Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 — ₹1L–₹5L Prizes for Haryana Innovators — Frequently Asked Questions

Two levels of awards are available. At the state level, the three best innovators are each granted ₹5,00,000. At the district level, one top innovator from every participating district receives ₹1,00,000.

Anyone who lives in Haryana. Participants fall into categories such as student, startup, professional, innovator, researcher, citizen, and others including NGOs and self-help groups. Haryana-based startups, MSMEs, professionals and innovators are particularly encouraged to apply.

No. Individual innovators, citizens and grassroots innovators are welcome to enter even without a registered startup or company. What matters is that the idea is original and has real potential for impact.

Nothing. Registration and participation are entirely free of charge, and the programme is designed to keep entry open to everyone.

Innovations that tackle developmental and governance challenges across sectors such as Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Environment, Smart Cities, IT, Manufacturing, FinTech, Transportation, Tourism, Social Innovation, Retail, Sports and Defence. Both prototype-stage ideas and market-ready solutions are considered, as long as they are original and can create impact.

The challenge runs on a rolling, always-open basis, so there is no single fixed cut-off published for it. The portal does allow you to keep editing your entry until the submission deadline is announced, which means you can refine your proposal after you file it.

No. The Seva First Innovation Challenge is a prize competition — the rewards are cash awards and recognition, so there is no equity stake taken and no dilution for participants.

Yes, you are permitted to submit multiple innovations. Each one needs its own separate application, and you can continue editing any of them until the official submission deadline.

Register on the official portal using your mobile number, which is verified through an instant OTP to generate a unique Participant Registration ID. Once logged in, select the relevant challenge sector, describe the problem your idea addresses, explain your proposed solution, and upload any supporting project briefs or presentations before making your final submission.

Where applicable, you can strengthen your entry with project briefs, presentations, images and videos that help the reviewers understand your idea. Make sure all details are accurate and complete before you submit.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 — ₹1L–₹5L Prizes for Haryana Innovators, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 — ₹1L–₹5L Prizes for Haryana Innovators is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 — ₹1L–₹5L Prizes for Haryana Innovators is offered by Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.