AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI
A global challenge for women-led teams to build AI solutions for public good, offering up to ₹2.5 Crore in grants.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IndiaAI (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI, run by IndiaAI, is a global innovation challenge inviting women technologists and women-led teams worldwide. The goal is to demonstrate AI solutions that tackle large-scale or novel real-world problems in areas like health, education, climate, and beyond.
The initiative promotes inclusive innovation, gender equity, and showcases AI-for-Good applications from the Global South. Up to 30 finalist teams will get the opportunity to present at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026. Key benefits include funding support up to ₹2.5 Crore for 10 winners, immersive bootcamps on Responsible AI and investor readiness, exclusive showcase at the Summit, travel and accommodation covered for up to two members per finalist team, and access to potential compute and cloud credits.
Highlights
- Open to women-led teams globally
- Grant of up to ₹2.5 Crore for 10 winners
- Finalists exhibit at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi (Feb 2026)
- Covers travel and accommodation for up to 2 members per team
- Includes bootcamps on Responsible AI and investor readiness
- Compute and cloud credits potential
Who can apply
The challenge is open to women-led teams or women-led entities from anywhere in the world. The core applying team must include at least one woman serving as technical lead, product lead, or business lead. Eligible applicants include students, universities, research institutions, autonomous bodies, startups, commercial enterprises, and non-profits. However, to receive the award money, the team must be registered as a Company or Startup before the Summit. AI solutions submitted must be pilot-ready (preparing for or having completed a pilot) or already scaling with market presence; a working prototype or mature solution is required. The solutions should be innovative, scalable, and focused on global good in thematic sectors such as Health, Education, Climate, and beyond.
AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI closed on 31 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Funding/investment support – Up to ₹2.5 Crore award money for 10 winners.
- Immersive bootcamps on Responsible AI, investor readiness, and pitching.
- Exclusive showcase at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi (February 2026).
- Travel and accommodation covered for up to two members per finalist team for the Summit.
- Access to potential compute and cloud credits.
About the provider
AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI is offered by IndiaAI, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
- Application Submission: Register and submit the AI solution online by the deadline.
- Round 1 Evaluation: Solutions are scored and shortlisted based on Solution Definition, Technical Feasibility, Business Model, Team Competence, and Potential Impact.
- Round 2 & Bootcamps: Shortlisted innovators are invited to present to a jury panel and may participate in virtual bootcamps (e.g., Investor Readiness).
- Summit Showcase & Award: Up to 30 finalist teams present at the India-AI Impact Summit and an exclusive Investor Pitch Session. Award money (up to ₹2.5 Crore) is given only to teams registered as a Company/Startup before the Summit.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The top 10 winners will receive award money of up to ₹2.5 Crore each.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 31, 2025.
Who can apply?
The challenge is open to women technologists and women-led teams globally, including students, universities, research institutions, autonomous bodies, startups, commercial enterprises, and non-profits. The core team must include at least one woman as a technical, product, or business lead. To receive award money, the team must register as a Company or Startup before the India-AI Impact Summit.
What stage should the AI solution be at?
The AI solution must be pilot-ready (ready for or having completed a pilot) or already scaling with market presence. A working prototype or mature solution is required.
What thematic areas does the challenge focus on?
Solutions should address global good in areas such as Health, Education, Climate, and beyond as determined by the organizers.
Does this program take equity?
No, the award is a grant. Equity is not taken.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for application, but to receive the award money the team must be registered as a Company or Startup before the Summit.
How are submissions evaluated?
Submissions are evaluated in two rounds. Round 1 scores based on Solution Definition, Technical Feasibility, Business Model, Team Competence, and Potential Impact. Round 2 involves a jury presentation and bootcamp participation.
What is the India-AI Impact Summit showcase?
Up to 30 finalist teams get a free in-person showcase opportunity at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026, along with an exclusive investor pitch session. Travel and accommodation for up to two members per team are covered.
How to apply?
Applications are submitted online via the official website (https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/events/ai-by-her) before the deadline.
Who offers AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI?
AI by HER: The Impact Challenge for Women in AI is offered by IndiaAI, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from IndiaAI
IndiaAI runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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