STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl)
By OctaNE CoE Aizawl - Gaming & Entertainment
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹25L seed funding + incubation for Gaming & Entertainment startups , STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 at Aizawl, Mizoram.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 11 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by OctaNE CoE Aizawl - Gaming & Entertainment. 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 Open Challenge Program (OCP) 9.0 is a startup incubation initiative by OctaNE CoE Aizawl , one of eight Centres of Excellence in India's Northeast established under MeitY's STPINEXT programme , focused exclusively on the Gaming and Entertainment sector. Located in Aizawl, Mizoram, the CoE invites applications from startups and entrepreneurs building innovative solutions in gaming, animation, visual effects, and the broader AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) domain.
Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh along with access to a state-of-the-art Gaming and Entertainment lab equipped with high-end GPU-based workstations and servers, dedicated incubation space in Aizawl, expert mentorship, domain-specific training, marketing and business development support, and IPR and legal assistance. The programme is designed to identify, support, and scale early-stage tech ventures working at the intersection of gaming, interactive media, and entertainment technology.
The OCP platform functions as a structured challenge where startups are evaluated on their ability to solve meaningful problems through innovative technology solutions. Beyond the funding and infrastructure access, the programme provides strategic networking and collaboration opportunities within STPI's pan-India ecosystem, which includes linkages with industry, academia, and government stakeholders. Over a five-year horizon, the Aizawl CoE targets support for 367 startups in the Gaming and Entertainment domain.
The programme is organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and AIC STPINEXT INITIATIVES, with NIT Mizoram (NITMZ) and Mizoram University (MZU) as institutional stakeholders. For Gaming and Entertainment founders looking to access institutional support, seed capital, and world-class infrastructure in Northeast India, OCP 9.0 offers a well-structured pathway from early-stage to market-ready.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
OctaNE CoE Aizawl is a Centre of Entrepreneurship for gaming and entertainment startups in Aizawl, Mizoram. It is one of eight internetworked centres in the OctaNE cluster, run by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) — an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹25L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh. Beyond funding, participants get access to the Gaming and Entertainment lab with high-end GPU workstations and servers, dedicated incubation space in Aizawl, mentoring and training, marketing and business development support, and IPR and legal assistance.
- Application fee
- Free
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Application Fee
Free
Selection Process
Applications undergo a structured selection process: pre-screening (13–15 May), shortlisting (20 May), and a final pitch in front of a panel (27–29 May). Results are announced on 5 June 2026.
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 funding amount available under OCP 9.0?
Selected startups can receive seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh. The funding is non-dilutive and part of a broader incubation package that includes infrastructure, mentorship, and market access support.
What sectors are eligible for OCP 9.0 at Aizawl?
The programme is focused on Gaming and Entertainment — specifically within the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) domain, including interactive media, game development, visual effects, and entertainment technology.
Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
Incorporated entities (Private Limited, LLP, Registered Partnership) are eligible. Unregistered startups or individuals can also apply, but must register a company within 3 months of being selected.
What is the application deadline?
11 May 2026. The full timeline is: Pre-screening (13–15 May), Shortlist Declaration (20 May), Final Pitch (27–29 May), Results (5 June 2026). Dates are subject to change — check the official portal.
Who organises OCP 9.0?
The programme is organised by MeitY, STPI, and AIC STPINEXT INITIATIVES, with NIT Mizoram (NITMZ) and Mizoram University (MZU) as institutional stakeholders. OctaNE CoE Aizawl is one of eight CoEs in India's Northeast under the STPINEXT initiative.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
