About
The Entrepreneur Challenge is back, and we’re thrilled to invite startups and SMEs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and solutions. With a legacy of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, this year's challenge promises to be bigger and better than ever.
3000+
Startups/SMEs
nominated
15+
Jury Companies
Involved
20+
Number of
Cities covered
Over The Years ...
Dell Startup Challenge
2015 - 2020
In the last season alone, granted Rs 30 Lakh worth Dell Technologies products and solutions to early-stage startups.
DWEN Dream Tech Contest
2021 -2023
Awarded Rs 3 Crore worth Dell Technologies products and solutions across the US, UK, Germany, India, and Australia. Granted Rs 50 Lakh worth seeding technology empowering startups in India.
Dell Entrepreneur Challenge
Since 2023
Awarded Rs 48 Lakh worth Dell Technologies products and solutions in season 1.
Our Jury
A distinguished panel of industry experts and thought leaders will carefully evaluate your startup's potential.
To be Announced
Grand Prize
Winner
INR 16,00,000
worth Dell Products & Solutions
worth Dell Products & Solutions
Runner-up
INR 8,00,000
worth Dell Products & Solutions
worth Dell Products & Solutions
Finalists shall also receive
Article coverage on the YourStory platform for each of the 10 finalists
Exclusive VC Connect to all the 10 finalists after the grand finale
Free annual subscription to our flagship product - "The Captable"
Free access for all the 10 finalists to TechSparks 2025 & SheSparks
(for women category only)
(for women category only)
An opportunity for the 2 winners and 2 runners-up to speak in a panel at TechSparks 2025 & SheSparks
(for women category only)
(for women category only)
Media Coverage
Article coverage on the YourStory platform for each of the 10 finalists
VC Connect
Exclusive VC Connect to all the 10 finalists after the grand finale
The Captable Subscription
Free annual subscription to our flagship product - "The Captable"
TechSparks & SheSparks Free Access
Free access for all the 10 finalists to TechSparks 2025 & SheSparks (for women category only)
Panel Inculsion
An opportunity for the 2 winners and 2 runners-up to speak in a panel at TechSparks 2025 & SheSparks (for women category only)
Partners
Shortlisting Process
Application Phase
Till Jan 15, 2025
Till Jan 15, 2025
Applications open for both categories
1
Quarter Final
Feb 12-13, 2025
Feb 12-13, 2025
Top 100: 50 shortlisted from each category to pitch to the quarter-finale jury
2
3
Semi Final
Feb 26-27, 2025
Feb 26-27, 2025
Top 30: Top 15 from each category to pitch to the Semi-finale jury
Grand Finale
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
Top 10: Top 5 from each category to pitch live to the grand jury in the finale
4
5
Results
1 Winner & 1 Runner-up to be announced from each category
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals:
Must be 18 years or older as of March 31, 2024
Must be the Founder or co-founder of the organisation for a minimum of 1 year
Startups:
Incorporation date must not exceed 10 years as of March 31, 2024
Annual turnover must not exceed INR 100 crores as of March 31, 2024
Should be using tech based solutions in some capacity within their business operations
Must be below Series B stage of funding
Must have atleast developed an MVP
MSMEs & Women
Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs:
Women Entrepreneurs in the organisation to hold a minimum cumulative stake of 33%
The annual turnover of the organisation must not exceed INR 250 crores as on March 31, 2024
SPOC for the challenge to be woman if applying under woman category
Additional
Requirement:
Requirement:
Must share a valid DPIIT/MSME certificate if shortlisted
Company Incorporation Documents, Board Resolutions & Founder's Agreement (if required)
Let’s See what people Say
The Dell Startup Challenge was a fantastic platform for Kazam to showcase its EV charging solutions. Being a finalist allowed us to gain valuable exposure, connect with industry leaders, and receive feedback from experts, helping us refine our approach to scaling EV infrastructure in India. This recognition was not only a testament to the hard work of our team but also reinforced our mission to make energy accessible to diverse mobility needs - from e-Commerce fleets to vehicle manufacturers.
Winning the national DWEN DreamTech 2022 competition has been transformative for Optimum Data Analytics. The Rs. 25 lakhs in seeding technology has accelerated our growth, and the chance to expand into the US market is a game changer. The exposure from a Canadian business magazine feature, speaking at the Dell Analytics Conference, and panelist opportunities like "Tech-Driven Entrepreneurship: Harnessing Innovation for Growth" with YourStory, have greatly boosted our brand visibility. This win is not just an award; it's a launchpad for our future, and I'm deeply grateful to Dell for this incredible opportunity.
FAQs
What is Dell Entrepreneur Challenge?
The objective of the challenge is to recognize and connect start-ups and women entrepreneurs with networks, knowledge and insight that gives them power to do more. By spotlighting the entrepreneurial success, failures and lessons learned in a supportive and unique forum, the Dell Technologies Presents Entrepreneur Challenge enables a community of like-minded entrepreneurs to share experiences, lift one another up, create new business opportunities, explore global expansion and solve challenges together and reward their contribution in the industry.
