Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam
An innovation challenge by STPI's Kalpataru CoE for Indian startups building Industry 4.0 solutions — up to ₹4 lakh seed funding, physical incubation space, mentorship, and VCs access.
- Funding amount
- ₹4L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (7 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) is an innovation challenge organized by STPI's Kalpataru Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) on Industry 4.0 in Visakhapatnam. This CoE was established with support from the Ministry of Electronics & IT and the Andhra Pradesh government. Its goal is to identify and support 175 innovative startups over five years that are building solutions using Industry 4.0 technologies.
The OCP 7.0 challenge invites Indian startups and individual innovators to solve problems and develop solutions across emerging sectors using Industry 4.0 technologies. Selected startups receive seed funding, physical infrastructure, mentoring, and ecosystem support to build scalable, profitable, and global businesses.
Participants can be at Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, or Scaling stages. Startups registered under the Startup India scheme are encouraged to apply. Individual entrepreneurs, researchers, and partnership firms may also apply but must register as a private limited company within 3 months if selected.
Focus Areas Manufacturing, Power & Energy, Logistics & Supply Chain, E-waste Management, Defence & Aerospace, Mining, Cleantech, Agri-Tech, Digital Inclusion, and other Industry 4.0 innovative solutions.
Timeline
- Applications open: May 8, 2026
- Application deadline: June 7, 2026
- Pitch day: June 29, 2026
- Results announcement: July 7, 2026
Selected startups receive one year of incubation support, with potential extension based on Performance Review Group recommendations.
Key Terms
- Selected startups pay a one-time registration charge of ₹2,000.
- Physical incubation space is available at additional incubation charges per STPI norms.
- Selected startups share up to 3% equity with STPI for on-boarding.
- Startups already on-boarded in Kalpataru CoE are not eligible.
Highlights
- Up to ₹4,00,000 seed funding for physically incubated startups
- One year of physical incubation space with high-speed internet
- Access to VCs, advisory services, and go-to-market support
- Open to Indian startups and individuals at any stage (Ideation to Scaling)
- Focus on Industry 4.0 solutions across multiple sectors
Who can apply
The program is open to Indian startups and individuals working on software product development and Industry 4.0 solutions. Company incorporation date must be within 10 years. At least 51% shareholding must be held by an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin. Startups already on-boarded in Kalpataru CoE are not eligible. Individual entrepreneurs, researchers, and partnership firms may apply but must register as a private limited company within 3 months if selected.
Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam 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
The most recent application window for Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam closed on 7 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Seed funding of up to ₹4,00,000 for physically incubated startups, disbursed against equity participation by STPI.
- One year of physical incubation space with high-speed internet, plug-and-play facilities, and potential extension based on Performance Review Group recommendations.
- Software product security testing facility.
- Access to VCs and networking opportunities.
- Advisory services in HR, legal, accounting, and IPR/patenting.
- Mentoring and go-to-market support.
- Access to pan-India CoE facilities.
- All selected startups receive the above benefits (seed funding for physically incubated ones).
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted through the Sayuj platform. A selection committee evaluates the proposals. Shortlisted startups are invited to pitch before the selection committee on June 29, 2026. Results are announced on July 7, 2026. Selected startups then undergo on-boarding, including payment of registration charges and equity agreement.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam, 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 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Selected startups that physically incubate can receive seed funding of up to ₹4,00,000, disbursed against equity participation by STPI.
What is the application deadline?
Applications open on May 8, 2026 and close on June 7, 2026. The pitch day is June 29, 2026, and results are announced on July 7, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian startups and individuals working on software product development and Industry 4.0 solutions are eligible. The company must be incorporated within the last 10 years, with at least 51% Indian shareholding. Startups already on-boarded in Kalpataru CoE are not eligible.
What stages are accepted?
Startups at Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, or Scaling stages may apply.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
DPIIT registration is not explicitly required, but startups registered under the Startup India scheme are encouraged to apply.
Does the program take equity?
Yes. Selected startups share up to 3% equity with STPI for on-boarding. The seed funding is also disbursed against equity participation by STPI.
What documents are needed to apply?
Applicants must submit a proposal in the prescribed format through the Sayuj platform. Technical support is available at support.sayuj@stpi.in or kalpataru@stpi.in.
How and where to apply?
Submit your application online through the Sayuj platform at https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/kalpataru-ocp7.
What are the costs involved?
Selected startups pay a one-time registration charge of ₹2,000. Physical incubation space is available at additional incubation charges per STPI norms.
Can individuals or non-incorporated entities apply?
Yes, individual entrepreneurs, researchers, and partnership firms may apply, but they must register as a private limited company within 3 months if selected.
How do I apply for Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam
Not sure Open Challenge Program 7.0 (OCP 7.0) - Visakhapatnam is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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