Wharton India Startup Challenge (WISC)

Opening soon Wharton India Economic Forum (student-run, University of Pennsylvania) United States

Prize

USD 20,000+ in cash prizes shared by winners

Visit the official site

What it funds: Cash prizes and a Mumbai pitch stage for early startups serving the Indian market
Who can apply: Pre-seed, seed or early growth startup from any country
Product or service aimed at the Indian market
Raised less than USD 3 million in equity (2024 rule)
When you can apply: Opening soon
How to apply: Apply on the WIEF startup challenge page when 2026 applications open; top 10 pitch in Mumbai
Best for: Idea, Prototype, Early revenue stage
Run by: International programmes

Zoho for Startups Credits (Startup India)Up to ₹3 lakh in Zoho credits Open all year
AICTE Productization Fellowship (APF)₹37,000 a month per student for up to 2 years. Plus ₹50,000 a year per team. Open all year
Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)Up to ₹30 lakh as equity over three years Open all year
Ashoka Fellowship (India)Living stipend for up to 3 years, set per fellow Open all year
Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)Set by each incubator Open all year
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)Guarantee on collateral free loans up to ₹10 crore; fee from 0.37% a year Open all year
Young Inventors Prize (European Patent Office)€5,000 for each of 10 finalists. Top winners get up to €25,000. Closed

Starter opens 30 grants in full. Pro opens every one.