IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026
IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026: Empowering AI Solutions for Governance
The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 is a pioneering initiative aimed at leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle critical governance challenges. Through this challenge, IndiaAI seeks to identify scalable, deployment-ready solutions that can enhance public service delivery and enable data-driven decision-making across national governance systems. The challenge invites AI-based solutions that are both innovative and practical for addressing real-world problem statements.
Also Read : IndiaAI Innovation Challenge for Transforming Governance (with Government of Andhra Pradesh)
About the IndiaAI Mission
IndiaAI is an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The mission’s primary goal is to promote the development and deployment of AI technologies to drive socio-economic change, with a particular focus on sectors that can improve the lives of citizens and strengthen public sector governance.
Under this mission, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI) focuses on democratizing AI access by supporting solutions in sectors such as public health, education, agriculture, and governance. The initiative works closely with government bodies like the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of MSME to promote AI adoption for transformative changes.
IndiaAI works under principles of responsibility, security, and strong data governance, ensuring that all solutions align with national and international standards for data privacy, security, and fairness.
Challenge Objective: Driving AI Innovation for Public Service
The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 is a highly competitive program aimed at discovering and refining AI solutions that are ready for deployment and can address critical problem statements in the public sector. The challenge invites AI solutions that have demonstrated the potential to:
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Analyze complex datasets.
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Generate actionable insights for data-driven decision-making.
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Support predictive analytics in governance.
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Be scalable, secure, and ready for integration into existing systems.
Solutions submitted to the challenge will undergo rigorous screening and evaluation, and the best ideas will receive funding and support to scale them for nationwide implementation. Selected teams could secure a two-year work contract worth up to INR 1 crore for deploying their solutions within government systems, focusing on AYUSH-enabled health services and the MSME governance ecosystem.
Expected AI Solutions
The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 is looking for AI-driven solutions that can make a real-world impact on governance systems. Here are the key areas of focus:
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Virtual Negotiation Assistance
AI-enabled virtual assistants to support digital dispute resolution processes. These assistants will:-
Automate intake and document analysis.
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Predict possible outcomes based on historical data.
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Provide multilingual interaction support.
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Assist in drafting settlements for resolution.
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Intelligent Agent Mapping
AI-based tools designed to automate the onboarding, classification, and matching of vendors and entities with public sector needs. These tools will:-
Automate the process of vendor selection based on predefined attributes.
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Optimize resource allocation by intelligently matching vendors with projects based on capabilities and requirements.
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Intelligent AYUSH Health System
AI-based health systems capable of analyzing vast datasets to:-
Detect emerging disease trends in real-time.
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Forecast public health risks and manage resource allocation.
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Provide personalized treatment recommendations based on historical health records.
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These solutions must demonstrate the ability to be integrated seamlessly into existing government systems, comply with cybersecurity frameworks, and support interoperability.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
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Indian Companies: Must be registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with at least 51% Indian ownership.
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Start-ups: Recognized under the DPIIT guidelines.
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Autonomous Bodies: Including public sector organizations, research institutions, universities, and non-profit organizations.
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Individuals: Indian students, researchers, and working professionals affiliated with recognized institutions.
Note: Teams not already registered as companies or start-ups will need to do so if selected for Stage 2 to refine and pilot their solutions.
Challenge Milestones
The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 follows a phased approach:
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Stage 1: Initial screening and technical evaluation. All submitted solutions will be evaluated for feasibility and innovation.
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Stage 2: Shortlisting up to three teams per problem statement. Each selected team will receive INR 25 lakh to refine and pilot their solution in collaboration with relevant government stakeholders.
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Stage 3: Final selection of teams that may secure a two-year work contract worth up to INR 1 crore for integration, deployment, operation, and maintenance of their solutions in government systems.
Key Dates
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Launch of Challenge: 15 January 2026
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Last Date for Submission: 22 February 2026
How to Apply
To apply for the IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 and submit your AI solution, refer to the Submission Guidelines.
Queries
For any pre-submission queries, please email us at fellow3.gpai-india@meity.gov.in with the subject line: “Query-IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 –Applicant Name”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026?
Applicants must be Indian citizens. Eligible entities include:
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Indian companies with at least 51% Indian ownership.
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Start-ups recognized under the DPIIT guidelines.
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Autonomous bodies, public sector organizations, and research institutions.
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Indian individuals affiliated with recognized institutions.
2. What is the funding support for selected teams?
Each selected team will receive up to INR 25 lakh to refine and pilot their AI solution in Stage 2. If the solution is successfully implemented, selected teams could receive a two-year work contract worth up to INR 1 crore.
3. What are the main evaluation criteria for the challenge?
Solutions will be evaluated based on:
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Feasibility and scalability of the AI solution.
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Ability to integrate with existing public sector systems.
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Data-driven decision-making and predictive capabilities.
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Compliance with national data protection and cybersecurity frameworks.
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Clear alignment with governance needs in sectors like public health and MSME governance.
4. What types of AI solutions are expected?
The challenge is looking for solutions in the following areas:
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Virtual negotiation assistants for digital dispute resolution.
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Intelligent agent mapping for vendor classification and matchmaking.
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AI-enabled AYUSH health systems for disease prediction and personalized health recommendations.
5. How can I apply for the challenge?
To apply, visit the official IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 website and refer to the submission guidelines. Click on the Apply Now button to submit your solution. Make sure your solution is aligned with the challenge’s objectives and adheres to the submission requirements.
