Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Two MAGIC-Incubated Startups Win Grants In National MSME Idea Hackathon 4.0

Two innovative startups incubated at Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC) have been selected in the national-level MSME Idea Hackathon 4.0, an initiative by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India. From a total of 86 applications received at MAGIC, 13 were shortlisted and submitted to the Ministry, of which two startups secured final selection.

The MSME Idea Hackathon 4.0 was launched to encourage and support innovative ideas from young entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and MSME representatives across India. Open to individuals aged 18–35, this initiative aims to convert promising ideas into working prototypes by offering grants, incubation support, and various incentives. It is aligned with the Developed India @2047 vision and aims to harness the innovation potential of youth to promote self-reliance.

Among the selected startups is DB Potential LLP, which focuses on the indigenous development of technology for the defense sector, such as electronic speed governor systems. The firm’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) system, developed entirely in India, offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to imported systems while being tailored for Indian climatic and operational conditions. DB Potential LLP has been awarded a grant of ₹12.5 lakhs under the scheme.

The second selected startup, in the student category, is Smart Safety Jacket—an innovation by young innovator Atharva Shevankar from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Designed with women's safety in mind, the jacket integrates multiple safety features—including emergency alerting, GPS tracking, SOS messaging, and evidence recording—into a single-button solution. Its design is globally scalable. This project has received a grant of ₹1.5 lakhs.

Both selected startups will receive extended incubation support from MAGIC, which includes assistance in intellectual property rights (IPR), product design and development, market access, participation in national and international forums, and investor-networking opportunities. This multidimensional support aims to accelerate the startups’ journey from ideation to successful market launch.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of MSME has also announced the next edition—MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0. The theme for this year is “Smart & Sustainable MSMEs,” with a focus on the growth of smart and eco-friendly micro, small, and medium enterprises. The last date to submit applications is July 14, 2025. MAGIC urges innovators, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and defense professionals across the country to participate in this opportunity by submitting their ideas on the official website: https://innovative.msme.gov.in.