Startups in diverse sectors, including energy-efficient cooling, AR/VR, agriculture, animation, smart mobility, and more, have access to a range of grants and funding opportunities. Below is a compilation of key programs that can help these innovative ventures scale and bring their technologies to market:

1. BlueStar Contest – Revolutionize Cooling Innovation

Description

• The BlueStar Contest – Revolutionize Cooling Innovation identifies and supports startups developing innovative cooling technologies.

• Organized by Sayuj and STPI in collaboration with BlueStar, it focuses on energy-efficient cooling, sustainable refrigeration, and smart cooling systems.

Eligibility

• Startups operating in India with innovative solutions in the cooling technology sector.

• Individuals or teams with a prototype or working model of their cooling innovation.

• Participants should be willing to engage with industry experts and mentors to refine and scale their solutions.

Fund Amount

• The contest offers seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh per problem statement to selected startups for further development and commercialization of their innovations.

• Mentorship from industry leaders and experts in cooling technologies.

• Networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and customers.

• Access to infrastructure and testing facilities to validate and enhance prototypes.

Sector

• Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems

• Sustainable Refrigeration

• Smart Cooling Technologies

• Cooling Solutions for Urban Infrastructure

Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

Apply Now : https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/RevolutionizeCoolingInnovation

2. Open Challenge Program (OCP) for Emerging Tech – AR/VR

Description

• The Open Challenge Program (OCP) for Emerging Tech – AR/VR supports early-stage startups in AR and VR technologies.

• It focuses on innovation in educational technology, virtual reality applications, augmented reality solutions, and immersive experiences.

Eligibility

• Legal Status: Must be a Private Limited Company, Registered Partnership Firm, or LLP in India.

• Age of Startup: Should be in the early to growth stage.

• Sector Focus: Must be working on AR/VR innovations.

• Location: Open to startups across India, with a focus on the Northeast.

• Commitment: Must participate in the 6-month accelerator program.

Fund Amount

• The program offers funding support of up to ₹25 Lakh to selected startups.

• This funding is aimed at accelerating product development, market entry, and scaling operations in the AR/VR sector.

Sector

• Educational Technology

• Virtual Reality Applications

• Augmented Reality Solutions

• Immersive Experiences

Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 16, 2025

Apply Now : https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/ocp1-coe-imphal

3. UDDAM (PRE SEED) 2025-26

Description

• The UDDAM (Pre-Seed) 2025–26 program supports aspiring student entrepreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors.

• Part of the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, it nurtures innovative ideas into agribusiness ventures with a 4-week Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP).

Eligibility

• Students (UG/PG) with innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors.

• Individuals with a viable agribusiness idea, even without a registered startup.

• Teams of students collaborating on agribusiness concepts.

• Applicants must commit to participating in the full 4-week AOP.

Fund Amount

• Grant-in-Aid: Up to ₹5 lakh to develop and commercialize agribusiness ideas.

• Final approval for funding is subject to RKVY authorities, and selection does not guarantee funding.

Sector

• Agri-Tech Solutions

• Sustainable Farming Practices

• Food Processing

• Agri-Input Development

• Supply Chain Innovations

Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 18, 2025

Apply Now : https://pabipau.accubate.app/ext/form/3429/1/apply

4. Open Challenge Program (OCP) for Animation at the Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE)

Description

• The OCP for Animation supports early-stage startups and entrepreneurs working on innovative animation technologies.

• Focus areas include animated content creation, visual storytelling, and immersive experiences.

Eligibility

• Startups operating in India with innovative solutions in the animation technology sector.

• Individuals or teams with a prototype or working model of their animation innovation.

• Participants should be willing to engage with industry experts and mentors to refine and scale their solutions.

Fund Amount

• Seed funding to help develop and commercialize innovations.

• Mentorship from industry experts in animation technologies.

• Networking opportunities with investors, partners, and customers.

• Access to infrastructure and testing facilities for prototype enhancement.

Sector

• Animated Content Creation

• Visual Storytelling

• Immersive Experiences

• Animation for Education and Training

Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 22, 2025

Apply Now : https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/animation-ocp

5. Caret Accelerator 5.0 program

Description

• The Caret Accelerator 5.0 is a 100-day, outcome-focused program designed for early-stage startups, offering capital, mentorship, and industry access.

• Backed by Caret Capital, the program focuses on sectors like smart mobility, distribution & supply chain, and employment & employability.

Eligibility

• Have established or are in the process of establishing their product-market fit.

• Operate in sectors such as smart mobility, distribution & supply chain, or employment & employability.

• Are looking for capital, mentorship, and industry connections to scale their operations.

Fund Amount

• Investment: Up to ₹5 crore from Caret Capital.

• Mentorship: Deep-engaged, startup-specific guidance from accomplished industry leaders.

• Industry Access: Opportunities to connect with potential enterprise clients and investors.

Sector

• Smart Mobility

• Distribution & Supply Chain

• Employment & Employability

Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

Apply Now : https://sayuj.net/apply-contest/CaretAccelerator