India’s immersive technology ecosystem is set for a major boost with the launch of the Open Challenge Program 9.0 (OCP 9.0), spearheaded by OctaNE Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Emerging Technologies, Imphal. This initiative is designed to nurture startups and entrepreneurs working in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Funding & Support Structure
Selected startups will receive multi-stage funding to accelerate their journey from idea to market-ready product:
- Proof of Concept: ₹5 lakh
- Prototype Development: ₹15 lakh
- Marketing Support: ₹5 lakh
Beyond funding, the program offers mentorship, patent facilitation, training, networking opportunities, and access to advanced incubation facilities. This structured support ensures startups can scale effectively while addressing real-world challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
- Startups incorporated as private limited companies, LLPs, or registered partnerships.
- Registered within the last 10 years or incorporated within 3 months of selection.
- Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore.
- Must focus on innovation-driven solutions with potential for employment and wealth creation.
Sayuj: The Collaborative Backbone
The program is powered by Sayuj, a dynamic startup community network under STPI (Software Technology Parks of India). Sayuj fosters collaboration by connecting startups with mentors, investors, industry experts, and peers, creating a vibrant ecosystem for knowledge exchange and growth.
Regional & National Impact
By anchoring the program in Manipur, OCP 9.0 aims to strengthen innovation in India’s northeast while contributing to the national AR/VR ecosystem. The initiative is expected to generate employment, drive technology adoption, and position India as a hub for immersive tech innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: May 11, 2026
- Funding: Up to ₹25 lakh across stages
- Focus: AR/VR/XR innovation, incubation, and ecosystem building
- Platform: Sayuj network for collaboration and mentorship
link-Sayuj – The Start-up Community Network | Powered by STPI
