Who will own the Intellectual Property (IP) of the solution developed under the Challenge?

The selected startup will retain ownership of the solution/product developed under the Challenge, subject to the terms and conditions of the programme.

How will the grant be disbursed?

Selected startups will be eligible for a grant of up to ₹20 lakh, which will be released in milestone-based tranches.

Will selected startups receive support for piloting and scaling their solutions?

Yes. Selected startups will pilot their solutions in partnership with cities identified by MoHUA. MoHUA will also facilitate the scaling of successful solutions through collaboration with Urban Local Bodies, industry, and other relevant stakeholders.

Can startups with an existing product or pilot apply?

Yes. Startups with existing products, prototypes, pilots, or market traction are encouraged to apply, provided their solutions align with the objectives and thematic areas of the PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge.

What kind of solutions are expected?

Solutions are expected across six key focus areas, including entrepreneurship development, eco-friendly packaging, tech-enabled vendor identification, financial management tools, credit usage and repayment support, and climate-resilient vending infrastructure.

Are there any specific industry restrictions?

While the challenge is open to a broad range of industries, solutions should align with the core thematic areas benefiting street vendors. Relevant industries include AI, Green Technology, Finance Technology, Enterprise Software, and those addressing urban challenges.

PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge (2026): Apply by 15 Sept

The PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge, a flagship initiative by Startup India and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), aims to harness the innovative power of India's startup ecosystem to uplift street vendors, who form the vibrant backbone of the urban informal economy. This challenge seeks to foster the development and deployment of scalable, technology-driven solutions that address critical pain points faced by street vendors across the nation.

Recognizing the crucial role of street vendors, this program focuses on key areas such as enhancing financial literacy and access, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable practices, improving vendor identification and outreach mechanisms, and developing climate-resilient and ergonomic vending infrastructure. By inviting DPIIT-recognized startups, the challenge seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots needs and cutting-edge innovation, ensuring that solutions are both impactful and scalable.

Selected startups will not only receive significant financial support but also gain unparalleled opportunities to conduct live pilot projects in collaboration with MoHUA and various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This hands-on implementation phase provides a unique platform for validation and real-world impact. Beyond funding and piloting, successful innovations will be recognized by MoHUA and provided pathways for national scale-up, integrating them into the broader PM SVANidhi ecosystem to create lasting change for millions of street vendors.

The selection process for the PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge is designed to identify the most innovative and impactful solutions. Applications will be rigorously evaluated by a multi-stakeholder selection committee comprising experts from Startup India, MoHUA, and other relevant organizations. The evaluation will focus on several key parameters including the novelty and feasibility of the proposed solution, its potential for tangible impact on street vendors, the scalability of the innovation, the strength and expertise of the founding team, and its alignment with the specific thematic areas of the challenge. Shortlisted startups may be invited to present their solutions or participate in further interview rounds before the final selection of up to 30 startups.

Selected startups are eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to ₹20 lakh, disbursed in three milestone-linked tranches. This financial support aims to fuel the development and implementation of innovative solutions. Beyond funding, startups will gain invaluable pilot opportunities to test and refine their solutions in real-world settings, collaborating directly with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Furthermore, the program offers national recognition from MoHUA and a clear pathway for scaling successful innovations across the country, leveraging the extensive PM SVANidhi ecosystem for wider adoption and impact.

PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge

PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge

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