Seva First Innovation Challenge
An open innovation platform for the Maharashtra Zone — covering Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and 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, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and 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 Allocation for 10 Sectors: INR 5.00 Crore
Each sector will have five winners: one winner from the Women Category, one winner from the Below-18 Category, and three winners from the General Category.
Each selected winner will be eligible for a work order worth up to ₹10 lakh to support the implementation of their proposed innovation, subject to technical and financial evaluation, successful due diligence, and applicable programme approvals. This represents a total potential allocation of ₹50 lakh per sector across five winners.
Work orders will be issued subject to verification of the applicant’s identity, team or entity status where applicable, KYC, bank details, implementation feasibility, statutory requirements, and the programme’s approved terms and conditions. No applicant, team, or entity shall 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, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and 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.
Is there a registration fee?
No fee is charged for registration or participation.
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.
Can I submit the same idea under more than one sector?
No. The same innovation should be submitted only once under one primary sector. Duplicate submissions may be disqualified.
Who can apply?
Individual innovators, students, student teams, researchers, faculty, informal teams, startups, MSMEs, companies, social enterprises, and educational or research institutions.
Is a registered company, startup, or MSME certificate mandatory to apply?
No. Individuals, students, and informal teams can apply without registering a company. CIN/LLPIN, DPIIT recognition, and Udyam details are required only where applicable to the applicant.
I don't have a private limited company, can I apply?
Yes, you can apply even if you don't have a private limited company.
I don't have a DPIIT certificate, am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to apply without a DPIIT certificate.
Is MSME Certification required?
MSME Certification is not required for the individual category.
Can research professionals apply?
Yes, research professionals are eligible to apply.
Is a domicile certificate required to apply?
Applicants must refer to the eligibility guidelines for the applicable domicile requirements. Eligible applicants must meet the challenge's prescribed requirements for Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Goa.
Can I apply if my idea is still at the concept stage and I do not have a prototype?
Yes. Applicants can submit ideas at different stages of development, including the idea/concept stage. You should accurately describe your innovation's current stage and provide any available supporting evidence.
Can I apply as an individual or do I need to form a team?
You can apply individually or as a team, subject to the applicable applicant-category requirements.
Can applicants below 18 years apply?
Applicants below 18 must provide the required parent/guardian details and consent as specified in the application process.
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.
Is Aadhaar verification mandatory for final submission?
Yes. Aadhaar verification must be completed before submitting the application.
What should I do if I face issues with Aadhaar Authentication?
Ensure that your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active and accessible. Wait briefly before requesting another OTP. If the issue persists, contact the helpdesk at +91 91377 78135 or support@sevainnovationchallenge.in.
My name is incorrect in the application form. Can I edit it?
The name is populated from Aadhaar and cannot be edited directly in the application form. If it is incorrect, contact the helpdesk for guidance before final submission.
Can I save my application and complete it later?
Yes. You can save your application as a draft and resume it later before the submission deadline.
What details should I prepare before filling out the application?
Keep your applicant details, innovation and sector information, problem statement, proposed solution, expected impact, team details (if applicable), supporting documents, and pitch presentation ready.
Which identity documents are accepted, and what are the upload requirements?
The applicant manual lists Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, and Driving Licence. Identity documents must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
What should I include in the problem statement?
Clearly explain the problem you intend to address, who is affected, and the estimated number of people or organisations impacted.
What information should I provide about my proposed solution?
Describe how your solution addresses the problem, what makes it innovative, the technology or approach used, its key advantages, the intended beneficiaries, and its expected impact.
Do I need to provide proof of testing, a pilot, or existing users?
Provide details of any prototype, testing, pilot, users, or validation evidence available. If your idea has not yet been tested, clearly state its current stage of development.
What should I select if my innovation does not use AI or other advanced technology?
Select the technology or innovation approach that best describes your proposal. Options include process innovation, service innovation, and business/delivery model innovation, as well as technology-based approaches and other applicable options.
Are company registration or DPIIT documents mandatory for every applicant?
No. These details are required only where applicable. Provide the information relevant to your applicant category and the fields displayed in the form.
Can I edit my application after final submission?
Review your application carefully before submitting. Edits are allowed until the submission deadline, after which applications are locked. Contact the helpdesk if you need clarification about a submitted application.
How can I confirm that my application has been submitted successfully?
Check your application dashboard for the submission status and retain any confirmation displayed by the portal.
Is uploading a pitch presentation mandatory?
Yes. The applicant manual lists the pitch presentation as a required document.
What should the pitch presentation include?
The reference template specifies six slides:
- Title and applicant snapshot
- Problem
- Solution and innovation
- Feasibility and implementation
- Impact and scalability
- Team/individual and support required
What format and file size are accepted for the pitch presentation?
Please follow the file format and size limit displayed on the application portal at the time of upload.
Can I submit a prototype, demonstration, website, or product link?
Yes. You can provide a prototype/demo link or website/product link, where available. These links are listed as optional in the applicant manual.
On what parameters will the project be 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.
Will we be invited online or offline for presentation?
Details regarding the presentation format (online or offline) will be communicated to the selected candidates.
How will we come to know if we are selected for the presentation?
You will be notified via your registered email address if you are selected.
How many members can be included in a team?
The application form flow specifies up to five core team members, including the team lead. Follow the limits and instructions displayed in the application portal.
Can I change the team lead after creating the team?
The application flow indicates that the team lead cannot be changed later. Please verify the team lead's details before proceeding.
What should I do if a team member's email address or mobile number is already in use?
Check that each team member's email address and mobile number are unique and entered correctly.
What is the helpline number?
You can reach our helpline at +91 91377 78135.
What is the support email address?
You can email us at support@sevainnovationchallenge.in.
Whom should I contact if I face issues with registration, OTP verification, document uploads, or submission?
Contact the challenge helpdesk:
- Helpline: +91 91377 78135
- Email: support@sevainnovationchallenge.in
- Website: sevainnovationchallenge.in
