

The Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge 2026, also known as the Gujarat CCTV Hackathon 2026, is India's largest hackathon for CCTV integration and AI video analytics. Spearheaded by Gujarat Police, this initiative seeks real-world deployment solutions from Indian innovators and builders to unify over 80,000 CCTV cameras into an intelligent surveillance network. The prize pool is ₹5.1 crore. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Participants are tasked with developing advanced AI solutions for real-time suspicious activity detection, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), vehicle tracking, watchlist matching, and cross-camera tracking. The challenge demands practical, deployable solutions rather than simulations or proofs-of-concept.

Before Applying

Careful review of eligibility criteria is crucial across these diverse competitions. For instance, the Indradhanu: PCCOE International Grand Challenge is exclusively for undergraduate and postgraduate STEM students, while the Build With Bharat 3.0 hackathon targets both undergraduate and postgraduate students from all disciplines. The TATA Social Enterprise Challenge specifically supports ventures with demonstrable social impact, and Startup League 2026 focuses on DeepTech startups in sectors like AI, Electric Vehicles, and Defence Technology. Several Wellcome prizes target specific health challenges such as mental health and snakebite envenoming, requiring solutions relevant to these areas.

Applicants should also note the varying timelines. Several competitions, including Gloo AI Hackathon and FEG Innovation Hackathon, close as early as September 7, 2026, demanding immediate attention. While most have fixed deadlines, the Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge operates on a rolling application basis, providing more flexibility. The TATA Social Enterprise Challenge is in its 14th edition, indicating an annual cycle, meaning a missed deadline necessitates waiting for the next year's program.