FundingRs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh
Equity-free Idea Logistics & Mobility
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Closed Grant Equity-free
DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26
by Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation
The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 is a national-level innovation initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in collaboration with IIT Madras. The program aims to identify, support, and scale innovative technological solutions addressing critical challenges in drinking water quality and sanitation across India, with a strong focus on rural and decentralized contexts. The challenge is structured around two
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About this scheme
The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 is a national-level innovation initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in collaboration with IIT Madras. The program aims to identify, support, and scale innovative technological solutions addressing critical challenges in drinking water quality and sanitation across India, with a strong focus on rural and decentralized contexts.
The challenge is structured around two focused tracks. Track 1 concentrates on the development of portable water testing devices capable of detecting chemical and bacteriological parameters, enabling accurate assessment of drinking water quality at the source. Solutions are expected to provide digital outputs, support data transmission through mobile or SIM-enabled systems, and offer actionable insights on water safety. Track 2 focuses on sanitation through the development of small-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable plastic waste disposal systems, particularly for managing multi-layered plastics at the rural level.
Selected innovators will receive national-level visibility, structured mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and domain experts, opportunities for field trials, and incubation and proof-of-concept support. The program is designed not only as a cash award challenge but also as a pathway for real-world validation, adoption, and scale-up of impactful solutions aligned with national missions such as Jal Jeevan Mission.
Who can apply
- Open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities
- Applicants must propose solutions aligned with either the water quality or sanitation track
- Solutions can be at idea, prototype, or early MVP stage
- Innovations should demonstrate feasibility for field deployment, affordability, and scalability
- Applicants must be willing to participate in mentorship, evaluation, and field trial processes as defined by DDWS and IIT Madras
Official application
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Applications are submitted directly with Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
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Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
How much funding does DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 provide?
DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 provides up to Rs. 3 lakh. The exact amount sanctioned depends on the proposal and the evaluation by the program authority.
Is DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 currently accepting applications?
Closed on Feb 7, 2026. Always confirm the current window with the program authority before preparing your application.
Does DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025, 26 take equity?
No. This program is listed as equity-free, which means the funding does not dilute your shareholding. Review the official terms for any debt or convertible components.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
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