AI SummaryMinistry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) runs the MSME Idea Hackathon as an annual national competition to find and support new ideas that can help the MSME sector grow. The latest edition, MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0, was themed around frontier technology and invited Indian citizens aged 18 and above to submit their ideas online.
Registration for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 opened on 27 June 2026 and closed on 21 July 2026. Selected ideas get funding support of up to ₹15 lakh along with incubation help through an approved Host Institute.
What is MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0?
MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 is the sixth edition of the main innovation competition run by Ministry of MSME under the Incubation Component of the MSME Innovative Scheme. It supports the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by encouraging citizens to build ideas that can modernise the MSME ecosystem.
This edition was built around one pillar, "Frontier Technology in MSMEs", which covered six themes. Ideas are checked in four stages and then funded through an approved Host Institute to build a working prototype.
Six Themes of MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0
Applicants could submit their ideas under any of the six themes listed below.
- Renewable Energy: ideas on solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, battery storage and decentralised energy.
- Energy Efficiency: affordable solutions that cut energy use, cost and process losses in MSME units.
- Automotive Technology: electric mobility, indigenous components, charging and vehicle electronics.
- Industry 4.0 and 5.0: IoT, AI, machine vision and smart monitoring for connected manufacturing.
- Robotics and Automation: pick and place, robotic welding, inspection and factory automation.
- Other Frontier Technologies: advanced materials, drones, space, defence and medical devices.
MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Theme | Frontier Technology in MSMEs |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens aged 18 and above |
| Funding | Up to ₹15 lakh per approved idea |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | innovative.msme.gov.in |
Eligibility for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0
Any Indian citizen aged 18 or above with a valid email and mobile number could apply. Applicants had to pick one of three categories.
- MSME category: for units that have a Udyam Registration number.
- Student category: for students with a valid Student Identity Card for financial year 2026-27.
- Others category: for everyone else who does not fall under the first two groups.
Benefits and Funding
Approved ideas get up to ₹15 lakh in funding, paid through the approved Host Institute. The money is equity-free and does not need to be repaid.
Along with the funding, selected applicants receive incubation support such as workspace, mentoring and guidance to turn the idea into a working prototype.
Steps to Apply for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0
STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at innovative.msme.gov.in and register with a valid email and mobile number.
STEP 2 - Fill in the application form and choose your preferred Host Institute from the approved list.
STEP 3 - Upload the required documents, including an anonymised block diagram, concept note, category proof and age proof.
STEP 4 - Submit the idea before the last date and note down the application reference number for future use.
Selection Process
Ideas go through four stages before final approval.
STEP 1 - Host Institute: a panel of 3 to 5 experts per theme reviews the ideas and shortlists the best ones.
STEP 2 - Ministry of MSME: the ministry checks the documents and only complete, valid submissions move ahead.
STEP 3 - Domain Expert Selection Committee: thematic committees score and recommend the ideas.
STEP 4 - Project Monitoring and Advisory Committee: final approval is given here, and its decision is final.
How to Check the Winners List
Once the results are published, the winners list is shared on the official portal. Visit the result section on the website to check or download the list.
FAQ's
Is MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 registration open?
No. Registration for MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 closed on 21 July 2026. A new edition is expected to be announced by Ministry of MSME.
How much money is given under MSME Idea Hackathon?
Approved ideas get up to ₹15 lakh in funding along with incubation support through an approved Host Institute.
Who can apply for MSME Idea Hackathon?
Any Indian citizen aged 18 and above can apply under the MSME, Student or Others category.
Where can I apply for MSME Idea Hackathon?
Applications are submitted online at innovative.msme.gov.in.