STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl)

The Open Challenge Program (OCP) 9.0 is a dedicated startup incubation initiative spearheaded by the OctaNE Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Aizawl. This program focuses exclusively on the dynamic Gaming and Entertainment sector, welcoming innovative solutions in gaming, animation, visual effects, and the broader AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) domain. The Aizawl CoE is one of eight such Centres of Excellence established across India's Northeast under the STPINEXT programme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Selected startups receive substantial seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh to fuel their growth. Beyond financial support, participants gain access to a cutting-edge Gaming and Entertainment lab, which is equipped with high-end GPU-based workstations and servers. The program also provides dedicated incubation space within Aizawl, expert mentorship, specialised domain-specific training, and crucial support for marketing and business development. Furthermore, startups benefit from essential IPR and legal assistance. The core objective is to identify, nurture, and scale early-stage technology ventures operating at the intersection of interactive media, gaming, and entertainment technology.

OCP 9.0 functions as a structured challenge, evaluating startups based on their capacity to address significant problems through inventive technological solutions. This platform extends beyond funding and infrastructure, offering valuable strategic networking and collaboration opportunities within the extensive STPI pan-India ecosystem. This includes vital connections with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government stakeholders. The Aizawl CoE aims to support a total of 367 startups in the Gaming and Entertainment sector over a five-year period.

The program is a collaborative effort organised by MeitY, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and AIC STPINEXT INITIATIVES. Key institutional stakeholders include NIT Mizoram (NITMZ) and Mizoram University (MZU). For founders in the Gaming and Entertainment space seeking institutional backing, seed capital, and world-class infrastructure in Northeast India, OCP 9.0 presents a clear and structured path from conceptualisation to market readiness.

• Seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh available.
• Focused on Gaming & Entertainment (AVGC) startups.
• Incubation and advanced lab access in Aizawl, Mizoram.
• Open to startups up to 10 years old.
• Application deadline: 11 May 2026.
• Non-dilutive grant funding.

This program is open to startups that are legally incorporated as a Private Limited Company, a Registered Partnership Firm, or a Limited Liability Partnership. Unregistered startups or individual entrepreneurs are also encouraged to apply, with the condition that they must complete their company registration within three months of being selected for the program.

Eligible startups must not have been incorporated more than 10 years prior to the application date. Additionally, their annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since their incorporation. The program specifically excludes businesses formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing enterprise.

Applicants must be actively engaged in the innovation, development, or improvement of products, services, or processes within the Gaming and Entertainment domain. A key criterion is the potential of the startup's work to generate employment or create wealth. The program has a strong focus on solutions within the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) sector, including gaming, animation, visual effects, media, and broader entertainment technology.

STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl) closed on 11 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups are eligible to receive seed funding of up to ₹25 lakh. This financial support is complemented by a comprehensive package of non-monetary benefits designed to accelerate growth.

Participants gain access to a state-of-the-art Gaming and Entertainment lab, which features high-end GPU workstations and servers essential for development in this sector. They also receive dedicated incubation space located in Aizawl, providing a conducive environment for innovation. The program further offers expert mentoring and specialised training, alongside crucial support for marketing and business development activities. Startups also benefit from professional assistance with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and legal matters.

STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl) is offered by OctaNE CoE Aizawl - Gaming & Entertainment, 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.

The selection process for OCP 9.0 is structured and proceeds through several distinct stages. Applications will first undergo a pre-screening phase, scheduled from 13 May to 15 May 2026. Following this, shortlisted applicants will be announced on 20 May 2026.

The final stage involves a pitch presentation by the shortlisted startups before a distinguished selection panel, which will take place between 27 May and 29 May 2026. The final results, announcing the selected startups, are slated to be declared on 5 June 2026. It is important to note that all dates are subject to change, and applicants should refer to the official portal for the most current information.

Before you apply to STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl), 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.

STPI OctaNE OCP 9.0 – Gaming & Entertainment (Aizawl) 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.