Blockchain India Challenge - MeitY & C-DAC

The Blockchain India Challenge is a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Its primary goal is to foster the creation of innovative, citizen-centric solutions leveraging Blockchain and Web3 technologies within India's vibrant startup ecosystem. This program aims to build robust digital infrastructure that enhances transparency, trust, and overall efficiency in public services and government operations.

This challenge is structured as a comprehensive innovation competition, guiding participants from initial ideation through to solution deployment. Startups are encouraged to develop solutions that align with critical government use cases, including but not limited to land administration, supply chain management, ensuring health data integrity, e-procurement systems, public distribution systems, and digital document management.

Participants benefit from structured mentorship provided by C-DAC and various domain experts. The program also offers financial incentives at different stages of development. Successful solutions have the unique opportunity to be deployed within government departments, potentially hosted on the National Blockchain Technology Stack, and scaled for broader adoption across India's digital governance landscape.

• National innovation challenge by MeitY and C-DAC.
• Focus on citizen-centric Blockchain and Web3 solutions.
• Grants of up to ₹50 lakhs available.
• Deadline for applications is March 27, 2026.
• Solutions must be non-crypto based.
• Mentorship and government deployment opportunities.

The Blockchain India Challenge is open to startups and innovators who are developing solutions using Blockchain or Web3 technologies.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Solutions must be citizen-centric and address real-world challenges pertinent to government departments.
• Proposed solutions must be non-crypto based Blockchain or Web3 applications.
• Startups can apply with ideas or existing solutions that align with identified 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.
• Innovators may also propose solutions for additional sectors like agriculture, education, or finance, provided they establish a collaboration with a relevant state or central government department 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.

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.

The Blockchain India Challenge provides substantial support to selected startups and innovators. Participants receive financial incentives across various development stages, with potential grants of up to ₹50 lakhs available.

Beyond financial assistance, the program offers:

• Structured mentorship from experts at C-DAC and other domain specialists.
• Opportunities for winning solutions to be deployed with government departments.
• The potential for selected solutions to be hosted on the National Blockchain Technology Stack.
• Support for scaling solutions for wider adoption within India's digital governance ecosystem.

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.

The selection process for the Blockchain India Challenge is structured as a multi-stage innovation competition. This progression guides participants from the initial ideation phase through to the eventual deployment of their solutions. While specific stage names and durations are not detailed, the process involves rigorous evaluation of proposed Blockchain and Web3 solutions based on their innovation, citizen-centric focus, and relevance to government use cases. Solutions advance through successive stages, culminating in the selection of promising innovations for further development and potential government deployment.

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.

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.