Startup MahaRathi Challenge will have Rs 70 crore prize pool: Piyush Goyal

Startup Mahakumbh 2025, an event being organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is hosting a series of competitions to promote innovation in in fields such as cybersecurity, AI, robotics, biotech, and more. The prize pool for the competiton, will be Rs 70 crore according to Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday.

Goyal described the Startup MahaRathi Challenge as India’s largest private-funded challenge.

Goyal took to X to praise the initiative and said, “Rs 70 crore challenge money to encourage new startups!”



Startup MahaRathi Challenge details

The competition registration, which ran from February 26 - March 12, 2025, required startups to be recognised by the DPIIT. Eligible startups needed to be in their early to growth stages and actively operating across India.

Shortlisted startups will get the chance to participate in sector-specific mentorship programmes. The top 150 startups will pitch their ideas to a Grand Jury at Startup Mahakumbh 2025. The competition will conclude with a live pitching finale during the event in New Delhi.

The winners will receive funding, mentorship, and national exposure, providing a platform to showcase their innovations to a wider audience.

Themes: The challenge covers various themes, including AI, deep tech and cybersecurity, climate tech, agri-tech, gaming and sports, fintech, and more, as listed on the official website.

Incentives and benefits: Participants will benefit from both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

• Fiscal incentives: Monetary prizes, grants, and corporate credits.
• Non-fiscal benefits: Networking opportunities and mentorship from leading corporates, foundations, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders.