Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26
National deep-tech innovation challenge offering grants up to ₹2.5Cr, mentorship, and ecosystem access for frontier technology startups.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Avaana Capital (VC/Investor)
- Application deadline
- Closed (23 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025–26 is a flagship national initiative aimed at identifying and empowering breakthrough deep-tech startups that address India’s most critical strategic priorities. Now in its third edition, this challenge has become a leading platform backed by policymakers, industry leaders, academia, and capital providers. It enables startups to accelerate growth through national recognition, non-dilutive grant support, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. The program seeks to unify India’s frontier technology ecosystem and foster innovation-led growth toward a resilient and future-ready Bharat.
Highlights
- Grants up to ₹2.5Cr with no equity dilution
- Open to deep-tech startups across energy, mobility, space, AI, advanced manufacturing, and more
- Third edition of a flagship initiative backed by policymakers and industry leaders
- Includes mentorship, masterclasses, cloud credits, and national exposure
- Aligned with India’s strategic priorities and national imperatives
Who can apply
The challenge is open to startups and innovators working on deep-tech and frontier technology solutions aligned with India’s national priorities and strategic imperatives. Eligible domains include: energy & mobility, advanced manufacturing, space tech, AI & automation, next-generation materials, bioengineering, and research-stage innovation. Startups at early to growth stages with strong innovation depth and scalability potential are encouraged to apply.
Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 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 Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 closed on 23 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive monetary grants of up to ₹2.5Cr (non-dilutive), expert-led masterclasses, mentorship from Grand Challenge partners, showcase opportunities at national forums, corporate cloud and technology credits, and access to follow-on funding and acceleration programs.
About the provider
Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 is offered by Avaana Capital, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by Avaana Capital as a grant. 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
Applications are submitted online via the Startup India portal. The selection process includes evaluation based on innovation depth, scalability potential, and alignment with national priorities. Shortlisted startups may be invited for pitching or interviews. Exact stages and durations are not specified by the program.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26, 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
Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 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 through this challenge?
Selected startups can receive monetary grants of up to ₹2.5Cr. The funding is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 23rd February 2026.
Which sectors or industries are eligible?
Eligible sectors include energy & mobility, advanced manufacturing, space tech, AI & automation, next-generation materials, bioengineering, and research-stage innovation.
At what stage should my startup be?
The challenge is open to early to growth-stage startups with strong innovation depth and scalability potential.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The program does not specify any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration. Eligibility is based on being a startup or innovator working on deep-tech solutions.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is provided as a grant, which is non-dilutive. No equity stake is taken.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The program does not list specific documents, but applicants should be prepared to provide details about their innovation, team, and alignment with national priorities.
How do I apply for the Grand Challenge?
Applications are submitted online through the Startup India portal at the official program page. The link is provided in the program details.
Are there any benefits besides the grant?
Yes, selected startups also receive expert-led masterclasses, mentorship from partners, showcase opportunities at national forums, corporate cloud and technology credits, and access to follow-on funding and acceleration programs.
Who runs this challenge?
The challenge is run by Avaana Capital in partnership with Startup India, making it a government-backed initiative.
Who is eligible to apply for Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26?
Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Alternatives to Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26
Not sure Avaana – Startup India Grand Challenge for Deep Tech Innovation 2025-26 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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