Startups to build scalable and cost-effective solutions
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has invited startups across the country to participate in a national hackathon to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution for the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 under its flagship startup accelerator program, WaveX.
Titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, the challenge aims to encourage the development of innovative artificial intelligence tools capable of real-time translation, transliteration, and voice localization across at least 12 major Indian languages. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive, accessible, and emotion-aware communication technologies.
In a move to encourage broader participation, the challenge has no minimum eligibility criteria, allowing startups at any stage of development to apply. Startups are encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective solutions using open-source or low-cost AI models http://startupindia.gov.in.
However, proprietary solutions may also be proposed, provided they remain affordable and practical for wide-scale deployment.
The winning startup will be provided incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, including mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the final product is completed and deployed. Registrations are open from 30 June 2025, and the deadline to submit prototypes is 22 July 2025.
Interested startups can apply via the official WAVEX portal at: https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com
WaveX is the dedicated startup accelerator platform launched under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s WAVES initiative, aimed at nurturing innovation in the media, entertainment, and language technology sectors https://www.iamai.in/.
At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai in May 2025, WaveX provided pitching opportunities to over 30 promising startups, enabling direct engagement with government agencies, investors, and industry leaders. WaveX continues to support breakthrough ideas through targeted hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and integration with national platforms, the Ministry said on 30 June. Fiinews.com
