HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about HELPSTiR Innovation Challenge — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
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.