New Delhi: The Bharat Livelihood Challenge, organized by IIMA Ventures in partnership with Apna, has opened applications for its 2025 edition, calling on early-stage startups to create scalable solutions in the areas of livelihoods and skilling for urban Bharat.
The Bharat Livelihood Challenge is designed to address India’s pressing workforce challenges, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income segments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The initiative provides startups with financial support of up to $50,000, one-on-one mentorship, and access to Apna’s extensive network of more than 50 million job seekers. Applications will remain open until 30 August 2025.
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Focus on Livelihood and Skilling for Urban Bharat
The Bharat Livelihood Challenge aims to tackle issues such as underemployment, skill mismatch, job discovery barriers, and career stagnation.
With India projected to have one of the world’s youngest workforces by 2030, the hackathon seeks to identify innovative startups working on technology-driven models that can improve job access, enable smart skilling, and enhance income opportunities for underserved communities.
Participants will have the opportunity to fast-track entry into the Bharat Inclusion Accelerator, receive guidance on fundraising, go-to-market strategies, legal structuring, and pilot projects with employers and training partners.
Key Focus Areas of the Bharat Livelihood Challenge
Startups participating in the Bharat Livelihood Challenge will work on solutions for:
- Job discovery and marketplaces for blue- and gray-collar workers
- Vernacular skilling platforms with microlearning and sector-specific training
- Career mobility models for gig and contract workers
- AI-driven job matching for non-degree holders
- Women-focused employment and flexible job models
- Micro-entrepreneurship and income augmentation solutions
- Credentialing, certification, and trust-building for informal workers
- Tech-enabled staffing, onboarding, and verification for MSMEs
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Application Process and Timelines
The Bharat Livelihood Challenge will run in multiple stages:
- Round 1 (6–31 August 2025): Idea submission through a detailed pitch deck and optional video pitch.
- Mentorship Phase (22–26 September 2025): Finalists receive guidance from experienced mentors to refine their business models.
- Final Pitch (29 September 2025): Selected startups will present live before IIMA Ventures’ evaluation team for funding and incubation.
Applicants will also be invited to a Learning Hub AMA session on 19 August 2025, where mentors will address key questions about pitching, investor expectations, and startup readiness.
Backed by Bharat Inclusion Initiative
The Bharat Livelihood Challenge is part of the Bharat Inclusion Initiative, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. The initiative empowers entrepreneurs working in financial inclusion, jobs, skilling, and livelihoods for underserved communities in India.
Interested startups can apply through the official application link before the deadline of 30 August 2025.
