DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26

The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is a significant national initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. This program is conducted in collaboration with IIT Madras, aiming to discover, support, and scale groundbreaking technological solutions. Its primary focus is on addressing critical issues related to drinking water quality and sanitation across India, with a specific emphasis on rural and decentralized environments.

The challenge is structured into two distinct tracks. Track 1 is dedicated to the creation of portable devices for testing water, capable of identifying both chemical and bacteriological parameters. These devices should provide digital outputs, support data transmission via mobile or SIM-enabled systems, and offer practical insights into water safety. Track 2 focuses on sanitation, encouraging the development of small-scale, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly systems for plastic waste disposal, particularly targeting multi-layered plastics in rural areas.

Innovators selected for this challenge will gain national recognition, benefit from structured mentorship provided by IIT Madras faculty and other domain experts, and have opportunities for field trials. The program also offers incubation support and assistance for proof-of-concept development. Beyond being a cash award competition, it serves as a crucial pathway for the real-world validation, adoption, and scaling of impactful solutions that align with national missions like the Jal Jeevan Mission.

• National innovation challenge by DDWS and IIT Madras.
• Focus on drinking water quality and rural sanitation solutions.
• Open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and corporates.
• Offers cash awards up to ₹3,00,000.
• Provides structured mentorship, incubation, and field trial opportunities.
• Supports solutions from idea to early MVP stage.

The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 welcomes applications from a broad range of innovators.

• The program is open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities.
• Applicants must propose solutions that directly align with either the water quality or the sanitation track as defined by the challenge.
• Innovations can be at various stages of development, including the idea stage, prototype stage, or an early Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Proposed solutions should demonstrate their feasibility for deployment in real-world field conditions, be affordable, and possess the potential for scalability.
• All applicants must be prepared to actively participate in the mentorship, evaluation, and field trial processes as stipulated 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.

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.

The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 offers a comprehensive support package to selected innovators.

• Winners will receive cash awards of up to ₹3,00,000.
• Participants gain national-level visibility, enhancing their profile and reach.
• Structured mentorship is provided by experienced faculty from IIT Madras and other domain experts, offering valuable guidance.
• Opportunities are available for conducting field trials, allowing innovators to test and validate their solutions in real-world settings.
• The program includes incubation support and assistance for the development of a proof-of-concept, helping to advance the innovation from idea to viable solution.

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.

The selection process for the DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 involves several key stages designed to identify the most promising innovations.

• Application Submission: Innovators must register online and submit their detailed application through the official challenge portal.
• Screening and Evaluation: Proposals undergo a thorough screening and evaluation process. This assessment focuses on the technical merit of the solution, its innovative aspects, and its potential for significant impact.
• Mentorship and Masterclasses: Shortlisted participants are invited to engage in mentorship sessions and masterclasses. These are conducted by IIT Madras and other experts, providing guidance and refining their solutions.
• Grand Finale Presentation: The final selection is made after a grand finale event where participants present their innovations. A final evaluation determines the winners.
• Award and Support: Selected winners receive cash awards, along with incubation and proof-of-concept support.

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.

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.