Seva First Innovation Challenge
An open innovation platform for the Maharashtra Zone — covering Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu and Goa. Students, researchers, startups, MSMEs and citizens: bring your solution to real public problems and earn zonal recognition.
About Seva First Innovation Challenge
As part of the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan", a nationwide public outreach campaign being organised to mark the birthday of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his 25 years in public life, the Maharashtra Zone — comprising Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu and Goa — is set to launch the Seva First Innovation Challenge to harness the innovative potential of its citizens. The Innovation Challenge aligns with the Innovation Module envisaged under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and aims to promote a culture of creativity, problem-solving and citizen participation.
Vision
A future where every citizen of Maharashtra’s western region has the tools, talent, and funding to turn bold ideas into real world impact—driving sustainable development, social equity, and economic resilience.
Mission
To ignite transformative, community driven solutions that strengthen Maharashtra’s western sector across agriculture, home & law, women empowerment, urban development, defence, health, energy, emerging technologies, and science. We empower learners, entrepreneurs, and citizen scientists to prototype, test, and scale innovations that improve livelihoods, safeguard the environment, and create inclusive growth.
Patrons & Leadership
Seva First Innovation Challenge, Maharashtra Zone is guided by the following patron, mentors, minister-in-charge and departmental leadership.
Shri. Devendra Fadnavis
Hon'ble Chief Minister,
Maharashtra State
Shri. Eknath Shinde
Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister,
Maharashtra State
Smt. Sunetra Pawar
Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister,
Maharashtra State
Shri. Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Hon'ble Minister for Skills,
Employment, Entrepreneurship
and
Innovation, Maharashtra State
Smt. Manisha Verma (I.A.S.)
ACS, Skills, Employment,
Entrepreneurship and
Innovation
Department
Dr. Amit Saini (I.A.S.)
Commissioner, Skills Development,
Employment &
Entrepreneurship
Dr. Apoorva Palkar
Vice Chancellor, Ratan Tata
Maharashtra State Skills University
Dr. Shrikant Patil
CEO, Maharashtra State Innovation
Society (MSINS)
Participation Benefits
Learn · Connect · Create · Make an Impact
Career & Entrepreneurship
Create pathways for future careers, inclusion and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Seva First Motto
Imbibe the spirit of Seva First in service of the nation.
Problem-Solving
Develop innovation and problem-solving skills in service of the local community.
Participation Benefits
What you gain by taking part in the Seva First Innovation Challenge, Maharashtra Zone.
Recognition
Gain zonal visibility, recognition and exposure for your solution.
Networking
Connect with faculty, experts, industry, government and other innovators.
Confidence
Build confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.
Who can participate?
An inclusive platform open to innovators of every background across the Maharashtra Zone, whether you apply as an individual, a team or an organisation.
Individual Innovators
Independent individuals with innovative ideas, solutions, inventions, or approaches addressing real-world problems.
Students
Students with fresh, innovative ideas and solutions addressing societal, community, industry, or public challenges.
Startups
Startups developing innovative products, services, technologies, or business models with potential for impact and scale.
Companies
Companies developing or implementing innovative solutions to address practical challenges and improve products, services, processes, or delivery.
Other Institutions
Other eligible institutions working on innovative solutions, research, technology, social impact, or community-oriented challenges.
From idea to zonal recognition
A transparent, multi-stage journey. Every application is reviewed independently, and progress is visible on your dashboard.
Ten sectors. One goal: impact.
Choose the sector and sub-theme closest to the problem your solution addresses. Cross-sector ideas are welcome.
Recognising the Zone's best
Every sector has its own podium, with separate rankings for the General and Women Categories.
General Category
Top three innovations in each sector, ranked by the Grand Jury.
Women Category
Top three women-led innovations in each sector, ranked separately.
Consolation
The next two finalists in each sector on open merit receive consolation recognition.
Total Prize for 10 sectors INR 5.00 crore
Each sector will have five winners, comprising one winner from the Women Category, one winner from the Below-18 Category, and three winners from the General Category. Each winner will receive a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, resulting in a total prize allocation of ₹50 lakh per sector.
Prize disbursement should be subject to verification of applicant identity, team or entity status where applicable, KYC, bank details, statutory requirements, applicable approvals and any grant/prize conditions approved for the programme. No applicant, team or entity should receive more than one award for the same application.
Guidelines
Eligibility, the participation process and the submission template — all on one dedicated page.
Read the full Guidelines
Check eligibility, see how the process works, and download the official submission template.
Announcements
Register with your mobile number and email, verify by OTP, and complete your profile.
See the full Guidelines page, including the downloadable PPT submission template.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Seva First Innovation Challenge, Maharashtra Zone?
An open innovation challenge across the Maharashtra Zone — Maharashtra,Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu and Goa — that identifies and celebrates impactful ideas, products and solutions from students, researchers, startups, MSMEs, institutions and citizens, aligned with the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Who can apply?
Individual innovators, students, student teams, researchers, faculty, informal teams, startups, MSMEs, companies, social enterprises, and educational or research institutions.
Do I need a registered company?
No. Individuals, students and informal teams can apply. Company details such as CIN/LLPIN, DPIIT recognition or Udyam are asked only from applicants for whom they are relevant.
Is there a registration fee?
No fee is charged for registration or participation.
How do I register?
- Click Register and fill the short form.
- Verify your mobile number and email with OTP.
- Complete your profile.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
What is the Women Category?
Each applicant selects General or Women Category at profile stage. Women Category applications are ranked separately within each sector. Proof appropriate to the applicant type is requested.
How are applications evaluated?
Administrative scrutiny, then two independent online evaluations, technical and impact assessment, finalist validation, and a final Grand Jury. Evaluators declare any conflict of interest before scoring.
Can I edit my application?
You can save a draft and resume later. Edits are allowed until the submission deadline, after which the application is locked.
Who do I contact for help?
Use the helpdesk details in the footer. Queries on registration, eligibility, documents and technical issues are all handled by the helpdesk.