MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 — Frequently Asked Questions

It is the Ministry of MSME's flagship innovation hackathon (run under the Incubation Component of the MSME Innovative Scheme), themed 'Frontier Technology in MSMEs — One Pillar, Six Themes'. Approved ideas get up to ₹15 lakh plus incubation support through an approved Host Institute to build a working prototype.

All Indian citizens aged 18 and above with a valid email and mobile number. You apply under one of three categories: MSME (with a Udyam Registration number), Student (with a Student Identity Card valid for FY 2026-27), or Others.

Up to a maximum of ₹15 lakh per approved idea, disbursed through the approved Host Institute, along with incubation and mentoring support to develop the idea into a prototype.

Apply online at https://innovative.msme.gov.in between 27 June and 14 July 2026.

Renewable Energy; Energy Efficiency; Automotive Technology; Industry 4.0 and 5.0; Robotics and Automation; and Other Frontier Technologies (advanced materials, drones, space, defence/dual-use, medical devices, electronics, etc.).

No. Once an idea is submitted, the Host Institute, category and other details cannot be changed at any stage. The same or a substantially similar idea must be submitted only once and to only one HI — duplicates are disqualified. Consult your chosen HI before submitting.

A Government-issued photo ID (preferably Aadhaar) as age proof; a Udyam Registration number (MSME category) or a Student Identity Card valid for FY 2026-27 (Student category); and an anonymised Block Diagram and Concept Note that do not reveal the incubatee/MSME's identity.

Through four stages: (1) Host Institute expert panels, (2) Ministry of MSME document screening, (3) thematic Domain Expert Selection Committees (DESCs) who score and recommend, and (4) final approval by the Project Monitoring & Advisory Committee (PMAC).

The idea must be strictly intended for developing a working prototype, model, proof-of-concept or product. It should be novel, scalable, and ideally reduce cost, improve quality of life or support clean and green energy.

Student applicants must commit to continuing and completing development of the idea even after their academic programme ends. If you don't intend to carry the work forward post-completion, you're advised not to apply.

Submitting false information, misconduct or canvassing; duplicate/multiple submissions; ideas that infringe novelty/originality or go against established scientific norms; or revealing identity in the block diagram/concept note. The incubatee and mentor cannot be the same person, and neither can sit on any evaluation committee.

The application deadline for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is Closes in 6d (21 Jul 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.

No. MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is offered by Ministry of MSME, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.