MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0
MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0
In alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat @2047” and the belief that “India’s youth and innovators are the architects of a self-reliant and globally competitive nation,” the Ministry of MSME has launched MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0. This edition marks a significant milestone in the journey of fostering inclusive innovation, as it opens its doors to a broad spectrum of participants, welcoming all Indian citizens above 18 years of age.
Eligibility Criteria
- Last Date for Idea Submission: 14. 07. 2026 (23.59 Hrs)
- Select State: Odisha
- Select BI/HI: IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park
- Any innovator of Indian origin
- Students, entrepreneurs, Innovators and MSMEs Age: 18-60 years as on 27.6.2026
BENEFITS : Financial assistance up-to maximum of Rs. 15 lakhs per approved idea shall be provided to Host Institute for developing and nurturing of the idea.
About Hackathon 6.0
The MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is a celebration of India’s diverse talent pool, which is designed to harness the collective ingenuity of our people to address pressing national challenges and unlock new opportunities for the future. With themes ranging from renewable energy, energy efficiency, automotive technology, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, robotics and automation, and other frontier technologies, this initiative reflects our commitment to building a future-ready MSME ecosystem. By providing access to funding, mentorship, and incubation support, the Hackathon empowers innovators to transform ideas into impactful ventures that shape the future of our nation. For implementation of the scheme, the Host Institutions (HIs) approved for the scheme will be supported by the Office of DC-MSME.
Selected ideas will be provided funding support upto a maximum of Rs. 15 lakhs per approved idea, through the approved Host Institutes spread across the country.
Themes to Apply
Renewable Energy
To promote the generation, storage, management and productive use of renewable energy through MSME-led products and technologies. Participants may work on solar, wind, biomass, biogas, bioenergy, green hydrogen, hybrid energy systems, battery storage, second-life batteries, renewable-energy-powered machinery, decentralised energy systems or clean-energy components. Solutions may include solar dryers, cold-storage units, pumps, process-heating systems, compact storage devices, monitoring tools or indigenous components that improve energy access and create commercially viable clean-technology opportunities for MSMEs.
Energy Efficiency
This sub-theme invites practical and affordable ideas that help MSME units reduce energy consumption, production costs and process losses. Participants may propose machine-level energy-monitoring devices, efficient motors and drives, compressed-air leakage detection, waste-heat recovery, efficient boilers and furnaces, improved refrigeration and cooling systems, process-optimisation tools, thermal insulation, power-quality improvement or low-cost energy solutions. Ideas should preferably demonstrate measurable energy savings and should be suitable for retrofitting or adoption by existing MSME units with limited capital and technical capacity.
Automotive Technology
This sub-theme seeks innovative ideas and prototype-ready solutions addressing emerging requirements across automotive manufacturing, electric mobility and mobility-support ecosystems. Participants may develop indigenous automotive components, electric motors and controllers, battery-management and thermal-management systems, charging and battery-swapping technologies, vehicle electronics, embedded systems, sensors, connected-vehicle solutions, lightweight and advanced materials, safety technologies, alternative-fuel systems, diagnostic equipment, testing tools and precision-manufactured parts. Ideas may also address component remanufacturing, vehicle maintenance, end-of-life vehicle recovery and digital solutions for automotive suppliers.
Industry 4.0 and 5.0
This sub-theme invites ideas that can make MSME manufacturing more connected, intelligent, flexible and human-centric through technologies such as the Internet of Things, digital twins, artificial intelligence, machine vision, cyber-physical systems and smart production monitoring. Participants may develop affordable sensors, machinery retrofitting solutions, predictive-maintenance tools, digital work instructions, production, worker-assistance systems, product traceability solutions or other technologies that allow MSMEs to modernize existing operations without requiring complete replacement of their machinery and infrastructure.
Robotics and Automation
This sub-theme seeks affordable and adaptable automation solutions designed specifically for the scale and operating conditions of MSMEs. Participants may develop pick-and-place systems, machine-tending solutions, automated inspection tools, robotic welding or finishing systems, material-handling equipment, autonomous factory vehicles, computer-vision-based automation, modular controllers, adaptive grippers or retrofit kits for conventional machinery. Solutions should focus on ease of installation, safety, affordability, simple programming and suitability for small-batch, high-variety or labour-intensive production environments.
Other Frontier Technologies
This sub-theme invites innovative ideas in emerging and high-growth technology sectors not fully covered under the preceding categories, including advanced materials, drones, space technology, defence and dual-use technologies, medical devices, electronics and other high-growth sectors. Participants may propose indigenous components, advanced coatings and composites, drone payloads and control systems, satellite-enabled applications, portable defence or communication systems, affordable diagnostic and assistive devices, embedded electronics, precision-engineered products, testing technologies or other solutions with clear potential for domestic manufacturing, import substitution, commercialisation, and exports.
