16 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications — ₹502.7 Cr+ in Prizes — September 2026

This September 2026, 16 active startup competitions in India are open for applications, with opportunities split between 6 newly launched initiatives and 10 closing soon. Notable programs include Google Gemini's student innovation challenge Fund My Crazy, the DeepTech-focused Startup League, and global Wellcome Prizes. These competitions offer significant funding and recognition for entrepreneurs across various sectors.

At a Glance

CALL-E: Your Code Is Calling

CALL-E: Your Code Is Calling is a global online hackathon hosted on Devpost. It offers a $10,000 (approximately ₹9.2 lakh) prize pool for projects focusing on communication, enterprise, and machine learning/AI. The competition invites developers, designers, and entrepreneurs globally to build solutions that advance how people connect and work.

Participants can be individuals or teams worldwide, without geographic restrictions. The hackathon targets those passionate about building with AI and communication technologies. The three core themes are Communication, Enterprise, and Machine Learning/AI. Applications close on 14 September 2026.

Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge (Greenovation Hub)

The Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge is a national initiative by Greenovation Hub. It seeks climate-smart, affordable, and scalable agricultural innovations, with a focus on solutions that improve productivity, reduce labor, and strengthen agricultural value chains for smallholder farmers across India. Winners receive a share of ₹10 crore.

The program supports startups, SMEs, and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in bringing their solutions to the forefront. It offers access to expert guidance and strategic partnerships. The challenge's deadline is 14 September 2026.

Fund My Crazy 2026 (Google Gemini)

Fund My Crazy 2026 is Google Gemini's student innovation challenge, asking participants to redesign a piece of their city. Ten students or teams will share a prize pool of ₹1 crore. Entrants do not need a company, prototype, co-founder, or code. The entry requires one idea, four short answers, and one image created with Gemini.

Eligibility requires participants to be at least 18 years old (as of 30 July 2026), legal residents of India, and enrolled full-time at an accredited Indian college or university during the submission window. All disciplines are welcome. Applications close on 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.

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

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature champions interventions to improve the lives of individuals with anxiety, depression, and psychosis. This international prize aims to accelerate the development, adoption, and policy prioritization of effective mental health solutions. Prize amounts range from ₹23.8 crore to ₹95.3 crore.

Organized by Wellcome and Nature, the prize supports cutting-edge research across life, health, and wellbeing. It focuses on fostering a global ecosystem of innovation in mental health. Applications for this prize close on 15 September 2026.

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. The initiative seeks to support innovative Indian startups in DeepTech sectors such as AI, Electric Vehicles, Drone Technology, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology. The program offers a total prize fund of ₹100 crore.

Its objective is to help early to growth-stage companies secure investment, foster connections with investors, and accelerate business trajectories. The program connects startups with venture capital firms, incubators, and corporate partners. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026.

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 focused on CCTV integration and AI video analytics. Spearheaded by Gujarat Police, it invites innovators to create solutions for real-world deployment. The prize pool for this challenge is ₹5.1 crore.

The core challenge involves unifying over 80,000 CCTV cameras across Gujarat into a single, intelligent surveillance network. Participants develop advanced AI solutions for real-time suspicious activity detection, ANPR, vehicle tracking, watchlist matching, and cross-camera tracking. The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2026.

The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize, launched by Wellcome and delivered by Challenge Works, addresses the impact of snakebite envenoming. It calls for innovators globally to develop and scale solutions that strengthen community responses, accelerate access to care, or improve treatment delivery for snakebite. Prize amounts range from ₹7.9 crore to ₹183.8 crore.

Up to 2.7 million people are bitten by venomous snakes annually, with significant health impacts in regions like South Asia. The prize supports both early-stage concepts and advanced solutions, aiming for tangible impact. The deadline for this prize is 16 September 2026.

The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon (Rice University)

The Rice University Urban Sustainability Hackathon is an online competition inviting global participants to develop solutions for urban sustainability challenges. Hosted by Rice University, it addresses issues in urban environments through technology, design, and social good. A prize pool of ₹1.6 crore is available.

Open to students, professionals, and teams passionate about sustainability, urban planning, data science, and technology, the hackathon runs entirely online. Participants work on urban sustainability themes, with submissions judged by experts. The competition closes on 18 September 2026.

Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature is a global initiative aimed at transforming lives affected by mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Launched in May 2026, it seeks to identify and support groundbreaking interventions for rapid development and wide adoption. Prize amounts range from ₹20.8 crore to ₹83.3 crore.

This collaboration between Wellcome and Nature emphasizes scientific rigor and broad dissemination. The prize aims to foster innovation, generate public and political enthusiasm for mental health research, and drive global policy integration. The deadline for applications is 18 September 2026.

MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation)

The MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026, launched by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, seeks to foster innovation in addressing sustainability and infrastructure challenges within MIDC's industrial estates. The program offers a prize pool of ₹20 crore.

The initiative calls upon students, startups, and innovators to propose ready-to-implement solutions. Focus areas include road maintenance, carbon emissions, wastewater management, green energy adoption, and AI for industrial infrastructure. The goal is to transform MIDC estates into sustainable and efficient hubs. The challenge closes on 20 September 2026.

NexHack 2.0

NexHack 2.0 is a 36-hour national-level hackathon organized by the Institute of Information Technology & Management (IITM), New Delhi, scheduled for 25–26 September 2026. It brings together student innovators from across India to build AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges. A prize fund of ₹37,000 is available.

Open to students from all colleges and universities, teams of 2–5 members are encouraged, including cross-disciplinary teams and beginners. The competition involves multiple phases, including an online idea presentation before the final hackathon. The deadline for registration is 26 September 2026.

Maharashtra State-Level Hackathon (Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra)

The Maharashtra State-Level Hackathon is an annual initiative established under the Maharashtra Industries, Investment and Services Policy 2025. It targets students enrolled in traditional and professional courses across the state. Awards and recognition are conferred upon the top ten innovative ideas or startups identified through the initiative.

While the policy describes the reward as awards and recognition without a specific rupee figure, its practical value for student teams lies in visibility with the state industries department and a credential for future grant and incubation applications. The application deadline for this program is rolling/not specified.

Maharashtra Startup Seed Funding Grant (Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra)

The Maharashtra Startup Seed Funding Grant is an initiative under the Maharashtra Industries, Investment and Services Policy-2025. It aims to invigorate the state's startup ecosystem by targeting early-stage startups with strong potential for innovation and scalability. The grant offers crucial financial support, with prize amounts varying.

This program provides non-repayable seed capital to mitigate initial financial risks, encouraging entrepreneurs to pursue high-impact innovations across various sectors within Maharashtra. The competitive selection process ensures support for promising ventures. The application deadline is rolling/not specified.

Odisha MSME State Awards (MSME Department, Government of Odisha)

The Odisha MSME State Awards program is a flagship annual initiative under the Odisha MSME Development Policy 2022. It recognizes, honors, and financially incentivizes micro, small, and medium enterprises that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and significant contributions to the state's economy. Prize amounts range from ₹51,000 to ₹1.5 lakh.

This program aims to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging MSMEs to adopt best practices and achieve higher standards of quality and productivity. By celebrating leading enterprises, it seeks to inspire new entrepreneurs. The application deadline is rolling/not specified.

HP Tourism Excellence Awards (Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh (Startup Himachal))

The HP Tourism Excellence Awards are established under the Tourism Policy 2019 by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. These annual awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions within the state's tourism sector, encouraging innovation, quality, and sustainable practices. A prize of ₹1 lakh is awarded.

Providing a platform for visibility and acknowledgement, the program promotes best practices across various categories. It honors those who demonstrate exceptional performance and pioneering initiatives in enhancing tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The application deadline is rolling/not specified.

Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 (Campus Fund)

The Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 is the 7th edition of India’s premier competition for student startups. It serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs to gain visibility, connect with investors, and accelerate their ventures. Prize amounts vary based on the stage and needs of the startups.

The challenge identifies, nurtures, and showcases promising student-led innovations from across India, providing invaluable exposure, feedback, and networking opportunities. It connects student minds with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and founders. Applications close on 10 October 2026.

Before Applying

Several active competitions have specific eligibility constraints. Student-focused opportunities include Fund My Crazy 2026, Maharashtra State-Level Hackathon, Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026, and NexHack 2.0. Geographically, the Maharashtra State-Level Hackathon, Maharashtra Startup Seed Funding Grant, and MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 target initiatives within Maharashtra. Similarly, Odisha MSME State Awards are for Odisha-based MSMEs, and HP Tourism Excellence Awards for Himachal Pradesh. Sectorally, Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge focuses on agri-tech, the Wellcome Prizes on health, Startup League 2026 on DeepTech, and Gujarat Police Innovation Challenge 2026 on CCTV/AI analytics.

Regarding timing, CALL-E: Your Code Is Calling and Greenovation Agri Mechanization Challenge close on 14 September 2026, marking them as the soonest deadlines. Programs like the Maharashtra State-Level Hackathon, Odisha MSME State Awards, HP Tourism Excellence Awards, and Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 are recurring annual initiatives. Additionally, NexHack 2.0 includes an online idea presentation phase on 5 September 2026, which precedes its final closing date. For Fund My Crazy 2026, participants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited Indian college or university, with verification potentially required during the process.