OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0

The OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP) Animation 9.0 is an incubation initiative run by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. This program specifically targets startups in the Animation sector, leveraging STPI's established infrastructure and network to boost India's global animation footprint.

Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh, disbursed in tranches based on milestone achievement, under a near-zero-equity model (minimal dilution). Beyond funding, the program provides 24/7 incubation space at STPI Shillong with industry-standard Animation lab facilities and tools. Participants also get mentorship from domain experts, specialized training, marketing and business development support, IPR and legal assistance (including patent facilitation), and networking opportunities with industry players and government bodies.

The program aims to cultivate innovation in animation and position India as a key player in the global animation industry.

• Seed funding up to ₹25 lakh under a near-zero-equity model
• 24/7 incubation space with Animation lab facilities at STPI Shillong
• Open to Animation startups from all over India
• Must be incorporated within 10 years and have turnover under ₹100 crore
• Comprehensive mentorship, training, IPR support, and networking opportunities
• Run by STPI under MeitY, Government of India

Eligible startups must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company (Companies Act 2013), Registered Partnership Firm (Partnership Act 1932), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP Act 2008). The startup must have been incorporated within the last 10 years, and annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation. It must be an original venture (not formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business). Applicants must be actively working on innovation, development, or improvement of Animation products, services, or processes that show potential for employment generation and wealth creation. Startups not yet registered at the time of application must complete registration within three months of selection. The program is open to startups from all states and union territories of India.

OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0 closed on 11 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive up to ₹25 lakh in seed funding, disbursed in tranches tied to milestone achievement, under a near-zero-equity model (minimal dilution). Additional benefits include:

• 24/7 incubation space at STPI Shillong with industry-standard Animation lab facilities and tools
• Comprehensive mentorship from animation industry experts
• Domain-specific training programs
• Marketing, networking, and business development support
• IPR and legal assistance, including patent facilitation
• Networking and collaboration opportunities with key industry players and government bodies

OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0 is offered by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), a government body. As a government-backed grant, 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.

Applications are submitted through the designated OCP portal. The OctaNE CoE team conducts a pre-screening review to verify basic criteria. Shortlisted applicants are invited for a final pitch presentation before a distinguished selection committee. The committee evaluates candidates based on solution innovation potential, animation domain expertise, founding team capability, business model scalability, and projected employment creation. Successful startups are onboarded to the STPI Shillong incubation facility. Funding disbursement is contingent upon achieving predefined milestones.

Before you apply to OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0, 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.

OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP): Animation 9.0 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.