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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
S Raghunatha Reddy
Chief Information Officer | L.A Technologies Pvt Ltd
Categories
Startup Founders
& Co-Founders
Open to all eligible startups revolutionising industries with innovative ideas.
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Women Entrepreneurs
in Startups & MSMEs
Showcasing the power of female entrepreneurship, this category is exclusively for women entrepreneurs leading Startups & MSMEs
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Grand Prizes
upto 48 Lacs
2 Winners
INR 16,00,000
worth Dell Products & Solutions
to each winner
2 Runners-up
INR 8,00,000
worth Dell Products & Solutions
to each runner-up
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)
An opportunity for the 2 winners and 2 runners-up to speak in a panel at TechSparks 2025 & SheSparks
(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)
Ecosystem Partners
Shortlisting Process
Application Phase
Till Feb 23, 2025
Applications open for both categories
1
Quarter Final
Mar 20-21, 2025
Top 100: 50 shortlisted from each category to pitch to the quarter-finale jury
2
3
Semi Final
April 4, 2025
Top 30: Top 15 from each category to pitch to the Semi-final jury in Bangalore
Grand Finale
Apr 25, 2025
Top 10: Top 5 from each category to pitch live to the grand jury in the finale in Bangalore
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:
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:
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 Entrepreneurship Challenge was an incredibly enlightening and exciting journey. The event was thoughtfully designed, and it played a pivotal role in helping me refine key aspects of my business, IndiaWelds, to thrive and succeed. Being recognized among the Top 30 in India for my contributions to the welding and manufacturing sector brought much-needed visibility, which every startup aspires to achieve. This acknowledgment further reinforced my commitment to advancing the skilling of the industrial workforce. Additionally, engaging with other finalists offered valuable insights into the diverse applications of technologies across sectors. Me and my team at IndiaWelds thank Dell for the opportunity and recognition given to us.
Sujata Sahay
Founder & CEO, IndiaWelds - Top 30 DEC Season 1
The experience of competing in the previous edition was wonderful and very educational. In the process of interacting with other contestants, it also expanded my understanding of some of the various ways of pursuing entrepreneurship. This occasion was crucial to my improvement in appreciating the particular elements of the fundraising process. My utmost thanks must be directed towards the judges during the competition who acted both as mentors and in providing me the right information at which stage and where exactly fundraising would be effective. Following their advice and instructions has been cardinal in defining the course of my entrepreneurial journey. To be a semi-finalist was a great feeling and I hope my experience can lead others to begin their own journeys of innovation and development.
Mohit Sanu
Co-Founder, Blue Banyan Technologies - Top 30 DEC Season 1
At the outset let me state that Dell Entrepreneur Challenge was a very nicely coordinated event. I had the opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs with great innovative ideas in diverse field. Turnpoint Technologies presented SMARD-LED lighting intervention in Industry and warehousing sector. We made a pitch with focus on energy saving and maintenance free installation. This was appreciated by the jury. To be one of the Top 30 amongst many participants gave us the confidence and motivation to do better. We acknowledge with thanks to receive a recognition certificate from Dell. Finally, to give a chance and a platform to enterprising people to showcase their product and ideas is indeed a very strong initiative.
Chandan Bhattacharjee
CEO, Turnpoint Technologies - DEC Season 1 Top 30
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.

What are the segments defined for the challenge?

The challenge is open for the below 2 segments:

  • General Startup Founders/Co-Founders
  • Women-led Startups & MSMEs

Can I submit my application in any language?

Entries must be submitted in English Language only.

Can I apply in more than one segment?

No, the participant can apply on any one of the defined segments. If the individual is eligible to apply in both segments, they must select any one segment based on their understanding and preference.

How do I enter for the Challenge?

  • Candidate can apply for the Challenge by completing the application form online
  • Link to fill the application form will be available on the website -  LINK
  • To apply for the Challenge, the Candidate should first go through the terms and conditions then select the segment and category pertaining to the segment and submit the application pertaining to the same.

Can I submit multiple applications for the Challenge?

No, the participant can submit only the application form once per organisation. The form shall consist of the details of their organisation.

Is it mandatory to submit the pitch presentation in the application form?

Yes, it is mandatory to submit the pitch presentation as per the guidelines mentioned, while filling your application form.

What are the mandatory documents required to be submitted while applying for the Challenge?

  • Audited financials for FY2022-23 and FY 2023-24
  • DPIIT Certificate
  • MSME Certificate

Is it mandatory to have a DPIIT certificate?

Yes, it is mandatory for the start-up to have a DPIIT certificate while participating for the challenge, if shortlisted.

Is it mandatory to have a MSME certificate?

Yes, it is mandatory for the MSME to have a MSME certificate while participating for the challenge, if shortlisted (Only for Women-led MSMEs).

What happens to my application once it is submitted?

Your application form will first be reviewed for completeness, eligibility and adherence to the application guidelines, including character limit. Incomplete and ineligible applications will be declined without further review. Applications that meet eligibility criteria will be further considered for the jury rounds.

Is there an application fee associated with the Challenge?

There is no application fee associated with the Challenge. It is free to enter.

Can I make changes to my application after it has been submitted?

Once the application form is submitted you will not be allowed to make changes to your application. Hence, please review the information provided in the application form before submitting.

Can I fill the application offline and later mail it to you?

No, the application has to be completely filled and submitted online. However, the form shall automatically save your partial responses and enable you to fill the application form at your pace and submit post completion.

What is the deadline for submission of entries?

Last date for receiving completed application forms is February 23 , 2025.

How do we know if we are shortlisted and need to provide information?

Team YourStory shall keep you updated of your status - in case you are shortlisted or not!

How many winners will be selected?

There will be one winner and one runner-up from each segment at the discretion of the jury members appointed by the management.

What is the gratification that shall be received by the winners of the Challenge?

The winners and runners-up will be assisted by a Dell advisor who will help determine Dell products and solutions from the LINK depending on the technology needs of your business. Approximate retail value (“ARV”) of Dell products and solutions will be of worth INR 16 Lakh for the winner and INR 8 Lakh for runner up for each category.

How do I access the terms & conditions for the Challenge?

The link for the Terms & Conditions can be accessed here - Please click on the Terms & Conditions to access the same.