Deadline Date: July 14, 2026
The MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is now accepting applications to support innovators by providing assistance to develop and nurture innovative ideas.
The focus areas of the scheme include promoting untapped creativity, encouraging the adoption of the latest technologies in MSMEs, validating ideas at the proof-of-concept level, supporting business expansion through design, strategy and execution, recognition of eligible institutions as Host Institutes (HI) to act as Business Incubators (BI), approval of ideas submitted through Host Institutes, and assistance for nurturing approved ideas.
The scheme aims to promote innovation by supporting MSMEs that seek to validate their ideas at the proof-of-concept stage. It also encourages engagement with enablers who provide guidance to help businesses expand through design, strategy, and execution.
Under the scheme, eligible institutions can be recognised as Host Institutes to function as Business Incubators. These Host Institutes are responsible for submitting ideas for approval and nurturing them from the initial stage of conceptualisation to commercialisation.
Financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh per idea is provided to the Host Institute for developing and nurturing approved ideas.
Institutions such as technical colleges, universities, professional colleges and institutes, research and development institutes, NGOs involved in incubation activities, MSME Development Institutes, Technology Centres, and institutes or organisations of the Central or State Government may apply for registration as a Host Institute through the MIS portal of the DC MSME website. Previously approved Host Institutes will continue under the scheme.
The MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is open to innovators of Indian origin with a valid email address and mobile number. Applications can be submitted under the MSME, Student, and Others categories. Applicants under the MSME category must register using their Udyam Registration number, while applicants under the Student category must submit a valid Student Identity Card for FY 2026–27.
For more information, visit Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
