The Startup MahaRathi Challenge, unveiled at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, is set to invigorate India's entrepreneurial landscape with a substantial ₹70 crore prize pool.
Announced by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, this initiative aims to foster innovation in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, biotechnology, and more.
Minister Goyal highlighted the challenge as India's largest privately funded startup competition, emphasising its role in encouraging new ventures. He expressed his enthusiasm on the social media platform X, stating, "₹70 crore challenge money to encourage new startups!"
Startup MahaRathi Challenge Details
The Startup MahaRathi Challenge is designed to identify and support startups that demonstrate exceptional potential in various high-impact domains.
The competition encompasses themes including AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, climate tech, agri-tech, gaming and sports, and fintech.
Startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were eligible to register between February 26 and March 12, 2025. The challenge targeted early-growth-stage startups operating across India, aiming to provide them with a platform for growth and visibility.
Shortlisted startups will have the opportunity to take part in mentorship programs tailored to their industry.
At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the top 150 startups will present their concepts to a grand jury. A live pitching finale will mark the end of the competition during the event in New Delhi.
The winners will get financial support, coaching, and national recognition, giving them a stage on which to present their inventions to a larger audience.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 serves as a pivotal platform, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to collaborate and drive the startup ecosystem forward. And the Startup MahaRathi Challenge stands out as a testament to India's dedication to nurturing innovation and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase the number of government-registered startups in India.
As of early 2025, there were approximately 1.57 lakh registered startups, a significant increase from 450 in 2016. Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed optimism about reaching 10 lakh registered startups in the next decade, reflecting the government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.
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