Open Challenge Program 9.0 – OctaNE CoE Aizawl Gaming & Entertainment
Offered By - MeitY, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
About the Program
The Open Challenge Program 9.0 (OCP 9.0) by OctaNE CoE Aizawl is a startup incubation and innovation support initiative focused on the Gaming and Entertainment sector. The program is powered by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) along with AIC STPINEXT INITIATIVES.
The challenge program aims to identify, support, and incubate innovative startups and entrepreneurs building solutions in Gaming, Entertainment, AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Media & Entertainment, and related digital content sectors. The initiative is part of the OctaNE Centre of Excellence (CoE) ecosystem based in Aizawl, Mizoram, focused on strengthening technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast startup ecosystem.
The program provides selected startups with access to incubation support, mentoring, technical infrastructure, networking opportunities, and commercialization assistance. Participants also gain exposure to specialized Gaming & Entertainment labs equipped with GPU-based workstations, servers, software tools, and other technology resources.
Beyond infrastructure support, the initiative offers mentoring, training programs, seed funding assistance, marketing support, IPR protection guidance, and business development support. The program also focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among students, innovators, and professionals while helping startups solve real-world industry problems using innovative digital solutions.
The Open Challenge Program follows a structured evaluation process including application screening, shortlisting, and final pitching rounds before an expert panel. According to the schedule provided in the uploaded document, shortlisted applicants will present their solutions during final pitch sessions scheduled for late May 2026.
From a founder’s perspective, this opportunity is particularly valuable for gaming and entertainment startups seeking ecosystem support, specialized infrastructure, technical incubation, and industry exposure rather than only direct grant funding. It is especially useful for startups building interactive entertainment technologies, gaming platforms, immersive media products, or AVGC-focused innovations.
Offerings / Benefits:
- Incubation space in Aizawl
- Access to Gaming & Entertainment labs
- GPU-based workstations and servers
- Mentorship and training
- Seed funding assistance
- Marketing and business support
- Networking opportunities
- IPR and legal assistance
- Access to state-of-the-art incubation infrastructure
- Industry and ecosystem exposure
Sectors Supported:
- Gaming
- Entertainment
- AVGC
- Media & Entertainment
- Visual Effects
- Digital Content
- Interactive Media
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Startup should be incorporated as:
- Private Limited Company
- Registered Partnership Firm
- LLP
- Startup incorporation should not exceed 10 years
- If not yet registered:
- Founders may apply individually
- Startup must be formally registered within 3 months of selection
- Startup annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Entity should not be formed through reconstruction of an existing business
- Startup should focus on:
- Innovation
- Product or process development
- Service improvement
- Employment generation potential
- Applicants should work in Gaming & Entertainment-related domains
Best suited for innovative startups building gaming, entertainment, AVGC, and digital media technologies.
Selection Process
-
- Open application submission
- Pre-screening of applications
- Shortlisting of selected applicants
- Final pitch presentation before expert panel
- Announcement of selected startups
Timeline:
- Applications Open: 20 April 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 11 May 2026
- Pre-screening: 13–15 May 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 20 May 2026
- Final Pitch: 27–29 May 2026
- Result Announcement: 5 June 2026
How to Apply
- Visit the official Sayuj/STPI application portal
- Complete the startup application
- Submit details regarding:
- Startup concept
- Innovation
- Team
- Business model
- Wait for screening and shortlisting
- Participate in final pitching rounds if shortlisted
Source & Verification
All information is compiled from publicly available sources. Refer to the links below for most accurate & updated details. Disclaimer
- Source 1: sayuj.net
This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute an endorsement by StartupGrantsHub.com. Exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Startup should be incorporated as:
- Private Limited Company
- Registered Partnership Firm
- LLP
- Startup incorporation should not exceed 10 years
- If not yet registered:
- Founders may apply individually
- Startup must be formally registered within 3 months of selection
- Startup annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Entity should not be formed through reconstruction of an existing business
- Startup should focus on:
- Innovation
- Product or process development
- Service improvement
- Employment generation potential
- Applicants should work in Gaming & Entertainment-related domains
Best suited for innovative startups building gaming, entertainment, AVGC, and digital media technologies.