Ericsson Innovation Challenge
An opportunity for India-based innovators to develop and deploy impactful 5G solutions addressing real-world challenges across rural connectivity, healthcare, climate, agriculture, and manufacturing in India.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- TiE Delhi-NCR (network)
- Application deadline
- Closes in 7d (22 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Ericsson Innovation Challenge, launched to celebrate Ericsson's 150th anniversary, is a prestigious program run in partnership with TiE Delhi-NCR and IAN Mentoring and Incubation Services. It invites India's brightest minds to leverage 5G technology for social impact, not commercial gain. The challenge focuses on deploying validated 5G solutions in five key areas: rural connectivity and digital inclusion, healthcare access and diagnostics, climate and environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity and food security, and advanced manufacturing.
This initiative seeks solutions that are beyond the R&D stage and ready for real-world deployment to deliver measurable public benefit. Participants must commit to auditable outcomes and sustainable impact, contributing to national development goals by improving quality of life, economic growth, and environmental resilience, especially for underserved communities. The program underscores a commitment to fostering innovation in India's startup ecosystem, providing a platform for researchers, TTOs, incubatees, and startups to showcase and scale their technological prowess. It culminates in a showcase event at the India Mobile Congress, offering significant visibility for winning solutions.
Highlights
- Focus on 5G solutions for social impact in India
- Supported by Ericsson, TiE Delhi-NCR, and IAN
- Addresses 5 critical sectors: rural connectivity, healthcare, climate, agriculture, manufacturing
- Funding for deployment and demonstrable impact
- Showcase at India Mobile Congress 2026
Who can apply
The Ericsson Innovation Challenge is open to India-based individuals and teams, including researchers, faculty from academic or research institutions, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) applying on behalf of institutional projects, incubatees from government-approved incubators, and DPIIT-recognized or registered Indian startups. All applicants must propose a 5G solution that addresses one of the identified challenge areas, focusing on measurable social impact and deployment in India for Indian beneficiaries. The solution must be at a minimum technology readiness level of being validated in a relevant environment, as funding is for deployment and demonstrable impact, not for early-stage research or operations. The proposed program must be additive, meaning it would not occur without this specific funding and does not overlap with existing commercial activities.
Ericsson Innovation Challenge 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
Applications for Ericsson Innovation Challenge are open and the current deadline is Closes in 7d (22 Jul 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
The Ericsson Innovation Challenge provides funding to enable the deployment of proven 5G solutions that address critical challenges across India. While the exact grant amount is not specified, the program emphasizes supporting innovative solutions with measurable social impact, particularly in sectors like rural connectivity, healthcare, climate, agriculture, and manufacturing. Beyond financial support, winning innovators benefit from the extensive network and expertise of Ericsson, TiE Delhi-NCR, and IAN Mentoring and Incubation Services. This includes mentorship, incubation support to scale impactful ideas, and unparalleled visibility through a showcase at the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi, offering a platform to connect with industry leaders and potential partners.
About the provider
Ericsson Innovation Challenge is offered by TiE Delhi-NCR. It is delivered directly by TiE Delhi-NCR as a competition. 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
Applications for the Ericsson Innovation Challenge undergo a structured, multi-stage evaluation process managed jointly by TiE Delhi-NCR and its evaluation partners, including a joint committee. The assessment criteria focus on five key aspects: the 5G solution's innovativeness and its relevance to a real-world challenge with measurable social impact; the funding's role in enabling deployment rather than supporting direct R&D or operational costs; a commitment to specific, auditable public-impact metrics; the additive nature of the proposed program, ensuring it's not part of normal business operations; and the technology readiness of the 5G solution, which must be at a minimum of being validated in a relevant environment. Shortlisted teams may be invited for further presentations or interviews to elaborate on their proposals before final selections are made for the India Mobile Congress 2026 showcase.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Ericsson Innovation Challenge, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of the Ericsson Innovation Challenge?
The challenge aims to identify and support the deployment of innovative 5G technology solutions that deliver measurable social impact and address real-world challenges across key sectors in India, rather than serving as a commercial competition.
Who is eligible to apply for this challenge?
The challenge is open to India-based individuals and teams, including researchers, faculty from academic or research institutions, Technology Transfer Offices, incubatees from recognized incubators, and DPIIT-recognized or registered Indian startups.
What kind of solutions are not funded by this program?
The program does not fund early-stage R&D, salaries, overheads, or existing commercial activities. It specifically focuses on the deployment of solutions that are already validated and ready for implementation.
What are the key sectors for solutions?
The program is seeking 5G solutions across five priority areas: Rural connectivity and digital inclusion, Healthcare access and diagnostics, Climate and environmental sustainability, Agricultural productivity and food security, and Advanced manufacturing.
What is the expected outcome of the challenge?
Winning solutions are expected to demonstrate measurable public impact through deployment in India, with auditable outcomes. The challenge culminates in a showcase at the India Mobile Congress 2026.
Is DPIIT recognition mandatory for startups?
Yes, for startups, being DPIIT-recognized or a registered Indian entity is a requirement to apply.
How much funding is offered?
The exact grant amount is not specified in the program details. Funding is provided to enable deployment of proven 5G solutions, but the monetary value is not disclosed.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is July 22, 2026.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant-based challenge. It does not take equity in the winning solutions.
How do I apply?
Visit the official application page on the TiE Delhi-NCR website. Prepare your proposal outlining your 5G solution, its alignment with the challenge areas, and auditable public-impact metrics. Submit before the deadline.
Who offers Ericsson Innovation Challenge?
Ericsson Innovation Challenge is offered by TiE Delhi-NCR. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Ericsson Innovation Challenge
Not sure Ericsson Innovation Challenge is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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