DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction
DPCC seeks low-cost, scalable tech solutions to reduce PM2.5/PM10 emissions in Delhi, with testing costs covered and cash prizes up to ₹50 lakh.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L – ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has launched the Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction, a flagship initiative by the Government of NCT of Delhi. The program aims to source and support low-cost, easy-to-maintain, scalable, and effective technological solutions for air pollution in Delhi. It invites path-breaking ideas targeting two main areas: reducing/absorbing/capturing PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from BS-IV or below vehicles, and reducing/absorbing/capturing these emissions from the ambient air. Selected innovations receive funding in stages, covering rigorous testing and awarding cash prizes—an initial ₹5 lakhs for every proposal that clears field trials, and a final ₹50 lakhs incentive for projects recommended for deployment.
Highlights
- Open to individuals, startups, R&D institutions, universities, companies, and any legal entity across India.
- Focus on low-cost, scalable solutions to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 from vehicles or ambient air.
- Funding includes ₹5 lakh initial award, ₹50 lakh final incentive, and testing costs up to ₹10 lakh covered.
- Solutions must be at TRL 6-9 with working prototypes ready for field demonstration.
- Selection involves rigorous testing by DPCC and NPL laboratories.
- No equity taken—pure grant funding.
Who can apply
The challenge is open to individuals, startups (DPIIT-registered), R&D institutions, universities, companies, partnerships, and any other legal entity or team across India. Applicants must have working prototypes/models/devices ready for field demonstration, supported by video/photographs. Solutions should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–9 and focus on reducing vehicular or ambient PM2.5/PM10 emissions. Additionally, participants must submit a self-signed declaration agreeing to bear the cost of providing at least 5 units of the model for testing, if required by the Independent Technical Evaluation Committee (ITEC).
DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction 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 DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction closed on 15 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Successful proposals receive financial support in stages:
- Initial Award: ₹5 lakhs for every proposal that successfully completes Stage 2 (Field Trials and Validation).
- Final Award: ₹50 lakhs for every project that clears Stage 3 and is formally recommended to the GNCTD for potential deployment.
- Testing Costs: DPCC covers testing costs up to ₹10 lakhs per submission for Stage 2.
No equity is taken; the funding is a grant.
About the provider
DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction is offered by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), 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
The selection involves three stages:
-
Stage 1: Proposal Submission & Screening – Submit a complete proposal (single PDF) and a pitch deck (max 20 slides) via the online link. DPCC screens proposals for originality, validity, and completeness within 7 working days.
-
Stage 2: Shortlisting & Field Trials – Screened proposals are critically reviewed by the Independent Technical Evaluation Committee (ITEC) based on: Absorption/Reduction in Emissions (25% weightage), Cost-effectiveness, Scalability (TRL 6-9), and Make in India component. Proposals clearing this stage receive a ₹5 lakh cash reward, and then undergo rigorous field trials (up to 7 days), with costs covered by DPCC up to ₹10 lakhs.
-
Stage 3: Final Recommendation – Successful projects undergo further testing by NPL or equivalent laboratories (cost covered by DPCC). Projects verified and approved are recommended to GNCTD and awarded an additional ₹50 lakhs incentive.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction, 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
DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L – ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Eligible projects can receive an initial award of ₹5 lakhs for clearing field trials (Stage 2) and a final incentive of ₹50 lakhs for projects recommended for deployment (Stage 3). Testing costs up to ₹10 lakhs per submission are also covered by DPCC during Stage 2.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting proposals is November 15, 2025.
Who can apply?
The challenge is open to individuals, startups (must be DPIIT-registered), R&D institutions, universities, companies, partnerships, and any other legal entity or team across India.
Do I need DPIIT registration?
Yes, if you are applying as a startup, you must be DPIIT-registered. Other applicant types (individuals, institutions, etc.) do not require DPIIT registration.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant program. No equity is taken in exchange for the funding.
What technology readiness level is required?
Solutions should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to 9, meaning they must have a working prototype ready for field demonstration.
What documents do I need to submit?
You need to submit a complete proposal in a single PDF, a pitch deck (maximum 20 slides), and proof of your working prototype (video/photographs). Additionally, a self-signed declaration agreeing to provide up to 5 units for testing if required.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via an online Google Form. The link is provided on the official DPCC or StartupFunds.in page.
Is the program open to applicants outside Delhi?
Yes, the challenge is open to teams and entities across India, not limited to Delhi.
What areas should the solution address?
The solution must target either reducing/absorbing/capturing PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from BS-IV or below vehicles, or from the ambient air.
Who offers DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction?
DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction is offered by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction
Not sure DPCC Innovation Challenge for Air Pollution Reduction is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.