In a significant move to boost innovation in India's language technology ecosystem, the central government has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025. The initiative aims to attract startups nationwide to create an AI-powered multilingual real-time translation solution under its flagship WaveX accelerator programme.
The competition is titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, and it encourages the development of real-time tools capable of translation, transliteration, and voice localisation across at least 12 major Indian languages.
"BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat"
Officials stated that the challenge is designed to support inclusive and accessible communication tools that respect India’s rich linguistic diversity. The programme aligns with the Digital India mission, focusing on bridging the language divide using AI and emerging technologies.
The challenge comes with no minimum eligibility requirements, which means startups at any development stage can apply. The government is inviting participants to create scalable, cost-effective solutions, preferably using open-source or affordable AI models.
"There is no minimum eligibility criterion for participation, allowing startups at any stage of development to apply."
"Startups have been encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective solutions, leveraging open-source or low-cost artificial intelligence models. Proprietary models may also be considered, provided they remain affordable for wide-scale deployment."
The winning team will receive incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, which includes:
Mentorship by experts
Workspace access
Development support until the product is fully ready and deployed
"The winning team will receive incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, which will include mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the solution is fully developed and deployed."
Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2025
Apply through: WaveX Official Portal
"Registrations opened on June 30 and will close on July 22. Interested startups may submit their proposals through the official WaveX portal."
WaveX is part of the government’s WAVES (Web Advanced Video and Entertainment Stack) initiative, aimed at nurturing startups in the media, entertainment, and language technology domains.
At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai in May 2025, over 30 startups presented their innovations directly to key stakeholders — including government officials, investors, and industry veterans.
"WaveX was launched under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative to promote innovation in the media, entertainment, and language technology sectors. At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai this May, over 30 startups pitched their ideas directly to government representatives, investors, and industry leaders."
Officials added that WaveX will continue to back early-stage startups via hackathons, mentorship, and opportunities for integration with national platforms.
"Officials said that WaveX will continue to support promising startups through hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and opportunities for integration with national platforms."
The BhashaSetu Challenge under the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 marks a pivotal step toward building inclusive, AI-powered language technologies in India.
By encouraging real-time translation, transliteration, and voice localisation across 12 Indian languages, the initiative aims to bridge communication gaps in a country known for its linguistic diversity. With no entry barriers, the challenge is open to startups at any development stage, making it an ideal platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute to Digital India’s vision.
The promise of incubation, mentorship, and technical support through the WaveX Accelerator makes this a unique opportunity for startups to scale impactful solutions. With the deadline for registration set for July 22, 2025, interested participants are encouraged to apply early via the official portal.
By combining technology and language accessibility, BhashaSetu aspires to empower millions and redefine the future of communication in India. This is more than a competition—it's a national mission.