CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon
A national AI/ML hackathon by IndiaAI and CDSCO to innovate regulatory processes for drugs and medical devices, offering an ₹85 lakh prize pool including a work contract.
- Funding amount
- ₹85L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- IndiaAI (MeitY) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (30 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon is a national-scale competition organised by IndiaAI (MeitY) in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). It invites innovators to build AI/ML solutions that streamline and improve the regulatory review of new drugs, medical devices, and clinical trials. The aim is to reduce document-heavy bottlenecks and integrate with existing SUGAM and MD Online portals, boosting efficiency and transparency in India's health regulation.
Teams will work on four core themes:
- Data Anonymisation: Detect and anonymise Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) in structured and unstructured data, complying with the DPDP Act 2023.
- Document Summarisation: Create AI models to summarise complex regulatory documents into standardised, concise text.
- Completeness Assessment & Classification: Identify missing fields, classify deficiency severity, and detect duplicate submissions.
- Comparison & Reporting: Track version changes in documents and generate comprehensive reports on inspection observations.
The hackathon has a two-stage format. Stage 1 is virtual development, where teams build and refine their solutions remotely. The top 10 teams then advance to Stage 2, a 5-day on-premise round at CDSCO headquarters in New Delhi, where they further develop and present their innovations. The competition begins on March 19, 2026.
Only Indian companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 (with at least 51% Indian shareholding) and DPIIT-recognised startups may apply. Applicants must show proprietary solutions backed by technical documentation, certifications, IP/patents, and prior deployment experience.
To apply, register and submit by April 30, 2026 on the IndiaAI Aikosh platform.
Highlights
- National AI/ML hackathon by IndiaAI (MeitY) and CDSCO to improve drug and medical device regulation.
- ₹85 lakh total prize pool, including a ₹50 lakh work contract for the top team.
- Two-stage format: virtual development followed by a 5-day on-premise round in New Delhi.
- Four problem themes: data anonymisation, document summarisation, completeness assessment, and comparison/reporting.
- Open to Indian companies (51%+ Indian shareholding) and DPIIT-recognised startups.
- Registration deadline: April 30, 2026, on the IndiaAI Aikosh platform.
Who can apply
Open exclusively to Indian companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 with a minimum of 51% Indian shareholding, and startups recognised by DPIIT. Applicants must demonstrate a proprietary solution supported by comprehensive technical documentation, relevant certifications, intellectual property (IP) or patents, and prior deployment experience.
CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon 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 CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon closed on 30 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Total prize pool of ₹85 lakh.
- The top team receives a ₹50 lakh work contract to implement their solution within CDSCO.
- Cash prizes for the top three teams.
- A special cash prize for an outstanding all-women team.
About the provider
CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon is offered by IndiaAI (MeitY), 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
Applicants submit their solutions during Stage 1 (virtual development). From all entries, the top 10 performing teams are selected to advance to Stage 2, an intensive 5-day on-premise round held at CDSCO headquarters in New Delhi. In Stage 2, teams further develop and present their innovations, and winners are chosen based on evaluation criteria (not specified in the source).
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon, 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
CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹85L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The total prize pool is ₹85 lakh. The top team receives a ₹50 lakh work contract, and cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams, with a special cash prize for an all-women team.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Only Indian companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 with at least 51% Indian shareholding, and DPIIT-recognised startups, are eligible. You must also demonstrate a proprietary solution with technical documentation, certifications, IP/patents, and prior deployment experience.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, startups must be DPIIT-recognised. Companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 with 51%+ Indian shareholding are also eligible even if not a startup.
What stage or industry is this for?
This is a hackathon for AI/ML solutions in health regulatory processes, specifically for drug and medical device review. No specific startup stage is mentioned; any eligible entity can apply.
Does the program take equity?
No. This is a competition with cash prizes and a work contract. It does not involve equity investment.
What documents or materials are needed to apply?
You need to provide comprehensive technical documentation, relevant certifications, IP or patents, and evidence of prior deployment of your solution.
How do I apply?
Register and submit your application through the official IndiaAI Aikosh platform at the URL provided in the program details.
Can international companies apply?
No, only Indian companies with at least 51% Indian shareholding or DPIIT-recognised Indian startups are eligible.
What are the problem statements?
The hackathon focuses on four themes: data anonymisation (under DPDP Act 2023), document summarisation, completeness assessment & classification, and comparison & reporting.
Who offers CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon?
CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon is offered by IndiaAI (MeitY), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon
Not sure CDSCO-IndiaAI Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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