The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched the Open Challenge Program (OCP) 6.0, an initiative aimed at bolstering health-tech startups. The announcement was made in collaboration with SGPGIMS Lucknow, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, AiMeD, and the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ).
The program, backed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), seeks to equip health-tech startups with resources to address real-world challenges in the medical equipment, electronics, and health informatics sectors. Applications for OCP 6.0 opened on March 21, 2025, with a deadline of April 20, 2025.
STPI recently held the STPI SANGAM event, which brought together startups, investors, mentors, and industry leaders under MeitY’s Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS).
S Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, highlighted the critical role of startups. “Startups are the engines of innovation and economic growth. Their disruptive spirit, agility, and commitment to solving real-world challenges are shaping India’s future,” he said. He further stated, “Through initiatives like NGIS and platforms like STPI SANGAM, we are not just supporting startups but creating an ecosystem where ideas transform into impactful businesses.”
Krishnan assured that the government is dedicated to nurturing the startup ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and boost India’s global competitiveness.
Arvind Kumar, Director General of STPI, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for all startups. Kumar said, “Every startup, whether from metropolitan cities or smaller towns, deserves a platform to grow. I am proud to share that 44 per cent of STPI’s startup portfolio consists of women entrepreneurs, many of whom come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.” He added, “It is our responsibility to nurture their aspirations and provide them with the resources they need.” Under the NGIS scheme, STPI has supported 685 startups, provided seed funding to 136 startups, and created over 7,000 jobs.
