📌 About the Challenge

The Blockchain India Challenge is a national-level startup competition launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on 23rd February 2026 in New Delhi. Managed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and backed by policy support from DPIIT, the challenge invites Indian startups to create blockchain-based solutions that improve the way government services are delivered to citizens. The focus is strictly on non crypto, permissioned blockchain and Web3 applications building a more transparent, efficient, and trustworthy digital governance infrastructure for India.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Organising Body: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), implemented by C-DAC
• Policy Support: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
• Category: National Startup Challenge Blockchain & Web3 / Digital Governance
• Type: Multi stage Competition with Stage wise Funding
• Mode: Online: challenge.cdac.in
• Open To: Indian Registered Startups (Indian citizen founders, 18+ years)
• Important Note: Non-crypto Blockchain and Web3 applications only no cryptocurrency based solutions

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Startup must be registered in India
• Must not be a subsidiary of a foreign corporation
• All team members must be Indian citizens and at least 18 years of age
• DPIIT recognition is not required at the time of applying, but if selected for the Prototype stage, the startup must have at least applied for DPIIT recognition and must show proof
• Solutions must be original declaration required on a ₹100 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper confirming no copyright violation

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🏆 Prize Details and Value

Stage	Participants Supported	Prize Per Startup
Prototype Stage	Up to 40 startups	₹1.5 lakh each
MVP Stage	Up to 30 startups	₹4 lakh each
Deployment Stage	Up to 20 startups	₹10 lakh each
Final Winners (1 per category)	10 startups	₹50 lakh each
Total Prize Pool		₹8.80 Crore

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📋 4 Stage Competition Structure

• Stage 1 Ideation: Submit your concept, problem statement, and proposed blockchain solution
• Stage 2 Prototype: Build an early working version of your solution
• Stage 3 MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Develop a complete, functional product ready for demonstration
• Stage 4 Deployment: Launch the solution in a real government environment

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🎯 Execution Guidelines

• Solutions must be Non Crypto based Blockchain & Web3 applications
• Architecture must be modular, scalable, and support API integration
• Must comply with government data security and privacy regulations
• Open-source libraries are permitted, but the core solution must be original
• Single valid submission per startup per use case category
• Solutions should define a viable business model and wider proliferation strategy across Indian states and UTs

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📅 Important Dates

• Launch Date: 23rd February 2026
• Registration: Now Live
• Registration Deadline: 27th March 2026

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🔗 Official Website https://challenge.cdac.in