Bharat Startup Grand Challenge
A programme by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
A platform, launched 16 January 2025, where outside companies and institutions post problem statements and startups submit solutions; none was open on 7 October 2026.
At a glance
| Best for | Startups with a solution to a host company's problem statement |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
About Bharat Startup Grand Challenge
The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge was launched on National Startup Day, 16 January 2025, to connect startups with real-world problems faced by industry and society. DPIIT does not run the individual challenges, set their incentives or choose winners. Each is hosted by an outside company, institution or association that enters its own details, so eligibility, incentives and dates differ from one challenge to the next.
When we checked on 7 October 2026 the portal listed no open challenge and showed 64 challenges as concluded. Check the portal for the next one.
Who can apply
- Startups able to offer a solution to a host's problem statement; set by each host
- Many challenges require DPIIT recognition. The Tally Solutions challenge, for example, says all startups applying must be registered with DPIIT
How to apply: Browse the ongoing challenges on the Startup India portal and submit through the application process for the challenge you choose. There is no participation fee. Queries go to suiindustry@investindia.org.in.
Where to apply
Other DPIIT programmes
- DPIIT Startup RecognitionA free recognition certificate from DPIIT for eligible companies, LLPs, registered partnership firms and cooperative societies, which the other Startup India benefits depend on.
- Income Tax Exemption under Section 80-IACAn income tax exemption for three consecutive financial years out of the first ten, for eligible DPIIT-recognised private limited companies and LLPs.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)Seed support for proof of concept, prototypes, product trials, market entry and commercialisation, paid out to startups through incubators that DPIIT selects.
- Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)A guarantee given to lenders on loans to DPIIT-recognised startups; the startup borrows from the lender and receives nothing from DPIIT.
- Startup India Fund of FundsGovernment money placed in SEBI-registered investment funds that invest in DPIIT-recognised startups; startups do not apply to it.
- Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP)Empanelled facilitators help recognised startups file patents, trademarks and designs, with a rebate of 80 percent on patent filing and 50 percent on trademark filing.
- Self-certification under labour and environment lawsRecognised startups can self-certify compliance with six labour laws and three environmental laws, with no labour inspections for five years.
- Easier public procurement for recognised startupsRecognised startups can register as sellers on the Government e-Marketplace and are exempt from earnest money deposits or bid security in government tenders.
- National Startup AwardsDPIIT's awards for startups and ecosystem enablers; winners get a cash prize. No open call was found on 7 October 2026.
- MAARG mentorship platformA national platform where startups and mentors connect, with matchmaking across sectors.
- Startup India Investor ConnectA platform that matches startups with investors using AI-based matchmaking; it is not a fund and takes no part in securities transactions.
- BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry)A digital registry where founders, mentors, investors and other ecosystem members create profiles and connect.
- TEJASA Startup India initiative to strengthen startup ecosystems across 132 districts, with a focus on youth, women, students and first-time founders.
Everything about Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)