The challenge aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop scalable, deployment-ready solutions that address clearly defined real-world problem statements, strengthen public service delivery, and enable data-driven decision-making across national governance systems.

About the IndiaAI Mission

IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), MeitY, is the implementing agency of the IndiaAI Mission. Through the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI), the Mission seeks to democratise access to AI by promoting the development, deployment, and adoption of AI applications in priority sectors with high socio-economic impact.

Aligned with these objectives, IndiaAI has partnered with the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of MSME to identify and support high-impact AI solutions that can be piloted and scaled within public sector systems, while adhering to principles of responsibility, security, and data governance.

Challenge Objective

The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 is a competitive programme inviting market deployed AI solutions with demonstrated potential for refinement and adaptation to address real-world problem statements in collaboration with Line Ministries.

Selected solutions have a chance to secure a two-year work contract of up to INR 1 crore, aimed at strengthening AYUSH enabled public health service delivery and MSME governance ecosystem in the country.

Submitted solutions must demonstrate the ability to analyse complex datasets, generate actionable insights, and support predictive and decision-making processes within existing digital systems. Solutions should be scalable, secure, and deployment-ready, support interoperability with existing platforms, comply with national data protection and cybersecurity frameworks, and enable efficient implementation and sustained adoption within public sector environments.

Expected Output

• Virtual Negotiation Assistance: AI-enabled virtual negotiation assistants to support digital dispute resolution through automated intake, document analysis, outcome prediction, multilingual interaction, and assisted drafting of settlements.
• Intelligent Agent Mapping: AI-driven tools to automate onboarding, classification, and intelligent matching of vendors and relevant entities based on predefined attributes, capabilities, and operational requirements.
• Intelligent AYUSH Health System: AI-based systems capable of analysing large-scale datasets for early detection of emerging disease trends, public health risk forecasting, and personalised treatment and lifestyle recommendations using historical records.

Who Can Apply?

• Indian Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with at least 51% Indian ownership
• Start-ups recognised under DPIIT guidelines
• Autonomous Bodies, including public sector organisations, research institutions, universities, and non-profit organisations
• Individuals, including Indian students, researchers, and working professionals affiliated with recognised institutions

Note: Applicants must be Indian citizens. Teams not registered as a company or start-up may apply; however, they will be required to register as a Company or Start-up if they are selected for stage 2 solution refinement and pilot.

Major Milestones

• Stage 1: Initial screening and technical evaluation
• Stage 2: Shortlisting of up to three teams per problem statement; each selected team will receive INR 25 lakh to refine and pilot the solution with relevant government stakeholders
• Stage 3: Selected teams may secure a two-year work contract of up to INR 1 Crore for integration, deployment, operation, and maintenance of their solution within government systems.

Key Dates

• Launch of Challenge: 15 January, 2026
• Last date for submission: 22nd February, 2026

Submission Guidelines

For more information, please refer to the detailed submission guidelines for IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026.

Apply Now

Click this link to apply for the IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026:

Queries:

All pre-submission queries must be emailed to fellow3.gpai-india@meity.gov.in using the subject line:"Query-IndiaAI Innovation Challenge 2026 –Applicant Name"