Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur
18-month equity-based incubation for AI/DeepTech startups with up to ₹50L seed funding, GPU infrastructure, and GTM support at NERVE CoE, Nagpur.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- NERVE CoE, Nagpur (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closes today
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
NERVE CoE, a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator at STPI Nagpur, has launched the Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1. This 18-month, equity-based incubation programme seeks startups building in Artificial Intelligence and DeepTech, with a focus on HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining.
Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹50 lakhs, free access to dedicated AI and GPU compute infrastructure for model training and deployment, and intensive bootcamp-style mentoring covering product validation, unit economics, and investor readiness. The programme also offers go-to-market workshops, enterprise introductions, legal assistance with patent filing and accounting, and co-working space in STPI Nagpur's 10,000-square-foot incubation facility. The goal is to accelerate deep tech ventures from prototype to market-ready.
Highlights
- Up to ₹50 lakhs seed funding over 18 months
- Backed by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & IT)
- Free GPU infrastructure for AI & DeepTech
- Sectors: HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, Mining
- Pre-incorporation teams accepted with flexible registration window
- Workspace at 10,000 sq. ft. STPI Nagpur facility
Who can apply
The programme is open to Indian Private Limited Companies, LLPs, or Partnership Firms incorporated within the last 10 years (extended to 20 years for deep tech startups). Pre-incorporation teams can also apply but must complete registration within three months of selection. The startup's annual turnover must not exceed ₹200 crores (₹300 crores for deep tech). Applicants should have at least a proof of concept (PoC), prototype, or early traction. There is no specific DPIIT or MSME registration requirement mentioned, but standard Indian entity types are expected.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur 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 Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur are open and the current deadline is Closes today. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
- Seed Funding: Up to ₹50 lakhs over the 18-month incubation period.
- GPU Infrastructure: Free access to high-performance GPU compute for AI/DeepTech development.
- Mentorship: Intensive bootcamps on product validation, unit economics, and investor readiness.
- Market Access: Go-to-market workshops, direct enterprise introductions, and market-building opportunities.
- IPR & Legal Support: Patent filing assistance, legal advisory, and accounting support.
- Workspace: Dedicated 10,000 sq. ft. incubation centre at STPI Nagpur.
- Funding Network: Introductions to venture capital firms and other funding agencies.
Note: The programme takes equity in exchange for funding and support.
About the provider
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is offered by NERVE CoE, Nagpur, a government body. As a government-backed competition, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur, 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
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Open Challenge Program offer?
Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹50 lakhs.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 1?
The deadline for applications is July 15, 2026.
What entity types are eligible for this program?
The programme accepts Indian Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Partnership Firms. Pre-incorporation teams are also eligible, but they must complete registration within three months of being selected.
What stage should a startup be at to apply?
Startups must have at least a proof of concept (PoC), prototype, or some early traction.
What is the annual turnover ceiling for applicants?
For most startups, turnover must not exceed ₹200 crores. For deep tech startups, this limit is extended to ₹300 crores.
Does this programme take equity?
Yes, the Open Challenge Program offers equity-based incubation, so NERVE CoE receives a stake in the startup in exchange for funding and support.
Are there any sector-specific requirements?
The programme focuses on AI/DeepTech applications in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. Other deep-tech sectors may also be considered.
How long is the incubation period?
The programme runs for 18 months.
How do I apply for the Open Challenge Program?
Applications are submitted online via the official application link provided by NERVE CoE. Founders should fill the form at the programme's dedicated URL: https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/httpssayujnetapplycontest.
Is there physical workspace provided?
Yes. Startups receive access to a dedicated 10,000 sq. ft. incubation facility located at STPI Nagpur.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur?
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur?
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is offered by NERVE CoE, Nagpur, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur
Not sure Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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