Telangana Innovation Startup Challenge (TISC) 2026

Who can apply

• Startups, innovators, researchers, technology firms and academic institutions
• Applicants from anywhere in India (and international innovation centres) may apply
• Solution must address one of the seven listed problem statements
• Judged on problem relevance, originality, technology readiness, team capability and impact

What you get

• Pilot deployment with Telangana government departments
• Route to long-term government procurement contracts, subject to pilot results
• Showcase slot at the Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026 (Bharat Future City, December)
• Direct engagement with state officials on real-world problems

Telangana is asking startups to solve seven concrete public-sector problems — led by low-cost solar irrigation for deep borewells — with the reward being paid government pilots that can turn into long-term procurement contracts. Shortlisted teams will be showcased at the Invest Telangana Global Summit in December 2026. Deadline 30 Nov 2026. The seven challenges: solar irrigation pumps/retrofit kits for deep borewells (~30% cheaper, theft-resistant panels, tamper-proof metering); rapid food-adulteration testing for hostels; satellite monitoring of lake and land encroachment; automated pothole mapping and repair; needle-free anaemia screening; AI-based Telugu reading assessment; satellite/app-based crop mapping. No cash prize announced — the value is the pilot and contract pathway.

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