Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst
Annual pitch competition by IIT Mandi Catalyst offering cash grants up to ₹11L and incubation for innovative startups in the Himalayan region.
- Funding amount
- ₹11L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Mandi Catalyst (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (7 Sept 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 is the flagship annual pitch competition organized by IIT Mandi Catalyst. It brings together startups, investors, and mentors from across India with the goal of boosting the startup ecosystem in the Himalayan region. The challenge awards cash grants and incubation opportunities to startups with innovative ideas, focusing on four key thematic areas: Human Computer Interaction, Build for Himalayas, Environment and Sustainability, and Bio Innovation. Selected startups get a chance to be incubated at IIT Mandi Catalyst, gaining access to mentorship, resources, and a supportive network to scale their ventures.
Highlights
- Cash grants up to ₹11L
- Incubation opportunity at IIT Mandi Catalyst
- Focus on four thematic areas: Human Computer Interaction, Build for Himalayas, Environment and Sustainability, Bio Innovation
- Open to startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs across India
- Flagship annual event boosting the Himalayan startup ecosystem
Who can apply
The competition is open to startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs from anywhere in India. Applicants must have cutting-edge ideas that align with one of the four thematic areas: Human Computer Interaction, Build for Himalayas, Environment and Sustainability, or Bio Innovation.
Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst 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 Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst closed on 7 Sept 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive cash grants of up to ₹11L. Beyond monetary support, winners and finalists gain incubation opportunities at IIT Mandi Catalyst, which includes mentorship, access to networks, and resources to help grow their ventures.
About the provider
Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Mandi Catalyst as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst, 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
Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹11L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Selected startups can receive cash grants up to ₹11L.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 7th September 2025.
Who can apply for the HST Grand Challenge?
The competition is open to startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across India who have innovative ideas.
What thematic areas does the challenge focus on?
The challenge focuses on four areas: Human Computer Interaction, Build for Himalayas, Environment and Sustainability, and Bio Innovation.
Does the program take equity?
No, the HST Grand Challenge offers grants, which are non-dilutive and do not require giving up equity.
What are the benefits besides the cash grant?
Winners and finalists get incubation opportunities at IIT Mandi Catalyst, which includes mentorship, access to networks, and resources to grow their startup.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The eligibility criteria provided do not mention any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
How can I apply?
Applications can be submitted online through the official website at https://iitmandicatalyst.in/hst2025.
What kind of startups are preferred?
Startups with cutting-edge ideas in any of the four thematic areas are preferred, especially those with potential to impact the Himalayan region.
Are startups from any state eligible?
Yes, the competition is open to startups from across the country, with no state restrictions mentioned.
Who offers Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst?
Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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