₹30 crore funding for startups: DPIIT launches Startup Maha Rathi challenge

The government's initiative is aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of India with funding, mentorship and strategic guidance.

Published on: Mar 2, 2025, 13:33:55 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The central government's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh.

The competition will culminate with live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025 in Delhi. (Pixabay)

The initiative is aimed at empowering startups throughout India with ₹30 crore funding, mentorship from industry experts and networking opportunities with global investors. It also entails special awards for innovative startups.

Startup Maha Rathi deals with 11 sectors, including AI and DeepTech, biotechnology and healthcare, gaming and sports, fintech, incubators and accelerators, mobility, agriculture technology, B2B and precision manufacturing, D2C, climate technology and Defence and SpaceTech.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will be awarding the program.

The challenge is backed by companies including Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA and HDFC.

Also read: 10 lakh new cars in Maharashtra plying without high-security registration plates, many are government-owned

What is Startup Maha Rathi challenge?

The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminate in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receive a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each.

Also read: Blue Ghost to land on Moon today: How much does it cost?

Next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists.

About Startup Mahakumbh

Startup Mahakumbh is a first-of-its-kind event bringing together the entire startup ecosystem of India including startups, investors, incubators and accelerators, and industry leaders from several sectors.

The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh is set to make a grand return in 2025, building on the tremendous success of its inaugural edition.

Also read: Passport rules change: Who will be affected? All you need to know

The flagship startup event was an extraordinary success, attracting over 48,581 business visitors engaging with 1306 exhibitors including finest startups, soonicorns, and unicorns, from 26+ states and 14+ countries.

It also hosted 300+ incubators and accelerators and 200+ leading angel investors, VCs, and family offices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.