Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam

Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) is an innovation challenge organised by STPI's Kalpataru Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) on Industry 4.0 in Visakhapatnam. The Kalpataru CoE, established with support from the Ministry of Electronics & IT and Andhra Pradesh government, aims to identify and support 175 innovative startups over five years building solutions using Industry 4.0 technologies.

The OCP 7.0 challenge invites Indian startups to solve problems and develop innovative solutions across emerging sectors. Selected startups receive seed funding, physical infrastructure, mentoring, and ecosystem support to build scalable, profitable, and global businesses.

Who Should Apply Indian startups and individuals working on software product development and Industry 4.0 solutions. Participants can be at Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, or Scaling stages. Startups registered under Startup India scheme are encouraged to apply. Individual entrepreneurs, researchers, and partnership firms may also apply but must register as a private limited company within 3 months if selected.

Focus Areas Manufacturing, Power & Energy, Logistics & Supply Chain, E-waste Management, Defence & Aerospace, Mining, Cleantech, Agri-Tech, Digital Inclusion, and other Industry 4.0 innovative solutions.

Format & Timeline Applications open May 8, 2026 and close June 7, 2026. Shortlisted startups will pitch before the selection committee on June 29, 2026. Results will be announced on July 7, 2026. Selected startups receive one year of incubation support with potential extension based on Performance Review Group recommendations.

Prizes & Benefits Seed funding up to ₹4,00,000 for physically incubated startups, disbursed against equity participation by STPI. All selected startups receive: plug-n-play incubation space with high-speed internet, software product security testing facility, VCs access, advisory services (HR, legal, accounting, IPR/patenting), mentoring, networking opportunities, go-to-market support, and access to pan-India CoE facilities.

Eligibility Open to Indian startups and individuals working on Industry 4.0 solutions. Company incorporation date must be within 10 years. At least 51% shareholding with Indian citizen or person of Indian origin. Startups already on-boarded in Kalpataru CoE are not eligible.

Terms & Conditions Selected startups pay one-time registration charges of ₹2,000. Physical incubation space available at additional incubation charges per STPI norms. Selected startups share up to 3% equity with STPI for on-boarding.

How to Apply Submit application through the Sayuj platform with a proposal in prescribed format. Technical support available at support.sayuj@stpi.in or kalpataru@stpi.in.