Bharat Startup Grand Challenge with Stride Ventures by DPIIT, GoI: Apply by March 20

Applications are invited for the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge with Stride Ventures by DPIIT, GoI. The application deadline is March 20, 2025!

About Bharat Startup Grand Challenge with Stride Ventures

India stands at a crucial turning point where CleanTech and FinTech innovations must drive sustainable and inclusive growth. Sustainable recycling, e-mobility, and carbon-neutral technologies are essential for climate action, while alternative credit models, fraud detection, and secure digital transactions enhance financial inclusion. The Stride Bharat Grand Challenge creates a platform for startups to scale impactful solutions, connecting innovators with investors and industry leaders to accelerate India’s transition toward a greener, financially empowered future.

The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, in collaboration with Startup India, is an initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in India’s startup ecosystem. This challenge provides a platform for early and growth-stage startups (Seed to Series A), registered with DPIIT, to showcase their groundbreaking solutions in key sectors, with opportunities for funding, mentorship, and market access.

Stride Ventures is a leading venture debt firm in India that supports high-potential startups through customized debt and structured financing solutions. The firm has backed some of India’s most successful startups across multiple sectors, providing not just financial support but also strategic partnerships, mentorship, and access to investors. Stride’s portfolio includes industry leaders in fintech, sustainability, e-mobility, and more, making it a key player in India’s startup growth story.

Please note that:
1. To ensure clarity and impact, all answers must be structured, concise, and data-driven
2. Shortlisted startups will be informed via email regarding next steps
3. Shortlisted startups may be required to give more detailed financials (historical and projections) and other information for due diligence. This will decide their eligibility for funding by Stride Ventures

Eligibility

• Early and growth stage, new age startups (Seed-Series A)
• DPIIT registered startups

Relevant Industry

Analytics, Advertising, Architecture, Interior Design, AR/VR (Augmented + Virtual Reality), Automotive, Art & Photography, Animation, Chemicals, Computer Vision, Telecommunication & Networking, Construction, Agriculture, Aeronautics, Aerospace & Defence, AI, Green Technology, Events, Fashion, Finance, Technology, Enterprise Software, Food & Beverages, Design, Dating & Matrimonial, Education, Renewable Energy, Technology Hardware, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Internet of Things, IT Services, Human Resources, Marketing, Nanotechnology, Non-Renewable Energy, Pets & Animals, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Household Services, Professional & Commercial Services, Sports, Social Impact, Social Network, Textiles & Apparel, Indic Language Startups, Transportation & Storage, Logistics, Travel & Tourism, Security Solutions, Airport Operations, Real Estate, Other Specialty Retailers, Safety, Robotics, Passenger Experience, Biotechnology, Waste Management, Others, Toys & Games.

Themes for the Challenge

• Sustainability
• Circularity
• E-mobility
• Battery manufacturing
• Fintech
• Recycling
• Refining

Problem Statement

Sustainable Technologies

• Problem Statement 1: Develop low-energy refining solutions using solar, wind, or bioenergy to reduce carbon emissions, or create chemical and bio-based extraction methods for refining critical minerals with minimal reliance on high-temperature processes.
• Problem Statement 2: Design circular business models for waste disposal and material recovery, such as a recycling-as-a-service platform connecting businesses with certified recycling and refining partners, or a secondary marketplace for high-quality recycled materials to promote circular resource adoption in manufacturing.

Fintech Innovations

• Problem Statement 1: Develop an alternative credit scoring model using non-traditional data sources like utility bill payments, rent, and mobile recharges to offer credit to customers without conventional credit history.
• Problem Statement 2: Enhance fraud detection and security in financial transactions across Bharat through technologies like voice authentication, vernacular-friendly interfaces, and fraud detection tools with SMS/IVR alerts to build user trust in digital platforms.

E-Mobility

• Problem Statement 1: Create carbon-neutral EV supply chains through green manufacturing (low-emission battery production with direct carbon capture integration) or carbon footprint tracking (blockchain-enabled platforms for tracking emissions across the EV supply chain).
• Problem Statement 2: Develop sustainable models for greater EV adoption, such as EV-as-a-Service (fleet-sharing models for last-mile delivery and logistics) or subscription-based e-mobility platforms (on-demand subscriptions for e-bikes, e-scooters, or EVs).

Incentives

• Fiscal Incentives
  • Winners can secure Debt/Equity funding of up to ₹15 Cr, subject to eligibility criteria and due diligence.
• Non-Fiscal Incentives
  • B2B connections to Stride’s portfolio companies.
  • Access to other AMCs (VCs, PEs) and institutional investors.
  • Mentorship and guidance on GTM, fundraising, supply chain/vendor financing, and market expansion strategies.
  • Channel connections and market linkages where applic

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can directly apply via this link.

Procedure Post Submission

Shortlisted applications will be informed via email within two weeks after the application submission. Prizes and felicitations will take place at Startup Mahakumbh, organized by DPIIT on April 3rd-4th.

Deadline

The application deadline is March 20, 2025.

Click here to view the official notification for the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge with Stride Ventures

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