The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a major national initiative titled the Blockchain India Challenge, aimed at accelerating the adoption of blockchain technology in governance and public service delivery. The announcement signals the government’s push toward strengthening India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) vision through indigenous, secure, and scalable blockchain solutions.
The initiative is designed to encourage Indian startups to identify high-impact governance challenges and develop blockchain-based applications that are transparent, tamper-proof, and aligned with regulatory standards. By fostering innovation within the country’s startup ecosystem, MeitY aims to create next-generation digital governance tools that can be deployed at scale across states and central agencies.
What Is the Blockchain India Challenge?
The Blockchain India Challenge is a national-level innovation program that invites visionary Indian startups to conceptualise, design, and pilot blockchain-powered digital governance solutions. The focus is on developing permissioned blockchain systems that offer enhanced regulatory oversight, improved security, and reliable audit trails.
Unlike public blockchains, permissioned blockchain networks allow controlled access, making them more suitable for government applications where compliance, privacy, and data integrity are critical. MeitY has emphasised that the solutions developed under this program must ensure trust, transparency, auditability, and tamper-proof record-keeping.
The challenge aims to address governance inefficiencies and improve service delivery across multiple sectors. While specific use cases have been identified, the ministry has clarified that the scope is not limited to these examples.
| Sector | Potential Blockchain Application |
|---|---|
| E-Procurement | Transparent tendering and contract tracking systems |
| Supply Chain Management | Real-time traceability and fraud prevention |
| Public Distribution System (PDS) | Tamper-proof beneficiary records and ration tracking |
| Education | Secure digital certificates and academic credentials |
| Healthcare | Protected patient records and medical data sharing |
| Agriculture | Farm-to-market traceability and subsidy transparency |
| Power Sector | Energy transaction monitoring and smart metering |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | Secure device authentication and data exchange |
| Land Records | Immutable land ownership and property registration |
| Environment & Sustainability | Carbon credit tracking and environmental compliance |
Startups are encouraged to collaborate closely with relevant government departments to identify additional innovative use cases beyond those listed above. The ministry has also highlighted the importance of scaling successful projects across the country to ensure widespread impact.
Eligibility Criteria for Participation
According to MeitY, the Blockchain India Challenge is open exclusively to Indian startups that have received recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal trade (DPIIT). Eligible startups must be actively developing blockchain solutions that can be applied to government use cases.
Participants are required to work in partnership with government agencies to design and deploy practical, scalable solutions. The objective is not just to develop theoretical models but to build working systems that can be integrated into real-world governance frameworks.
Funding Support and Prize Structure
To support innovation at different stages of product development, MeitY has introduced a three-tier funding mechanism. Selected startups will receive stage-wise financial assistance to refine and scale their blockchain solutions.
| Stage | Number of Startups (Up to) | Funding Support Per Startup |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype Stage | 40 | Rs. 1.5 lakh |
| Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage | 30 | Rs. 4 lakh |
| Deployment Stage | 20 | Rs. 10 lakh |
In addition to stage-wise funding, the total prize pool for the Blockchain India Challenge stands at Rs. 8.80 crore. Winners across ten designated use case categories will receive Rs. 50 lakh each, providing a significant incentive for startups to deliver impactful and scalable solutions.
Application Process and Submission Guidelines
Eligible startups can apply for the Blockchain India Challenge by registering on the official challenge portal at https://challenge.cdac.in. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals outlining:
- Technical architecture of the proposed blockchain solution
- Deployment strategy and implementation roadmap
- Alignment with identified government use cases
- Scalability and interoperability considerations
The official portal also provides comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, application timelines, use case categories, intellectual property rights (IPR) provisions, and other terms and conditions.
Strengthening India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
The launch of the Blockchain India Challenge reflects the government’s broader strategy to modernise governance through technology-driven reforms. By nurturing blockchain innovation within the domestic startup ecosystem, MeitY aims to reduce reliance on foreign platforms while building secure and sovereign digital infrastructure.
If successful, the initiative could significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service delivery, positioning India as a global leader in blockchain-enabled governance solutions.
With strong financial backing, structured mentorship, and real-world government collaboration, the Blockchain India Challenge presents a unique opportunity for Indian startups to contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital transformation journey.
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