Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC
National blockchain and Web3 startup challenge for citizen-centric solutions
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- C-DAC (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (27 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Blockchain India Challenge is a national innovation competition launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in partnership with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Its goal is to accelerate the development of citizen-centric solutions using Blockchain and Web3 technologies, leveraging India's startup ecosystem to build digital infrastructure that enhances transparency, trust, and efficiency in governance and public services.
The challenge is structured as a multi-stage competition progressing from ideation to deployment. Participating startups develop solutions aligned with real-world government use cases such as land administration, supply chain management, health data integrity, e-procurement systems, public distribution systems, and digital document management. The program provides structured mentorship from C-DAC and domain experts, along with financial incentives across development stages. Winning solutions may be deployed with government departments and potentially hosted on the National Blockchain Technology Stack for broader adoption.
Key criteria: solutions must be non-crypto based Blockchain or Web3 applications. The challenge offers up to ₹50 Lakh in total funding as grants across stages, and applications close on 27th March 2026.
Highlights
- Open to Indian startups building non-crypto Blockchain and Web3 solutions.
- Focus on citizen-centric applications for government departments.
- Financial incentives up to ₹50 Lakh across stages.
- Structured mentorship from C-DAC and domain experts.
- Winners may be deployed on government platforms and the National Blockchain Technology Stack.
Who can apply
Open to startups and innovators developing solutions using Blockchain or Web3 technologies. Solutions must focus on citizen-centric applications addressing real-world challenges relevant to government departments, and must be non-crypto based. Startups may apply with ideas or existing solutions aligned with government use case categories such as land administration, e-procurement, digital forensics, public distribution systems, supply chain management, power, health data systems, and document management. They may also propose solutions in additional sectors like agriculture, education, or finance if collaboration with a relevant state or central government department is established for piloting or adoption.
Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC 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 Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC closed on 27 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total grant support up to ₹50 Lakh across multiple development stages.
- Structured mentorship from C-DAC and domain experts throughout the innovation stages.
- Opportunity for winning solutions to be deployed with government departments.
- Selected solutions may be hosted on the National Blockchain Technology Stack and scaled for broader adoption across India's digital governance ecosystem.
About the provider
Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC is offered by C-DAC, a government body. As a government-backed competition, 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
The challenge is a multi-stage innovation competition. Progressing from ideation to deployment, participating solutions are evaluated and advanced through several rounds. Selected ventures receive mentorship, milestone-based financial incentives, and a final opportunity for government deployment.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC, 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
Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered by the Blockchain India Challenge?
Total grant support is up to ₹50 Lakh distributed across multiple development stages.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 27th March 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Startups and innovators based anywhere in India who are developing non-crypto Blockchain or Web3 solutions. Your idea must focus on citizen-centric applications addressing government use cases or, if in other sectors like agriculture or finance, must be carried out with a state or central government department.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is a grant, so it is non-dilutive and does not require giving up any equity.
What types of solutions are preferred?
Solutions in areas such as land administration, e-procurement, digital forensics, public distribution systems, supply chain management, power utilities, health data systems, and digital document management. You can also propose solutions for other sectors if you partner with a relevant government department.
What documents are typically needed for application?
The challenge does not publicly list specific document requirements. However, you will likely need to submit details of your startup, your proposed solution (including its relevance to government use cases), and possibly a pitch deck or technical description. The exact requirements are provided on the apply link.
How do I apply?
Visit the official application page at https://challenge.cdac.in and follow the instructions.
What do winners receive beyond funding?
Winners receive structured mentorship from C-DAC and domain experts, and the opportunity to have their solution deployed with government departments. Successfully deployed solutions may also be hosted on the National Blockchain Technology Stack for national scaling.
Is this program only for early-stage startups?
The challenge is open to both idea-stage and existing solutions, as long as they align with the focus areas and eligibility guidelines.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC?
Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC is offered by C-DAC, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC
Not sure Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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