MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 — Up to ₹15 Lakh for Frontier-Tech Ideas — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a national innovation challenge organised by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, in line with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Indian citizens aged 18 and above submit ideas in frontier technology areas, and ideas that are approved receive funding of up to ₹15,00,000 to be developed through an approved Host Institute.

Up to ₹15,00,000 per approved idea. The amount varies by idea — the figure is a ceiling, not a fixed grant for everyone.

The assistance is released to an approved Host Institute, not to the individual who submitted the idea. The Host Institute then uses those funds to develop and nurture your idea. This is not a cash prize paid directly to applicants.

Any Indian citizen who is 18 years of age or older. You also need a valid email address and mobile number, since registration and idea submission both happen online.

You register as MSME, Student, or Others. The MSME category requires a Udyam Registration number. The Student category requires a valid student ID for FY 26-27. The Others category is for general innovators who do not fall into the first two.

DPIIT recognition is not required for this programme. MSME registration in the form of a Udyam Registration number is needed only if you apply under the MSME category; students and general innovators apply without it.

Ideas are invited in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Automotive Technology, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, Robotics and Automation, and Other Frontier Technologies. If your idea sits in an emerging technology area, the final theme is likely to be the relevant one.

No equity or ownership stake is described anywhere in the scheme. This is government financial assistance routed to a Host Institute for developing the idea — it is not an investment and no dilution of your idea is mentioned.

The event starts on July 14, 2026. A registration deadline has not been explicitly stated, so it is best to complete your registration and idea submission early rather than waiting for a cut-off date to be announced.

Register online through the official MSME portal at https://my.msme.gov.in/inc/Hackathon_Reg.aspx. The whole process — registration and idea submission — is handled through that online portal, with no offline round involved.

A valid email address and mobile number are necessary for every applicant. Depending on your category, keep your Udyam Registration number (MSME) or your valid student ID for FY 26-27 (Student) handy, along with a clear write-up of the idea you intend to submit.

MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 — Up to ₹15 Lakh for Frontier-Tech Ideas is offered by Ministry of MSME, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.