NASSCOM DeepTech AI Challenge 2026

An annual competition during NASSCOM's TechSparks conference, offering a cash prize for the best Indian AI solution addressing a national problem. This challenge sits within NASSCOM's broader deep-tech ecosystem work, which also runs the long-running Emerge 50 recognition programme and sector-specific innovation challenges that pair winners with enterprise pilot opportunities. Because eligibility here requires a live AI model already serving 100+ daily active users, it is positioned for startups past pure prototype stage that need validation and visibility on a national platform like TechSparks rather than first capital.