PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge — ₹20L Grant for DPIIT Startups — Frequently Asked Questions

Selected startups are eligible for a grant of up to ₹20 lakh. The money is non-repayable and is released in three tranches, each tied to predefined project milestones — so disbursement is linked to how your pilot progresses.

The challenge is open to entities recognised as startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It covers startups at the Validation Stage, Early Traction Stage and Scaling Stage. Startups that already have a working product, a prototype, a running pilot or market traction are especially encouraged to apply, as long as their solution fits the objectives and thematic areas of the challenge.

Yes. The challenge specifically invites DPIIT-recognised startups, and your DPIIT recognition certificate is one of the documents to be provided with the online application on the Startup India portal.

No. The support is structured as a grant, which means it is non-repayable and no equity stake is taken in your company. The selected startup also retains ownership of the solution or product it develops under the challenge, subject to the programme's terms and conditions.

Applications close on 15 September 2026. It is worth submitting your proposal and documentation well before the cut-off so that nothing is left pending at the last minute.

Applications are submitted online through the official Startup India portal. You will need to fill in your details accurately, attach the required documentation including your DPIIT recognition certificate, and upload a proposal describing your solution, its alignment with the challenge's focus areas, its impact on street vendors, its technical feasibility and its scalability.

Up to 30 startups will be selected, spread across the thematic areas of the challenge. Selection is based on how novel and feasible the solution is, its potential impact on street vendors, its scalability, the strength of the founding team and how well it aligns with the challenge's themes.

Proposals are expected across six focus areas: entrepreneurship development for vendors, eco-friendly packaging, technology-enabled vendor identification, financial management tools, support for credit usage and repayment, and climate-resilient vending infrastructure. Your solution needs to address a real pain point for street vendors and be capable of scaling.

Yes. Startups with existing products, prototypes, pilots or market traction are encouraged to apply, provided their solutions align with the objectives and thematic areas of the PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge. Including details of that existing work in your proposal is part of the application.

The challenge is open to a broad range of industries, but your solution must align with the core thematic areas that benefit street vendors. Relevant industries include AI, Green Technology, Finance Technology, Enterprise Software and others that address urban challenges.

Yes. Selected startups will run pilot projects in partnership with cities identified by MoHUA, working alongside Urban Local Bodies. MoHUA will also facilitate the scaling of successful solutions through collaboration with Urban Local Bodies, industry and other relevant stakeholders, giving proven innovations a route to wider adoption across the country.

PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge — ₹20L Grant for DPIIT Startups is offered by Startup India, 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.