FundingFunding opportunities up to ₹10 Lakh through ACIC-VGU schemes
Equity-free Idea AI, SaaS & Enterprise
ClosesAug 15, 2026
Closed Competition Equity-free
DeepTech Bharat Hackathon 2026
by Nashik Engineering Cluster (NEC) – Innovation Incubation Centre (n InC)
DeepTech Bharat Hackathon 2026 is an innovation challenge by Nashik Engineering Cluster to identify and incubate high-impact startups, innovators and entrepreneurs across deep-tech, manufacturing, AI, robotics, mobility, clean energy and defence sectors. Five winning teams receive cash prizes and incubation support.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
- Technology innovation challenge for startups and innovators.
- Multi-stage expert evaluation and pitching process.
- Incubation opportunity at NEC Innovation Incubation Centre.
- Cash prizes for top five teams.
- Open to startups, students, companies and innovators across India.
About this scheme
DeepTech Bharat Hackathon 2026 is organized by Nashik Engineering Cluster (NEC) through its Innovation Incubation Centre (n InC) in collaboration with Manthan and other supporting organizations.
The programme aims to identify high-potential startups, innovators and entrepreneurs developing impactful technologies and innovative business solutions. Selected participants progress through multiple evaluation rounds including expert review, online pitching and a final jury presentation at Nashik Engineering Cluster.
The top five winning teams receive cash awards of Rs. 25,000 each and are offered incubation support at NEC's Innovation Incubation Centre to accelerate product development and commercialization.
Who can apply
- Open to all Indian citizens.
- Individuals, teams, startups and entrepreneurs can apply.
- Academic institutions, companies and organizations are eligible.
- Maximum two proposals per team.
- Proposed solution must demonstrate clear innovation and implementation potential.
Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship, Individual Innovator
Benefits & funding
Headline support
Rs. 25,000 cash prize for each of 5 winning teams + Incubation Opportunity
- Apply through the online application form.
- Accept the programme terms and conditions.
- Submit innovation proposal before the deadline.
- ₹25,000 cash prize for each of five winning teams.
- Certificate of participation for Phase II finalists.
- Certificate of Merit for Top 10 finalists.
- Incubation opportunity at NEC Innovation Incubation Centre.
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Exposure to investors and industry leaders.
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Nashik Engineering Cluster (NEC) – Innovation Incubation Centre (n InC), in your own name.
- 1
Apply through the online application form.
- 2
Accept the programme terms and conditions.
- 3
Submit innovation proposal before the deadline.
- 4
Expert screening of applications.
- 5
Top 25 teams shortlisted.
- 6
Pitch before expert panel.
- 7
Top 10 teams present before Grand Jury at NEC.
- 8
Top 5 teams receive awards and incubation offer.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Documents checklist 4
- Innovation proposal
- Team details
- Company or startup details (if applicable)
- PAN details for prize disbursement (winners)
Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.
Official application
Ready to apply? Get the official link
Applications are submitted directly with Nashik Engineering Cluster (NEC) – Innovation Incubation Centre (n InC), 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
Apply in your own name with Nashik Engineering Cluster (NEC) – Innovation Incubation Centre (n InC). Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
Who can apply for the n InC DeepTech Bharat Hackathon 2026?
Indian citizens, startups, innovators, entrepreneurs, students, companies and academic institutions.
Is there any application fee?
No. Participation is completely free.
What are the prizes?
Five winning teams receive ₹25,000 each along with incubation opportunities at NEC.
How many ideas can one team submit?
A maximum of two proposals.
Will shortlisted participants receive certificates?
Yes. Phase II participants receive participation certificates, while Top 10 finalists receive Merit Certificates.
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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