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The application window for the challenge opened on February 26, 2025, and start-ups can apply until March 7, 2025.
With a prize pool of up to Rs 30 crore, the Startup Maha Rathi will provide selected start-ups with financial grants, networking opportunities with global investors, and mentorship from industry leaders.
In a significant move to bolster India’s start-up ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the Startup Maha Rathi challenge under the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh. This flagship initiative, launched in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, and others, aims to empower startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
The challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047′, fostering innovation across 11 key sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & HealthTech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. With a prize pool of up to Rs 30 crore, the programme will provide selected start-ups with financial grants, networking opportunities with global investors, and mentorship from industry leaders.
Multi-Phase Selection Process
The application window for the challenge opened on February 26, 2025, and start-ups can apply until March 7, 2025. The selection process includes:
– Virtual jury presentations from March 15-25, 2025.
– Live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Each shortlisted start-up reaching the grand jury round will receive a minimum grant of Rs 1 lakh. The top two start-ups in each sector will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each, while the next five will receive Rs 5 lakh each. Additionally, the next five start-ups in each sector will secure Rs 3 lakh each.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, emphasized the initiative’s transformative impact: “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia noted that the challenge would play a crucial role in driving India’s startup ecosystem forward: “By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”
DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv highlighted the initiative’s mission: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between startups and investors, providing a structured, high-impact platform for start-ups to showcase their innovations and gain direct access to funding and mentorship.”
A Platform for India’s Future Unicorns
The challenge is expected to evaluate over 5,000 start-ups, offering them a unique opportunity to scale with the backing of 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists.
Anjali Bansal, founding partner at Avaana Capital, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Initiatives like Startup Maha Rathi provide catalytic support to entrepreneurs solving for India’s critical priorities—green growth, sustainability, energy transition, food systems, agriculture, and deep tech. The programs not only showcase India’s entrepreneurial strength but also reinforces our ability to develop scalable solutions aligned with national priorities and position India as a global leader to accelerate towards a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive Viksit Bharat.”
Prashant Prakash, founding partner at Accel, said, “Aimed at evaluating more than 5,000 startups, Startup Maha Rathi presents a unique opportunity to identify and invest in startups that have the potential to drive India’s economic transformation. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses with the right financial and strategic backing.”
How to Apply
Applications for the Startup Maha Rathi 2025 will open on February 26, 2025, with a deadline of March 7, 2025.
The next round for start-ups that are shortlisted after an initial screening, will need to present virtually a jury panel between March 15 and 25.
Eligible start-ups must be DPIIT-recognized, in their early or growth stages, and operating as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm in India.
Applications are open until March 7, 2025, and interested start-ups can apply through the official Startup India website: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/challenge.html?applicationId=67bdbb76e4b0c167e9f99da2.
