FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY
1. WHO CAN APPLY?
We invite innovators and entrepreneurs with with solutions that have the potential to bring about deep and sustainable social impact by bridging last-mile delivery gaps in telemedicine.
Early stage ventures with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or teams of upto 10 with an idea with a proof of concept (Proof of Concept). The MVP or PoC must show clear impact aligned with the problem statements of the challenge, supported by clear data and documentation. The MVP or PoC must have the potential to directly impact at least 1000 livelihoods.
The venture can be ‘for profit’, ‘not for profit’, or a hybrid. There is no restriction in this regard.
The MVP or PoC may or may not be a technology solution. There is no restriction in this regard.
We look for innovation that can fuel growth in four areas:
- Skill enhancement – Upskill workers and micro-entrepreneurs to increase earning potential, and reskill them to increase potential sources of income.
- Social security – Help job seekers and micro-entrepreneurs control their risks by ensuring access to healthcare, insurance, and income security
- Market linkage – Help job seekers and service providers access opportunities for decent livelihoods
- Financial support – Provide individuals with access to capital so they may make the transition to micro-entrepreneurship
2.WHAT IS A MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP)?
A solution that is developed to a stage where it can cater to early-adopters and the idea is validated based on actual testing in the market and feedback received. The evaluation process will look at iterations in the development of the MVP to assess its potential to scale and understand missing links in unleashing this potential.
3. WHAT IS A PROOF OF CONCEPT (PoC)?
A tested idea where proof of impact and evidence of feasibility are available. The evaluation process will look to uncover whether the evidence demonstrates valid results, and justifies future support and development of the idea.
4. IS THE CHALLENGE OPEN FOR INTERNATIONAL START-UPS?
Yes, both Indian and foreign start-ups are eligible to apply for the Challenge. However international startups may not be eligible for some of the offerings of the program, depending on the criteria for the respective programs. Some of the questions in the application form will help us ascertain your eligibility for and fit with the program better.
5. WILL I BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GRANT AND SUPPORT BY UPJEEVIKA OR PARTNERED ORGANIZATIONS UPON SELECTION?
The grant and GTM enablement will be awarded on the basis of merit and potential.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND STRUCTURE
1. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS I CAN AVAIL FROM THE PROGRAM ?
For 1 winner –
- INR 20 Lakhs in a mix of cash and GTM support through business development, sales, and marketing, and market access.
- Business support in the form of access to domain experts, mentors, business model design experts, entrepreneurs, and functional specialists
- Customized support in the form of networking opportunities with investors, mentors and industry leaders
- Innovation support in the form of technology, operations, project management support from Upjeevika’s ecosystem
Finalists who don’t win may still receive up to INR 1 Lakh each as financial support based on potential and merit.
2. DO I HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT FOR ANY SESSIONS?
Given the current pandemic the Upjeevika team will organize the sessions keeping in mind the safety of the participants/ experts and the team. The challenge evaluation process will be conducted exclusively virtually.
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS?
- Applications open: May 15th, 2021
- Last date to submit applications: June 15th, 2021
- Start of Jury Evaluations: June 16th, 2021
- Announcement* of Finalists : July 15th, 2021
*Evaluations of applications would be on a rolling basis.