HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge
Indian students: identify community problems, raise help requests on HELPSTiR, and design tech-driven solutions for social impact. ₹10,000 cash prizes.
- Funding amount
- ₹10,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (19 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge – titled 'Power to Help' – is a national-level student competition that calls on undergraduates and postgraduates across India to step out of the classroom and into their communities. The goal is straightforward: discover real human needs, document them on HELPSTiR’s AI-enabled platform, and build an actionable case study showing how technology can improve those lives at scale.
This is not a theoretical exercise. Participants must speak with actual community members facing difficulties in education, livelihood, or disability access. After creating verified help requests for two such individuals, participants submit an 8–10 slide case study that connects what they observed to a solution built on HELPSTiR’s location-based AI platform.
The competition is designed for socially-minded students who want to blend fieldwork, empathy, and technology. It is also the first step towards becoming a HELPSTiR Campus Ambassador, securing a priority internship, or gaining direct mentorship from the founder.
The total prize pool is ₹10,000, with awards across multiple ranks, public LinkedIn recognition, and exclusive merit certificates for verified entries.
Highlights
- ₹10,000 cash prize pool
- Open to Indian undergraduate & postgraduate students
- Solo participation only
- Mentorship & internship priority
- Design tech solutions for social impact
Who can apply
The challenge is open exclusively to Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students. Only solo participation is allowed – no teams. Every applicant must register on both the HELPSTiR platform and Unstop before submitting their entry.
HELPSTiR 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
The most recent application window for HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge closed on 19 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Cash prizes: ₹5,000 (1st place) + ₹3,000 (2nd) + ₹2,000 (3rd) = total ₹10,000 prize pool.
- Top 3 winners: LinkedIn feature on HELPSTiR’s official handle + HELPSTiR Certificate of Merit.
- 4th & 5th place (runners‑up): 30‑minute one‑on‑one session with founder Alice Luke + priority preference for the HELPSTiR Campus Ambassador programme + exclusive branded merchandise.
- Top 10 ranked submissions: Certificate of Merit + public LinkedIn shoutout.
- All participants with a verified submission: Certificate of Participation + community member status + priority consideration for HELPSTiR internships.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to HELPSTiR 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.
Who this is best for
HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge?
The HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge, titled 'Power to Help', is a flagship student competition where Indian undergraduates and postgraduates identify real community problems, raise help requests on the HELPSTiR platform, and build a case study showing how AI can deliver tech-driven, scalable solutions.
What are the cash prizes?
Cash prizes total ₹10,000: 1st place gets ₹5,000, 2nd place gets ₹3,000, and 3rd place gets ₹2,000.
Who can apply?
Only Indian undergraduate and postgraduate students. Solo participation only – teams are not allowed.
How do I apply?
You must register on both HELPSTiR and Unstop. Then sign up on the HELPSTiR platform, meet two real people in your community, raise help requests for them (with documented consent), and submit your 8–10 slide case study as a PDF on Unstop. Include your HELPSTiR username, full name, college, course, year of study, contact email, and phone number in the submission.
Are there any document submissions or eligibility restrictions?
No DPIIT or MSME registration is required. The only requirement is being an Indian undergraduate or postgraduate student. You must provide documented beneficiary consent in their preferred language, and the beneficiary’s identity may not appear in public decks without their consent.
What filing or compliance does this involve?
There is no equity dilution or compliance outside of the competition rules. Participants must ensure no fabricated help requests are submitted – fake entries lead to immediate disqualification.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 19 June 2026.
Does the program take equity or is it a grant?
It is a cash prize competition. There is no equity taken and the funding is non-dilutive.
What types of community problems can I address?
You must select two individuals from three categories: (1) Education Help – those whose learning access is hindered; (2) Livelihood Help – individuals whose earning path is blocked (e.g. migrant workers, women without market access); (3) Disability Help – people living with disabilities who are not receiving entitled support or assistive devices.
How will my entry be evaluated?
Submissions are graded on a 100-point scale: 30 points for field rigour and insight from help requests, 20 points for pattern recognition, 25 points for AI solution feasibility, 15 points for platform fit, and 10 points for communication and design quality.
How much funding does HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge provide?
HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge provides ₹10,000 (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge
Not sure HELPSTiR 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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