Bharat Startup Grand Challenge (BSGC) 2026

• Indian startups across edtech, healthtech or fintech at any stage.

About this scheme

The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge (BSGC) 2026 is a DPIIT-approved national startup innovation initiative aimed at identifying, supporting, and scaling high-impact startups addressing critical challenges across India's key economic and social sectors.

The program is designed to bring together startups, government bodies, industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners to collaboratively solve sector-specific problem statements aligned with national priorities. Through a structured challenge-led approach, startups receive financial support, mentorship, incubation opportunities, and national-level visibility.

BSGC 2026 features twelve focused challenge statements spanning areas such as agriculture, healthcare, electric mobility, fintech, manufacturing, defence, sustainability, and social impact. Selected startups gain access to expert guidance, ecosystem partnerships, opportunities for pilots, and grant support to accelerate product development and real-world deployment, contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Who can apply

• The applicant must be a startup registered and operating in India
• The startup should be working on solutions aligned with one of the twelve official BSGC 2026 challenge statements
• Startups may be at idea, prototype, MVP, or early revenue stage
• The solution should address a real-world, high-impact problem relevant to India's growth and development
• The startup should demonstrate innovation, scalability, and potential for measurable impact
• Founders must be willing to engage with mentors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners during the program

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive financial grant support to accelerate product development and real-world deployment.
• Benefits include mentorship, incubation opportunities, national-level visibility, expert guidance, ecosystem partnerships, and opportunities for pilots.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with MASA Forum, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applications are reviewed by the BSGC evaluation committee, comprising industry and ecosystem experts.

2. 2

   Shortlisted startups are then selected for program benefits.

Frequently asked questions