CHUNAUTI 7.0 – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Co-create India’s Innovation Landscape

About this Challenge

Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) is STPI’s comprehensive incubation scheme which has a vision to drive the rise of India as a Software Product Nation so as to make India a global player in development, production and supply of Innovative, Efficient and Secure Software Products thus facilitating the growth across the entire spectrum of ICT sector as envisioned in the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) – 2019.

NextGen Start-up Challenge Contest (CHUNAUTI – Challenge Hunt Under NGIS for Advanced Uninhibited Technology Intervention) is a series of online Challenges under NGIS.

STPI has been instrumental in strengthening the startup ecosystem through policies, initiatives, and creation of enabling networks. Currently, it’s vital to boost the presence of women entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Their involvement not only spurs innovation but also enhances economic prosperity and fosters gender equality.

In line with our dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem in India, STPI is introducing CHUNAUTI 7.0. This initiative aims to acknowledge and celebrate the impressive technical skills of women-led startups leading the charge in innovative technology solutions. These startups are tackling pressing challenges across sectors like Education, Healthcare & Wellness, Finance, SaaS, DeepTech, E-commerce, Agriculture, and Environment, etc. Through CHUNAUTI 7.0, STPI is looking to identify and support promising startups, especially those led by women, by providing access to networks, mentorship, learning opportunities, and essential resources. It aims to empower the startups to grow their ventures, achieve profitability, and make a global impact.

Who can apply:
The eligibility criteria for a start-up to apply in the challenge program shall be as follows:

• The challenge invites the proposals/applications from Indian Start-ups *who are working in domain related to software product development.
• Start-ups registered with DPIIT under start-up India program are encouraged to participate in this program.
• Individual Academicians, Researchers, Educators, Entrepreneurs, partnership firms, LLPs may also participate, however, if they are selected then they will have to register as private limited company in a stipulated time (preferably within 3 months).

*At least 51% shareholding with Indian citizen or person of Indian origin. The applicant’s entity should not be a subsidiary company of any foreign corporation.

Note:
(a) The Start-ups submitting the proposals/applications can be in any of the stages viz. Ideation Stage, Validation Stage, Early Traction Stage, Scaling Stage Start-up.
(b) To qualify as a “women-led start-up”, the start-up must either be headed by a women entrepreneur OR have a woman as founder or co-founder OR have women as majority stakeholder (at least 33 % of founders’ equity).