Startup Maharathi Challenge

Get ready for the ultimate celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship at the grand Startup Mahakumbh 2025! Within this extraordinary event, we proudly present the Startup MahaRathi Challenge – an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to shine and transform their dreams into reality.

The Challenge is envisioned to identify, nurture, and empower innovative startups across India. This high-impact platform is designed to identify and accelerate India’s most promising early to growth-stage DPIIT recognized startups across 10 key sectors, including AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. Empowering innovation, the Challenge offers budding entrepreneurs access to a remarkable funding pool of over Rs. 30 crore, distributed as follows

Top 2 Startups in each sector receive Rs. 10 lakh each
Top 5 Startups in each sector receive Rs. 5 lakh each
All startups who successfully cleared Phase 4 (Pitch to Jury) will be awarded a grant of ₹1 lakh each.

In addition to funding, entrepreneurs and startups also gain an array of benefits including National Level Recognition, Exposure to Global Markets, Incubation & Mentorship support, Access to Investor Network, and Exclusive passes for Finalists for Startup Mahakumbh.

Join us at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 and seize this transformative opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. The future of innovation awaits!

The Startup Maharathi Challenge is one of the flagship initiatives under Startup Mahakumbh 2025, aimed at discovering, showcasing, and supporting India’s most promising early and growth-stage startups across 10 high-impact sectors.

This nationwide challenge brings together startups, investors, ecosystem enablers, and sector experts on one platform to accelerate innovation and drive inclusive growth. The program is designed to ensure broad participation, including representation from emerging geographies, while maintaining a rigorous and merit-driven selection process.

The multi-phase evaluation structure ensures high-quality curation through pitch deck reviews, expert video interactions & live pitches.

Selected startups receive grant funding, national exposure, and structured mentorship, with support from India’s leading incubators and investors.