The centre on Monday launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025, inviting startups from across the country to develop an AI-based real-time multilingual translation solution under its flagship accelerator programme, WaveX.
The challenge, titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, seeks to encourage the creation of innovative tools that can handle translation, transliteration, and voice localisation in real time across at least 12 major Indian languages. Officials said the initiative aims to foster inclusive and accessible communication technologies that are sensitive to India’s linguistic diversity.
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 will include mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the solution is fully developed and deployed. Registrations opened on June 30 and will close on July 22. Interested startups may submit their proposals through the official WaveX portal.
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 said that WaveX will continue to support promising startups through hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and opportunities for integration with national platforms.
Startups can register for the challenge at: https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com