MahaGAD AI Sahayak Grand Challenge
By Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS)
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Quick Answer
A Grand Challenge by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) in collaboration with the General Administration Department (GAD) to onboard Indian startups for developing an on-premise AI-ba…
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 5 February 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The MahaGAD AI Sahayak Grand Challenge is an initiative launched by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) in collaboration with the General Administration Department (GAD), Government of Maharashtra. The challenge aims to onboard capable Indian startups to design, develop, and deploy an advanced AI-based Government Resolution (GR) Information Management System named “MahaGAD AI Sahayak”.
The proposed system is envisioned as an in-house, on-premise, secure, and scalable artificial intelligence platform that will enable efficient search, retrieval, summarization, and contextual interpretation of All India Service (AIS) rules, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) rules, and Government Resolutions (GRs). The solution must support natural language queries in both Marathi and English and provide accurate, source-cited answers to ensure transparency and consistency in administrative decision-making.
The platform will function as a conversational AI assistant for government officials, powered by a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture using Large Language Models (LLMs). It must include a secure GR repository, automated document ingestion and indexing pipeline using Elasticsearch or an equivalent vector database, an administrative dashboard for monitoring usage and performance, and analytics for policy-level insights. The system must be deployed in a containerized manner on GPU-based government infrastructure, strictly adhering to Government of Maharashtra IT security and data privacy guidelines.
Selected startups will be required to deliver an end-to-end solution covering development, deployment, training, documentation, and long-term maintenance support. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their technical approach and demonstrate a live Proof of Concept (PoC) as part of the evaluation process.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) is the Government of Maharashtra's nodal agency for building an innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state. It sits under the state's Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and its General…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Selected startups receive grant funding to design, develop, and deploy MahaGAD AI Sahayak, an on-premise, secure AI-based Government Resolution (GR) information management system for the Government of Maharashtra. The grant supports end-to-end delivery — development, deployment, training, documentation, and long-term maintenance support for up to five years.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants must submit their proposal through the designated portal as per the challenge guidelines.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the MahaGAD AI Sahayak Grand Challenge?
The challenge aims to onboard capable Indian startups to design, develop, and deploy an advanced AI-based Government Resolution Information Management System named 'MahaGAD AI Sahayak' for the Government of Maharashtra.
What languages must the system support?
The system must support natural language queries in both Marathi and English, including mixed-language queries.
What is the deployment requirement?
The solution must be deployed on-premise on government infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty with no reliance on external cloud platforms, and strictly adhering to Government of Maharashtra IT security and data privacy guidelines.
What is the evaluation process?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their technical approach and demonstrate a live Proof of Concept (PoC) as part of the evaluation process.
What are the post-deployment commitments?
The selected startup must commit to providing training, documentation, and post-deployment maintenance and enhancement support for a period of up to five years.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
