Kolkata, 26 November 2025: Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Bharat Next Challenge, a national initiative by PLASTINDIA Foundation in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), aimed at driving India’s next wave of innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector.
Officially titled Bharat Next Challenge: PLASTINDIA Foundation Startup Search 2026, the programme aims to discover and promote ideas “Born in India” that reimagine plastics for a greener, more circular future. The Challenge is a marquee programme under PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the largest international plastics exhibitions in the world, scheduled from February 5th to 10th, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Reaffirming the government’s focus on innovation-led industrial growth, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “The government is committed to strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem, enhancing ease of doing business, reducing compliance burden, and fostering entrepreneurship. I hope this initiative will enable the plastics industry to take a decisive leap towards 100% reuse and recycling, aligned with India’s sustainability goals and rising global demand for circular products.” He viewed the initiative as a celebration of Talent, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5Ts of Brand India.
The Startup Search offers one of the most attractive support packages in the sector. The top 10 winning startups will each receive:
- ₹2 lakh prize money
- A complimentary exhibition stall worth ₹2 lakh at PLASTINDIA 2026
- Direct access to 6 lakh+ visitors, 2,000+ exhibitors, and 500+ global participants from over 80 countries
- All applicants will receive a PLASTINDIA Foundation Certificate of Recognition and a complimentary ₹2,500 all-day pass to attend PLASTINDIA 2026.
“Through our partnership with IIMCIP, the National Innovation Challenge will identify high-potential startups across plastics, materials, recycling, sustainability, and circular economy,” said Ravish Kamath, President, PLASTINDIA Foundation. “Winning startups will benefit from exclusive mentorship from IIM Calcutta, strengthening their ability to scale and commercialise transformational ideas.”
“This Challenge aims to accelerate innovation and foster meaningful industry–startup collaboration. Our goal is to give young entrepreneurs the visibility, access, and credibility needed to reimagine India’s plastics ecosystem,” added Alok Tibrewala, Chairman, National Executive Council, PLASTINDIA 2026.
“We believe the future of India’s growth will be defined by breakthrough ideas that integrate sustainability with world-class innovation,” said Mr Ajay Jain, Chairman, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. “Through the Bharat Next Challenge, we aim to empower startups with the mentorship, platforms, and partnerships needed to convert bold ideas into impact at scale, strengthening India’s leadership in circular and sustainable technologies and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047."
The competition welcomes innovation across the plastics value chain, including life-saving medical devices, next-generation materials, green chemistry, recycling tech, sustainable packaging, manufacturing breakthroughs, and policy innovations.
The initiative aims to energise India’s ₹3.5 lakh crore plastics industry, which employs over 4 million people, by helping startups access funding, industrial partners, mentorship, and platforms for national visibility.
A Nationwide Call for Ideas: “Born in India”
The Challenge is open to all Indians above the age of 16. Applicants must submit:
- A 1,000-word pitch, and
- A 2-minute video describing their idea and its potential impact.
A panel of experts will evaluate submissions, shortlist the Top 50 ideas, and select the Top 10 winners, who will present at PLASTINDIA 2026.
Registrations are now open at: https://plastindia.org/start-up-search
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