14 Startup Competitions in India Open for Applications ₹11.5 Cr+ in Prizes October 2026
October 2026 brings a wave of opportunities for Indian startups and entrepreneurs. This roundup features 14 active competitions, including both newly launched programs and those with deadlines fast approaching. Explore challenges like the Ten Minute Million Challenge and the Karnataka Government First Initiative to secure funding, mentorship, and market access.
This October 2026, Indian entrepreneurs have 14 active startup competitions to consider. Four of these are newly launched initiatives, while 12 have deadlines approaching within the next two weeks. Key opportunities include the Ten Minute Million Challenge by E-Cell IIT Bombay, the Karnataka Government First Initiative, and the Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company.
These programs offer a combined total of over ₹11.5 crore in prizes, along with incubation, mentorship, and market access opportunities. Startups and aspiring founders across various sectors can find relevant challenges to advance their innovative solutions.
At a Glance
Together 7.0 Indo-Canada Bootcamp & Pitch (Schulich School of Business, York University)
The Together 7.0 Indo-Canada Bootcamp & Pitch empowers student entrepreneurs and recent graduates across India to transform innovative ideas into viable solutions. Organized in partnership with Startup India, the Consulate General of India (Toronto), EKonnect, and the Schulich School of Business at York University, Canada, the program offers essential skills, mentorship, and cross-border networking. Winners receive ₹10.5 lakh in prizes. The application deadline is today, 11 October 2026.
HackX 3.0 (Manipal University Jaipur)
HackX 3.0 is a 36-hour hackathon hosted at Manipal University Jaipur for students, developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts. The event offers a prize pool of ₹5 lakh across 10 tracks. Participants build working prototypes and present them to a judging panel. Registration is free, with shortlisted teams paying an ₹899 entry fee after an online shortlisting round. The competition closes on 12 October 2026.
Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 (Bombay Shaving Company)
The Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 identifies, skills, and invests in promising young entrepreneurs. Targeting students in grades 11-12 and first-year undergraduates, the program provides extensive exposure through 3-4 intensive summer internships (Pit-Stop Internships) at top Indian startups and VC firms. Fellows receive mentorship and practical business experience, with prizes ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore. The deadline to apply is 15 October 2026.
Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India)
The Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027, by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is for Indian citizens aged 18-35 years. It guides aspiring founders and working professionals in transforming innovative ideas into impactful solutions for social challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, and other themes. Prizes range from ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh. The submission deadline is 15 October 2026.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Challenge 2026 (StartupTN)
StartupTN and Tamil Nadu Tourism present the Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Challenge 2026 to foster innovation in the state's tourism sector. This challenge aims to boost tourism-focused startups by developing future-ready products and services that leverage technology and new business models. It seeks solutions to enhance visitor experiences and address sector-specific challenges. Prize amounts vary. Applications close on 15 October 2026.
SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund 2026 (Small Industries Development Bank of India)
The SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund (SICF) 2026 is a digital platform by SIDBI to crowd-source innovative, outcome-oriented solutions for socio-economic challenges, particularly within the MSME sector. It aims to bridge funding gaps for innovators, enterprises, and changemakers to implement breakthrough solutions. The fund provides ₹2 crore in prizes. The deadline for submissions is 16 October 2026.
RISE IISER IDEAPOOL Contest 2026 (RISE Foundation IISER)
IDEAPOOL 2026, part of the Innovation Conclave 2026 by RISE Foundation IISER, is an innovation contest for individuals and early-stage startups focused on sustainable solutions. Participants present their ideas to a panel of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The total prize pool is ₹2.5 lakh, and selected participants receive six months of free incubation at RISE Foundation IISER. The deadline is 17 October 2026.
Ten Minute Million Challenge 2026 (E-Cell IIT Bombay)
The Ten Minute Million Challenge (TTMM) 2026, hosted by E-Cell IIT Bombay as part of E-Summit 2026, is a high-stakes pitch competition connecting startups with investors. Selected founders have 10 minutes to present their solutions and business models to secure on-the-spot funding. The challenge offers a total prize pool of ₹35 lakh. This offline event provides an opportunity for financial backing and feedback. Submissions close on 18 October 2026.
IEEEXtreme 20.0 Global Programming Competition 2026 (—)
IEEEXtreme 20.0 is a 24-hour global online programming competition organized by IEEE. Student teams worldwide compete in real-time to solve challenging coding problems, testing algorithmic skills and teamwork. Open to IEEE student members and non-member students, teams of up to three members participate virtually. The total prize pool is valued at ₹9.2 lakh. The competition runs on 21 October 2026.
Karnataka Government First Initiative (Startup Karnataka)
The Karnataka Government First Initiative, from Startup Karnataka, provides startups with market access within the government ecosystem. It invites innovative, deployment-ready solutions to address public problem statements, with the Government of Karnataka acting as a potential first customer. This initiative offers ₹25 lakh in prizes and a transparent, merit-based evaluation for piloting and validating solutions. The deadline for applications is 23 October 2026.
Hyundai CoE Mobility Innovation Ideathon 2026 (Hyundai Motor India Engineering)
The Hyundai CoE Mobility Innovation Ideathon 2026, by Hyundai Motor India Engineering, focuses on
