TribePreneurs Idea Quest
By Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
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Quick Answer
A national challenge by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to identify and support tribal startups with prize money and structured incubation support.
- Funding amount
- ₹4 Lakhs – ₹7 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The TribePreneurs Idea Quest, organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to cultivate a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem specifically tailored for tribal communities across India. This initiative is designed to provide long-term, structured support to startups founded by Scheduled Tribes entrepreneurs, addressing critical gaps in access to resources and platforms. By fostering innovation and providing a national stage, the program seeks to empower tribal individuals to transform their ideas into viable businesses.
The core objectives of the TribePreneurs Idea Quest are multi-faceted: firstly, to proactively identify and nurture promising tribal startups with innovative solutions; secondly, to establish a prominent national platform where these startups can effectively showcase their ground-breaking ideas and innovations to a wider audience, including potential investors and partners; and thirdly, to offer comprehensive support to the winning startups, encompassing both targeted financial assistance and crucial structured hand-holding support through incubation services. This holistic approach ensures that tribal entrepreneurs receive the necessary impetus to grow and sustain their ventures, contributing to economic development and self-reliance within their communities.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Organizers
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the apex ministry responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities across India. Beyond social welfare, it actively funds entrepreneurship and startup initiatives…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹4 Lakhs – ₹7 Lakhs
What You Get
- Cash prizes of ₹4L to ₹7L: Non-repayable awards for the top three ideas from ST entrepreneur-led ventures.
- Implementation support: Handholding and mentoring to translate the winning ideas into viable enterprises.
- Government ecosystem access: Linkages with TRIFED, NSTFDC, and other Tribal Affairs Ministry bodies for market access.
- National recognition: Visibility at a national platform and opportunity to network with fellow ST entrepreneurs.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Cohort size
- 3 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the TribePreneurs Idea Quest will undergo a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. Initially, submitted applications will be screened for eligibility criteria, particularly focusing on the shareholding by Scheduled Tribes entrepreneurs and the completeness of the application. Subsequently, a panel of expert evaluators, comprising specialists from relevant domains and representatives from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, will review the innovative ideas based on parameters such as originality, feasibility, potential impact, and scalability. Three shortlisted winners will then be selected to receive the announced monetary and non-monetary benefits, following a final assessment or presentation round.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed application through the Startup India portal with all required documents.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the TribePreneurs Idea Quest?
The main objective is to build a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem for tribal startups by identifying, supporting, and providing a national platform for their innovative ideas and businesses.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
All startups where Scheduled Tribes entrepreneurs hold 51% or more of the shareholding are eligible to participate in the Idea Quest.
What kind of financial support can winning startups expect?
Winning startups will receive monetary prizes: ₹7 Lakhs for the first prize, ₹5 Lakhs for the second, and ₹4 Lakhs for the third prize. This is non-repayable cash funding.
Are there any non-financial benefits for participants?
Yes, beyond monetary prizes, winners will receive comprehensive incubation support, access to other Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) schemes, and significant visibility and exposure on a national platform.
Which stages of startups are accepted?
The program is open to a wide range of startup maturity levels, including individual ideation stage, validation stage, early traction stage, and scaling stage startups.
What is the application deadline for the TribePreneurs Idea Quest?
Applications must be submitted by July 15, 2026. The application window is open from May 1, 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
