Applications are invited for the OctaNE Open Challenge 6.0 for StartUps by STPI. The application deadline is February 24, 2025!
About OctaNE
OctaNE, a cluster of eight Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in the Northeast, is inviting applications from startups and entrepreneurs for its Open Challenge Program (OCP) in various domains, including IoT in Agriculture, Animation, Emerging Tech (AR/VR), IT Applications in Graphic Design, Gaming & Entertainment, Data Analytics & AI, IT Applications in Healthcare & Agritech, and GIS Applications (including Drone Technology).
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) provides startups with the opportunity to be selected by CoEs to solve problems through innovative solutions. The program aims to identify, recognize, and reward aspiring and early-stage tech entrepreneurs. It offers a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to succeed through strategic networking, seed funding, mentoring, and support in areas such as training, marketing, patenting, and access to CoE labs, tools, software, and state-of-the-art incubation facilities.
Objectives
The objectives of opening these CoEs are:
- To incubate start-ups in new and emerging technologies in the areas of electronics and IT;
- To provide a robust platform for start-ups, with single umbrella support services like mentorship, seed capital assistance, marketing support (incl. IPR protection) etc.;
- To create employment opportunities in new innovative start-ups;
- To develop a tinkering and innovation culture amongst students and professionals by establishing innovation zones for start-ups;
- Identification of the core problems of the local industry and finding solutions, and
- To facilitate E-Commerce activities and applications
Eligibility
- The start-up should be incorporated as a Private Limited Company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013) or Registered Partnership Firm (Regd. under section 59 of the Partnership Act, 1932) or Limited Liability Partnership (under the Liability Partnership Act 2008). The date of registration/incorporation should not be beyond 10 years. If a company is not registered, an application may be made in the names of the promoters/founders. However, the promoters/founders must ensure that the company is registered within a period of 3 months from the date of selection for CoE.
- Start-up should have an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 100 crore for any of the financial years since its incorporation.
- Entity should not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already existing business.
- Entity should be working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, services or processes and should have the potential to generate employment/create wealth.
Locations
- A CoE in IoT in Agriculture at Guwahati,
- Animation at Shillong,
- Emerging Tech-AR/VR at Imphal,
- IT Applications in Graphic Design at Kohima,
- Gaming & Entertainment at Aizawl,
- Data Analytics & AI at Agartala,
- IT Applications in Healthcare &Agritech at Gangtok and
- GIS Applications (incl. Drone Technology) at Itanagar.
Focus Domain
- IoT in Agriculture
- Animation
- Emerging Technologies in AR/VR
- IT Application in Graphic Design
- Gaming & Entertainment
- Data Analytics & AI
- IT Appliations in Healthcare & Agritech
- GIS Application (incl. Drone Technology)
Facilities Services
The services available for the beneficiaries of OctaNE shall include
- Physical infrastructure including 1000-seater state-of-the-art incubation (200-Guwahati, 150-Shillong, 100-Imphal,150-Agartala and 100 at each -Kohima, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar)
- E-Commerce Facilitation and Tinkering Lab
- Mentoring
- Financial Support through seed funding
- Technical Support
- Marketing Support
- IPR/Patenting Facilitation
- Legal, Accounting & other support Service
Target Beneficiaries : 367 start-ups are expected to be benefitted over a period of 5 Years.
Timeline
Here’s the information in a tabular format:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Submission Start Date | 21st January 2025 |
| Application Submission End Date | 24th February 2025 |
| Pre-Screening of Applications | 25th February 2025 |
| Declaration of Shortlisted Applicants | 6th March 2025 |
| Final Pitch in Front of Panel | 13th March 2025 |
| Announcement of Result | 26th March 2025 |
How to Apply?
Interested entrepreneurs can apply via this link.
Contact Details
- Address: Software Technology Parks of India, 1st Floor, Plate-B, Office Block-1, , East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi – 110 023
- Email: support.sayuj@stpi.in
- Contact Number: +91-11-24628081
