Delhi launches 100-day innovation challenge with Rs 2 crore prize pool

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood formally inaugurated SEVA FIRST 2026 at Delhi Technological University (DTU), marking the launch of an ambitious 100-day innovation challenge designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking among the city's youth. The competition features a combined prize pool of Rs 2 crore, distributed across winning entries that address pressing developmental challenges.

The initiative seeks to identify and nurture technology-driven solutions from young innovators, with a focus on practical applications that can create tangible social impact. By condensing the competitive timeline to 100 days, organisers aim to maintain momentum and encourage rapid prototyping and development of viable concepts.

DTU's selection as the launch venue reflects the institution's prominence as a hub for engineering and innovation in the National Capital Region. The university's infrastructure and student ecosystem position it as an ideal setting to catalyse participation from tech-savvy participants.

The challenge comes as Delhi continues to position itself as a centre for innovation and startup activity. Government-backed initiatives such as SEVA FIRST 2026 underscore efforts to channel youth creativity toward solving real-world problems while simultaneously building a pipeline of entrepreneurs and innovators in the technology sector.