Srinagar, Feb 28: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, and others, has announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh.
A statement said that this flagship initiative aims to empower Indian startups nationwide with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, aligning with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge will provide access to a fund pool of up to Rs 30 crore, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. Additionally, special awards will be given to innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
“Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat” is designed for entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors: AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. Awards will be presented in the presence of the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Selected startups will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.
The competition follows a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with applications launching on February 26, 2025, and culminating in a live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round will receive a guaranteed Rs 1 lakh. The top two startups from each sector will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each, while the next five will receive Rs 5 lakh each. The following five startups in each track will receive Rs 3 lakh each.
Beyond financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising over 100 leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations including Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, and HDFC.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”
Applications for Startup Maha Rathi 2025 will open on February 26, 2025, with a deadline of March 7, 2025. Shortlisted startups will present virtually to a jury panel between March 15-25. Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognized entities in their early or growth stages, operating in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
Source: Greater Kashmir
#healthcarestartupfunding #funding #dseidehealthcarenetwork
A statement said that this flagship initiative aims to empower Indian startups nationwide with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, aligning with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge will provide access to a fund pool of up to Rs 30 crore, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. Additionally, special awards will be given to innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
“Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat” is designed for entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors: AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. Awards will be presented in the presence of the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Selected startups will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.
The competition follows a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with applications launching on February 26, 2025, and culminating in a live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round will receive a guaranteed Rs 1 lakh. The top two startups from each sector will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each, while the next five will receive Rs 5 lakh each. The following five startups in each track will receive Rs 3 lakh each.
Beyond financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising over 100 leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations including Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, and HDFC.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”
Applications for Startup Maha Rathi 2025 will open on February 26, 2025, with a deadline of March 7, 2025. Shortlisted startups will present virtually to a jury panel between March 15-25. Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognized entities in their early or growth stages, operating in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
Source: Greater Kashmir
#healthcarestartupfunding #funding #dseidehealthcarenetwork
Srinagar, Feb 28: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, and others, has announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh.
A statement said that this flagship initiative aims to empower Indian startups nationwide with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, aligning with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge will provide access to a fund pool of up to Rs 30 crore, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. Additionally, special awards will be given to innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
“Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat” is designed for entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors: AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. Awards will be presented in the presence of the Honorable Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Selected startups will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.
The competition follows a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with applications launching on February 26, 2025, and culminating in a live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round will receive a guaranteed Rs 1 lakh. The top two startups from each sector will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each, while the next five will receive Rs 5 lakh each. The following five startups in each track will receive Rs 3 lakh each.
Beyond financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising over 100 leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations including Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, and HDFC.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”
Applications for Startup Maha Rathi 2025 will open on February 26, 2025, with a deadline of March 7, 2025. Shortlisted startups will present virtually to a jury panel between March 15-25. Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognized entities in their early or growth stages, operating in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
Source: Greater Kashmir
#healthcarestartupfunding #funding #dseidehealthcarenetwork

