The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in collaboration with MyGov, has reopened the India Pitch-Pilot-Scale Startup Challenge under AMRUT 2.0. This national-level innovation challenge invites DPIIT-recognised startups to submit proposals for solving critical issues in the urban water sector. The challenge is open for applications on the official portal innovateindia.mygov.in, and submissions will be accepted until 31 March 2026.
This initiative aims to encourage startups to Pitch, Pilot, and Scale innovative technological and business solutions that improve water management, sustainability, and infrastructure in Indian cities.
Aim of the AMRUT 2.0 Startup Challenge
The challenge focuses on promoting innovation and building an ecosystem of startups working in water and urban infrastructure.
Objectives include:
- Identify innovative technological and business solutions
- Support solutions suitable for different city sizes and regions
- Provide pilot testing and scaling opportunities
- Connect innovators with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and citizens
- Promote Make in India startups and technologies
- Encourage partnerships with industry, institutions, and private sector
THEMATIC AREAS FOR PARTICIPATION
Startups working in the following areas can apply:
- Fresh Water Systems
- Water quality mapping
- Water level monitoring
- Rainwater harvesting
- Atmospheric water recovery
- Nature-based treatment systems
- Hydro Informatics
- Flood & drought management using data
- Water-data analytics
- Urban health & water impact solutions
- Used Water Management
- Sewage & septage solutions
- Recycling technologies
- Circular economy from wastewater
- Treatment for hilly areas
- Urban Water Management
- Groundwater recharge solutions
- Storm water & flood management
- Water metering & monitoring
- Desalination technologies
- Smart plumbing & water saving devices
- Water supply for slums & hilly areas
- Agricultural Water Management
- Reduced water usage in farming
- AI / ML irrigation systems
- Energy & fertiliser efficient farming
- Urban Sewerage Management
- On-site sanitation for slums
- Waterless urinals
- Advanced sewerage solutions
- Water Governance
- Reduction of non-revenue water
- 24×7 potable water systems
- Water awareness programs
- Net-zero water projects
- Innovation in Plumbing Systems
- Smart taps with IoT
- Usage monitoring systems
- Water efficiency technologies
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
| Startup Recognition | Must be DPIIT-recognised startup |
| Sector | Must work in listed thematic areas |
| Country | Indian startups eligible |
| Proposal | Must submit innovation proposal |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Start Date | 21 November 2023 |
| Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Mode | Online application |
| Website | innovateindia.mygov.in |
Applications are evaluated continuously once sufficient proposals are received.
How to Apply for Startup Challenge
- Visit innovateindia.mygov.in
- Register using a valid email ID
- Confirm registration via email
- Click Participate
- Upload proposal and submit
Evaluation Process
Selection will be done in two stages:
- Screening Committee shortlist
- Expert Committee final selection
Evaluation criteria:
- Innovation
- Usability
- Impact on society
- Scalability
- Replicability
- Risk assessment
- Ease of deployment
- Completeness of proposal
Funding & Benefits
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to ₹20 lakh grant
- ₹5 lakh + ₹7 lakh + ₹8 lakh (milestone based)
- Mentorship support
- Pilot opportunity in cities
- Industry partnership support
- Visibility from Government of India
- Official citation from MoHUA
Terms & Conditions
- Only eligible startups can participate
- Grant must be used for project development
- Fund utilisation certificate required
- Winners retain IP rights
- MoHUA decision will be final
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is AMRUT 2.0 Startup Challenge? |
| It is a government innovation challenge to develop solutions for urban water sector problems. |
| Who can apply for the challenge? |
| DPIIT-recognised startups working in water or urban infrastructure solutions. |
| What is the last date to apply? |
| 31 March 2026. |
| How much funding will selected startups get? |
| Up to ₹20 lakh in three stages. |
| Where can I apply? |
| On innovateindia.mygov.in. |
| What sectors are eligible? |
| Water management, sewerage, agriculture water, hydro informatics, plumbing innovation, and more. |
| Will startups get mentorship? |
| Yes, selected startups will receive mentorship and scaling support. |
| Who conducts the challenge? |
| Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with MyGov. |
The India Pitch-Pilot-Scale Startup Challenge under AMRUT 2.0 is a major opportunity for startups to work with the Government of India and receive funding, mentorship, and national recognition. Eligible startups should submit proposals before 31 March 2026 through the official portal and take part in building sustainable water solutions for India. For latest updates, visit the official website and bookmark this page, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
