The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025, "BhashaSetu RealTime Language Tech for Bharat," under its WaveX startup accelerator program. This national hackathon invites startups to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution capable of real-time translation, transliteration, and voice localization across at least 12 major Indian languages. The initiative aims to foster inclusive, accessible, and emotion-aware communication technologies. There are no minimum eligibility criteria for participation, encouraging startups at any stage to apply. Startups are encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective solutions, considering both open-source/low-cost AI models and proprietary solutions. The winning startup will receive incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, including mentorship, workspace, and development assistance. Prototype submissions are due by July 22, 2025. Interested startups can apply via the official WAVEX portal at https:wavex.wavesbazaar.com. 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. The release was issued by PIB Delhi on June 30, 2025, at 6:52 PM (Release ID: 2140887) and includes contact information for Dharmendra Tewari and Navin Sreejith.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and broadcasting policies.
WaveX: Startup Accelerator Platform under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's WAVES initiative.
BhashaSetu: An AI-powered RealTime Multilingual Translation Solution and the title of the startup challenge.
WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025: A national hackathon to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution.
WAVES: An initiative of the Ministry of Information Broadcasting aimed at nurturing innovation in the media, entertainment, and language technology sectors.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: City in India where the WAVES Summit was held.
Dharmendra Tewari: Individual associated with the release, likely a contact person.
Navin Sreejith: Individual associated with the release, likely a contact person.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Startup Accelerator Platform WaveX Invites Startups
to Develop AI-Powered Real-Time Multilingual
Translation Solution – ‘BhashaSetu’
‘BhashaSetu’ Challenge of Translation,
Transliteration and Voice Tech Across 12 Indian
Languages is open with No Eligibility Criteria
Prototype Submission Deadline Set for July 22,
2025
Posted On: 30 JUN 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 under its
flagship startup accelerator program, WaveX. The challenge invites startups across the country to participate
in a national hackathon to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution.
Titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, the challenge aims to encourage the
development of innovative artificial intelligence tools capable of real-time translation, transliteration, and
voice localization across at least 12 major Indian languages. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive,
accessible, and emotion-aware communication technologies.
In a move to encourage broader participation, the challenge has no minimum eligibility criteria, allowing
startups at any stage of development to apply. Startups are encouraged to build scalable and cost-effective
solutions using open-source or low-cost AI models. However, proprietary solutions may also be proposed,
provided they remain affordable and practical for wide-scale deployment.
The winning startup will be provided incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, including mentorship,
workspace, and development assistance until the final product is completed and deployed. Registrations are
open from today, June 30, 2025, and the deadline to submit prototypes is July 22, 2025. Interested
startups can apply via the official WAVEX portal at: https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com
About WaveX
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 through targeted hackathons,
incubation, mentorship, and integration with national platforms.
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Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith(Release ID: 2140887)