Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24) is a grant from Cars24 with Startup India (DPIIT) and Startup Policy Forum; promoted via MeitY Startup Hub for early-stage startups incorporated in India as a private limited company or LLP with at least one full-time founder. It provides ₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access, for fintech · mobility · supply chain · artificial intelligence. The current deadline is 10 November 2026.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | ₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access (₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access) |
|---|---|
| Provider | Cars24 with Startup India (DPIIT) and Startup Policy Forum; promoted via MeitY Startup Hub |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Early Revenue, Prototype |
| Sector | fintech · mobility · supply chain · artificial intelligence |
| Deadline | 10 November 2026 |
What is Grand Startup Challenge 2026?
Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24) — ₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access — Early-stage startups incorporated in India as a private limited company or LLP with at least one full-time founder. It is run by Cars24 with Startup India (DPIIT) and Startup Policy Forum; promoted via MeitY Startup Hub.
The support is delivered through the programme’s own structure, and the form it takes is set by the issuing authority. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in fintech · mobility · supply chain · artificial intelligence. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
Who is eligible for Grand Startup Challenge 2026?
Early-stage startups incorporated in India as a private limited company or LLP with at least one full-time founder. Not for: Startups that have raised more than ₹50 crore..
How much does Grand Startup Challenge 2026 give, and in what form?
₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access, as ₹1 crore total prize pool shared among winning startups across four tracks, plus pilot, mentorship and investor access.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs this programme?
Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24) is offered by Cars24 with Startup India (DPIIT) and Startup Policy Forum; promoted via MeitY Startup Hub. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The programme lists a deadline of 2026-11-10. Government timelines can change, so confirm the current date on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Related programmes
CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.
Source and verification
No official page is linked for this programme yet. Verification date pending. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.