DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26
National innovation challenge by DDWS & IIT Madras offering up to ₹3L grant for water testing devices and sanitation plastic waste disposal solutions.
- Funding amount
- ₹3L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (7 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is a national-level initiative by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in partnership with IIT Madras. It seeks innovative technological solutions to critical challenges in drinking water quality and sanitation, with a strong rural and decentralized focus.
The challenge has two tracks. Track 1 aims to develop portable water testing devices that detect chemical and bacteriological parameters, provide digital outputs, enable data transmission via mobile or SIM, and offer actionable water safety insights. Track 2 targets small-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable plastic waste disposal systems, especially for multi-layered plastics at the rural level.
Selected innovators receive national visibility, structured mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and experts, field trial opportunities, and incubation with proof-of-concept support. The program is a pathway to real-world validation and scaling, aligned with national missions like Jal Jeevan Mission.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹3L for winning innovations
- Two tracks: portable water testing devices and plastic waste disposal systems
- Open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities
- Mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and domain experts
- Opportunities for field trials and incubation support
- Aligned with Jal Jeevan Mission and national priorities
Who can apply
The challenge is open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities. Applicants must propose solutions aligned with either the water quality or sanitation track. Innovations can be at idea, prototype, or early MVP stage, and must demonstrate feasibility for field deployment, affordability, and scalability. Applicants must be willing to participate in mentorship, evaluation, and field trial processes as defined by DDWS and IIT Madras.
DDWS Innovation Challenge 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 DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 closed on 7 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected winners receive cash awards up to ₹3L, incubation support, proof-of-concept support, national-level visibility, structured mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and domain experts, and opportunities for field trials.
About the provider
DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is offered by Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, 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
- Online registration and submission of application through the official challenge portal
- Screening and evaluation of proposals based on technical merit, innovation, and impact potential
- Shortlisted participants undergo mentoring and masterclasses conducted by IIT Madras and experts
- Final selection through a grand finale presentation and evaluation
- Cash awards, incubation, and proof-of-concept support provided to selected winners
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DDWS Innovation Challenge 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
DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Winners receive a cash award of up to ₹3L, along with incubation and proof-of-concept support.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submissions is February 7, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The challenge is open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities. Solutions must address either water quality or sanitation, and can be at idea, prototype, or early MVP stage.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No specific mention of DPIIT or MSME registration is made; however, MSMEs are among the eligible entities.
Does the program take equity?
The program offers a grant of up to ₹3L and does not mention taking equity, so it is non-dilutive.
What documents are typically needed?
Applicants must submit their proposal through the official online portal, including details of their innovation, technical merit, and impact potential.
How do I apply?
Apply online via the official challenge portal at https://jaljeevaninnovate.iitm.ac.in.
Can I apply if my solution is still an idea?
Yes, solutions at idea, prototype, or early MVP stage are eligible.
What sectors does the challenge focus on?
The challenge focuses on water quality testing devices and plastic waste disposal systems, especially for rural areas.
Who offers DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26?
DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is offered by Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26
Not sure DDWS Innovation Challenge 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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