The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is promoting the adoption of AI-based solutions to enhance inclusive communication and information delivery across all languages in India. Secretary Sanjay Jaju announced the "Kalaa Setu" and "Bhasha Setu" challenges on the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform, urging AI startups to develop indigenous, scalable solutions reflecting India's linguistic and cultural diversity. Startups can register and apply for the challenges via the WAVEX portal (https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com), where technical requirements and other details are available. Finalists will present their solutions to a national jury in New Delhi, with the winner receiving an MoU for full-scale development, pilot support with AIR, DD, and PIB, and incubation under the WAVEX Innovation Platform. WaveX, launched under the Ministry's WAVES initiative, supports innovation in media, entertainment, and language technology through hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and integration with national platforms. WaveX previously provided pitching opportunities to over 30 startups at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai in May 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and media regulation.
Shri Sanjay Jaju: Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform: A platform set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to encourage creator economy.
Kalaa Setu: One of the challenges launched on the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform, focused on AI-driven innovation.
Bhasha Setu: One of the challenges launched on the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform, focused on AI-driven innovation.
THub, Hyderabad: An incubator in Hyderabad, Telangana where the meeting with Incubators and Startups was held.
IIT Hyderabad: Indian Institute of Technology located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
New Delhi: The location where the final shortlisted teams will present their solutions before a national jury.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
India Set to Lead the Global Creative Economy with
AI-Driven Innovation: Secretary I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju
Shri Jaju invites India’s leading AI startups to
participate in Kalaa Setu and Bhasha Setu
challenges on WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform
Posted On: 17 JUL 2025 5:23PM by PIB Hyderabad
In order to ensure inclusive communication and last-mile information delivery in every language
across the country, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is moving towards adopting AI-
based solutions that can bridge linguistic divides. The Secretary of Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju held a meeting with Incubators and Startups from across the
country, working on AI/ML-based technology solutions at the T-Hub in Hyderabad today. Apart from
the CEO of T-Hub and the Startups being incubated at T Hub, participants included representatives
of IIT Hyderabad, Centres of Excellence of NITs and Engineering institutions with active innovation
cells.
Addressing the meeting Shri Jaju said that, in line with the vision of the honourable Prime Minister
to encourage creator economy of the country, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has set up
the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform. He further informed that the platform has launched ‘Kalaa
Setu’ and the ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenges which would be significant in building a future-ready digital
ecosystem. Shri Jaju urged India’s leading AI startups to participate in the above challenges and
develop indigenous, scalable solutions that reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation.Startups can register and apply for the ‘Kalaa Setu’ and the ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenges through the
WAVEX portal at https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com . Technical requirements and other details for the
challenges can be accessed from the WaveX portal. The final shortlisted teams will present their
solutions before a national jury in New Delhi, with the winner receiving an MoU for full-scale
development, pilot support with AIR, DD, and PIB, and incubation under the WAVEX Innovation
Platform.
WaveX is the dedicated startup accelerator platform launched under the Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting’s WAVES initiative, aimed at nurturing innovation in the media, entertainment, and
language technology sectors. At the WAVES Summit held in Mumbai in May 2025, WaveX provided
pitching opportunities to over 30 promising startups, enabling direct engagement with government
agencies, investors, and industry leaders. WaveX continues to support breakthrough ideas throughtargeted hackathons, incubation, mentorship, and integration with national platforms.
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(Release ID: 2145552)