DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26

About this grant

The DDWS Innovation Challenge 2025–26 is a national-level innovation initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in collaboration with IIT Madras. The program aims to identify, support, and scale innovative technological solutions addressing critical challenges in drinking water quality and sanitation across India, with a strong focus on rural and decentralized contexts. The challenge is structured around two focused tracks. Track 1 concentrates on the development of portable water testing devices capable of detecting chemical and bacteriological parameters, enabling accurate assessment of drinking water quality at the source. Solutions are expected to provide digital outputs, support data transmission through mobile or SIM-enabled systems, and offer actionable insights on water safety. Track 2 focuses on sanitation through the development of small-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable plastic waste disposal systems, particularly for managing multi-layered plastics at the rural level. Selected innovators will receive national-level visibility, structured mentorship from IIT Madras faculty and domain experts, opportunities for field trials, and incubation and proof-of-concept support. The program is designed not only as a cash award challenge but also as a pathway for real-world validation, adoption, and scale-up of impactful solutions aligned with national missions such as Jal Jeevan Mission.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, manufacturers, and corporate entities
• Applicants must propose solutions aligned with either the water quality or sanitation track
• Solutions can be at idea, prototype, or early MVP stage
• Innovations should demonstrate feasibility for field deployment, affordability, and scalability
• Applicants must be willing to participate in mentorship, evaluation, and field trial processes as defined by DDWS and IIT Madras
• Application Process
• Online registration and submission of application through the official challenge portal
• Screening and evaluation of proposals based on technical merit, innovation, and impact potential
• Shortlisted participants undergo mentoring and masterclasses conducted by IIT Madras and experts
• Final selection through a grand finale presentation and evaluation
• Cash awards, incubation, and proof-of-concept support provided to selected winners

What the funding covers

• Funding: Upto: ₹3 Lakhs

How to apply

1. 1Apply online at https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/ddws-innovation-challenge-2025-26-department-of-drinking-water-and-sanitation-iit-madras-343

Application tips