In a bid to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC Incubation Center), have announced the Startup Grand Challenge 2025 under the theme “Make Smart, Make Local – Rethink Products, Redefine Possibilities.”
The Startup Grand Challenge 2025 aims to empower Indian startups developing products that combine innovation, sustainability, and local impact.
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Through this initiative, participating startups will gain access to NRDC incubation center and receive 360-degree support, including mentorship, guidance, and scaling opportunities.
NRDC Incubation Center: Call for Applications
Alongside the challenge, NRDC, an enterprise of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, has invited proposals from startups seeking physical or virtual incubation at its headquarters in New Delhi.
Selected startups will receive funding support of up to ₹2 lakh, along with access to business mentorship, strategic guidance, and growth resources to scale their entrepreneurial ventures.
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Interested startups can download the prescribed application form and guidelines from www.nrdcindia.com and submit their completed forms via incubation.centre@nrdc.in.
- Last date to apply for Startup Grand Challenge 2025: 15 October 2025
- Last date to apply for NRDC Incubation Center: 05 August 2025
The Startup Grand Challenge 2025 presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to redefine products, accelerate innovation, and contribute to India’s “Make Smart, Make Local” vision.
