Startup Maha Rathi launches with ₹30 crore prize pool to fuel entrepreneurship

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In a big push for India’s startup ecosystem, Startup Mahakumbh has launched the Startup Maha Rathi challenge. This initiative promises funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for young businesses across key sectors. With a massive ₹30 crore prize pool, the program is aimed at identifying and supporting high-potential startups and helping them scale.

Backed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with leading industry players like Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, and HDFC, the initiative is designed to help promising entrepreneurs gain the resources and exposure they need to grow. The competition is open to startups in AI & DeepTech, BioTech & HealthTech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Agritech, Mobility, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, Defence & SpaceTech, and Incubators & Accelerators. There is also a special category to recognize startups from emerging states and union territories, ensuring a broader reach beyond traditional startup hubs.

Finding the right investors and support can often be a challenge for startups, and Startup Maha Rathi aims to bridge this gap by offering more than just cash prizes. Selected startups will gain access to industry leaders, investors, and global markets, creating opportunities that go beyond financial assistance. The competition has attracted significant interest, with applications open from February 26 to March 7, 2025. Shortlisted startups will present their ideas virtually between March 15 and March 25, leading up to the grand finale at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from April 3 to April 5, 2025.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the initiative, calling it a major step toward India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. “By providing financial backing and expert mentorship, we’re creating an ecosystem where startups can thrive and truly make a difference,” he said.

The competition has a structured prize distribution, ensuring that a large number of startups benefit from the initiative. Those making it to the grand jury round will receive ₹1 lakh each. The top two startups in each sector will take home ₹10 lakh each, while five more will receive ₹5 lakh each. Additionally, five startups per sector will be awarded ₹3 lakh each. The winners will be chosen by a jury of 100+ venture capitalists, angel investors, and domain experts, ensuring a rigorous and fair selection process.

Industry leaders have widely endorsed the initiative. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, highlighted that India's startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, and initiatives like this will provide much-needed support to sustain high-potential ventures. Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner of Avaana Capital, pointed out that funding and mentorship for sustainability and deep tech startups is crucial. Prashant Prakash, Founding Partner at Accel, described Startup Maha Rathi as a rare opportunity to find and nurture India’s next generation of business leaders.

Beyond the financial rewards, Startup Maha Rathi offers entrepreneurs a chance to be noticed by investors, secure expert mentorship, and find the right partners to take their businesses to the next level. The competition is being hosted as part of Startup Mahakumbh, which has already established itself as one of India’s largest startup networking events. The previous edition saw over 48,500 business visitors, 1,300+ exhibitors, and 300+ incubators and accelerators from 26 states and 14 countries, reflecting its growing influence in India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

For startups looking to make their mark, applications are now open on the Startup India platform. More details are available at www.startupmahakumbh.org.