Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 – India’s Largest Innovation Challenge for Startups by DPIIT, GoI: Apply by March 7

Applications are invited for the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 – India’s Largest Innovation Challenge for Startups by DPIIT, GoI. The application deadline is March 7, 2025!

About Startup MahaRathi Challenge

The Startup MahaRathi Challenge, an initiative under Startup Mahakumbh, offers a premier platform for visionary startups in India. It provides an opportunity to showcase transformative solutions, gain national recognition, and access the right funding and mentorship for scaling. Participants can connect with a vast network of investors, gain exposure to global markets, and contribute to India’s ambitious Viksit Bharat vision. This challenge empowers startups to drive meaningful change, disrupt industries, and play a key role in shaping India’s future.

Eligibility

Startups must be recognized by the DPIIT, Govt. Of India and should be in their early to growth stages, operating across India.

Startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs across India working on disruptive solutions in sectors like AI, DeepTech, Agritech, Healthtech, Mobility, Fintech, and more are encouraged to apply. Startups at all stages—from ideation to scaling—are welcome. A valid DPIIT registration is preferred but not mandatory for initial application.

Themes

• AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity
• AgriTech
• B2B & Precision Manufacturing
• BioTech & HealthTech
• Climate Tech
• D2C
• Defence & Space Tech
• FinTech
• Gaming & Sports
• Mobility

Problem Statement

AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity

Problem Statement: Limited AI adoption in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, data privacy and ethical challenges in AI implementation, lack of AI solutions tailored for Indian languages and rural applications, rising cybersecurity threats in critical infrastructure, increasing data breaches and lack of scalable security solutions.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): AI for social impact (education, healthcare access), natural language processing (NLP) for Indian languages, AI-driven diagnostics and predictive analytics, AI-powered precision agriculture solutions, ethical AI frameworks ensuring privacy and security, advanced cybersecurity solutions (threat detection, incident response), data encryption and privacy-focused technologies, AI and ML-based anomaly detection systems, blockchain for secure transactions, zero-trust security architecture.

Biotechnology & Healthtech

Problem Statement: High cost of healthcare and limited access in rural areas, rising burden of chronic diseases, inefficient drug discovery and diagnostic processes, lack of personalized treatments, supply chain inefficiencies in pharmaceuticals

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): Affordable diagnostics and point-of-care devices, biotech innovations for vaccines and personalized medicine, AI-driven drug discovery platforms, health monitoring wearables and telemedicine solutions, genomics and bioinformatics tools for disease prediction, biotech solutions for agriculture (bio-fertilizers, pest control), cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals, telehealth platforms for rural healthcare access.

Agritech

Problem Statement: Inefficient farming practices leading to low yield and high resource consumption, post-harvest losses due to poor storage and logistics, limited access to quality inputs and market linkages, vulnerability to climate change, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): Precision farming, satellite imagery and drone-based crop monitoring, cold chain logistics and post-harvest storage solutions, market linkages for farmers through digital platforms, agri-fintech solutions for credit and insurance, organic fertilizers and eco-friendly pest management, climate-resilient crops, soil health monitoring systems, automated irrigation systems, farm-to-fork supply chain solutions.

D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)

Limited brand visibility for emerging D2C startups, inefficient supply chains and logistics, high customer acquisition costs, customer retention challenges, lack of personalization in product offerings.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): E-commerce platforms tailored for niche D2C brands, AI-driven customer engagement and loyalty tools, sustainable packaging and logistics solutions, social commerce and influencer-driven marketing, AR/VR solutions for immersive shopping experiences, subscription-based business models, direct-from-farm produce delivery platforms, analytics tools for D2C performance tracking.

Fintech

Problem Statement: Lack of financial inclusion in rural and underserved areas, high transaction costs in MSME lending, cybersecurity threats in digital transactions, lack of transparency in credit scoring, inefficiencies in insurance claim processing.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): Micro-lending and credit scoring solutions for underserved communities, blockchain-based transparent payment systems, insurtech platforms for health, crop, and life insurance, wealth management and robo-advisory tools, regtech solutions ensuring compliance and risk management, peer-to-peer lending platforms, AI-driven fraud detection, digital payment solutions for small businesses.

Gaming & Sports

Problem Statement: Lack of high-quality, locally relevant gaming content, underdeveloped infrastructure for AR/VR gaming, monetisation challenges for game developers, limited access to sports training and infrastructure, low adoption of technology in grassroots sports.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): AR/VR-based immersive gaming experiences, eSports platforms and competitive gaming ecosystems, game development engines tailored for Indian markets, skill-based gaming platforms, blockchain-based gaming assets and NFT marketplaces, AI-driven personalized gaming experiences, sports analytics platforms, virtual coaching and fitness apps, smart wearables for athlete performance tracking.

B2B & Precision Manufacturing

Problem Statement:Low adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing, high production costs due to inefficiencies, limited integration of sustainable practices, challenges in mass customization for B2B & B2C products.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive):
Smart factories and IoT-driven manufacturing automation, additive manufacturing (3D printing) for prototyping and production, robotics and AI for quality control, predictive maintenance tools to reduce downtime, sustainable material sourcing and waste reduction techniques, digital twin technology for design and testing, mass customization platforms for B2B & B2C products, AI-driven demand forecasting for consumer goods.

Defense & SpaceTech

Problem Statement: There is a high dependency on imported defense technology, limited commercialization of space innovations, outdated surveillance and communication tools, andsecurity threats from advanced warfare technologies.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): UAVs, drones, and autonomous defense systems, satellite technology for agriculture, disaster management, and logistics, cybersecurity solutions for national security, AI-powered surveillance and reconnaissance systems, space debris management, satellite launch solutions, advanced materials for defense applications, next-generation radar and sonar systems.

Mobility

Problem Statement: High carbon footprint from fossil-fuel-based transport, inadequate EV infrastructure, range anxiety among EV users, inefficient last-mile logistics, traffic congestion in urban areas.

Solution Examples (Non-exhaustive): Electric vehicles (2W, 3W, 4W) and battery solutions, EV charging infrastructure and smart grids, shared mobility and micro-mobility platforms, alternative fuels (biofuels, hydrogen, CNG) for commercial transport, logistics optimization and last-mile delivery solutions, AI-driven traffic management systems, autonomous vehicles, connected car solutions, EV leasing and financing platforms

Climate Tech

Innovators and entrepreneurs working towards climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience are invited to participate in this challenge and come up with creative solutions that can advance climate action in both India and the world.

Startups coming under Climate Tech use this link to apply.

Incentives

• Fiscal Incentives
  • Monetary Prizes, Grants, Corporate Credits
• Non-Fiscal Incentives
  • Participants will have the opportunity to network with and receive mentorship from leading corporates, foundations, investors, policy makers, and thought leaders

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can directly apply via this link.

Deadline

The application deadline is March 7, 2025.

Contact Details

startupmahakumbh@letsventure.com

Click here to view the official notification for the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025.

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