OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0

About this scheme

The OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP) is an incubation initiative specifically designed for Animation startups, strategically operated by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under its OctaNE initiative in Shillong, Meghalaya. STPI, an autonomous society operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, plays a pivotal role in fostering India's IT and ITES sectors and supporting the startup ecosystem through various Centres of Excellence. This program aims to cultivate innovation within the rapidly evolving Animation sector, leveraging STPI's established infrastructure and extensive network to position India as a key player in global animation.

Selected startups receive significant seed funding of up to Rs. 25 lakh (Rs. 25,00,000). This financial support is disbursed in tranches, contingent upon the achievement of predefined milestones, ensuring judicious use of funds. The program adheres to a near-zero-equity model, a standard for STPI CoE incubators, ensuring minimal dilution for participating companies. This structure provides substantial financial backing while allowing founders to retain significant ownership and control over their ventures.

Beyond monetary assistance, the program offers a comprehensive suite of support. This includes dedicated 24/7 incubation space at STPI Shillong, fully equipped with industry-standard Animation lab facilities and tools. Participants benefit from comprehensive mentorship provided by industry experts, specialized domain-specific training programs tailored to the animation industry, and extensive support for marketing, networking, and business development. Additionally, the program includes crucial IPR and legal assistance, such as patent facilitation, alongside strategic networking and collaboration opportunities with key industry players and government bodies, fostering growth and market access.

Who can apply

• Eligibility for the OctaNE Open Challenge Program requires startups to be incorporated as a Private Limited Company (Companies Act 2013), Registered Partnership Firm (Partnership Act 1932), or LLP (LLP Act 2008).
• This ensures a formal legal structure for all participating entities.
• The startup must have been incorporated within the last 10 years, focusing the program's support on early to growth-stage ventures.
• Annual turnover must not have exceeded Rs.
• 100 crore in any financial year since incorporation, ensuring the program caters to small and medium enterprises.
• It is critical that the startup is an original venture, not formed by splitting up or restructuring an existing business, promoting genuine new enterprise creation.
• Applicants must be actively working on innovation, development, or improvement of Animation products, services, or processes that demonstrate clear potential to create employment and generate wealth within the sector.
• Startups that are not yet registered at the time of application must complete their formal registration within three months of selection into the program.
• This program is open to eligible startups located across all states and union territories of India, supporting nationwide participation.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive up to Rs.
• 25 lakh in seed funding, disbursed in tranches tied to milestone achievement, under a near-zero-equity model.
• Beyond financial support, the program offers 24/7 incubation space at STPI Shillong, complete with industry-standard Animation lab facilities and tools, alongside comprehensive mentorship.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), in your own name.

1. 1

   A distinguished selection committee evaluates shortlisted applicants based on their solution's innovation potential, animation domain expertise, founding team capability, business model scalability, and projected employment creation.

2. 2

   Funding disbursement is contingent upon achieving predefined milestones.

Frequently asked questions