Description
The Bharat Livelihood Challenge is a virtual startup hackathon organized by IIMA Ventures in collaboration with Apna, focused on solving India’s most pressing challenges around jobs, livelihood, and skilling for the urban lower and middle-income population.
As India races towaIIMA Ventures in collaboration with Apnards becoming the world’s youngest workforce by 2030, nearly a billion working-age individuals — many in Tier 2/3 cities — face barriers like underemployment, skill mismatch, job discovery hurdles, and career stagnation.
This challenge aims to identify and support early-stage startups and emerging founders who are building scalable, tech-led solutions that can uplift these communities — whether through better job access, smarter skilling, or income generation models.
This is not just a hackathon. It’s a launchpad for real-world impact.
Why Apply?
Whether you’re a registered startup or someone with a bold idea, this is your chance to:
Fast-track entry to IIMA Ventures’ flagship, Bharat Inclusion Accelerator
Up to $50K in financial support for prototyping or early growth
1:1 mentoring support in validation, GTM, fundraising, legal, etc
Pilot with employers and training partners to unlock real-time insights and drive data-backed improvement.
Co-marketing opportunities with Apna
Focus Areas for the Hackathon
Startups participating in the hackathon will be building innovative solutions to solve for one or more of the below:
Job discovery and marketplaces for blue-collar and gray-collar workers (e.g., delivery agents, security guards, drivers, retail staff, housekeeping)
Digital skilling platforms focused on vernacular languages, microlearning, and sector-specific skills
Career mobility solutions for gig and contract workers (career pathing, credentialing, upskilling for better opportunities)
AI-driven job matching and assessments for non-English speaking and non- degree holders
Women-focused employment models (e.g., part-time, remote, flexible gig jobs)
Micro-entrepreneur enablement and income augmentation models (e.g., homepreneurs, freelancers, creators)
Skilling programs integrated with real-time employer demand
Credentialing, certification, and trust-building platforms for informal sector workers
Job-readiness & employability tools (e.g., soft skills, interview prep, resume building)
Tech-led staffing, onboarding, and verification solutions for MSMEs and large employers
For queries related to the hackathon details or the Bharat Inclusion Initiative, please reach out to the organizers at programs@iimaventures.com
Bharat Livelihood Challenge is also live on F6S. You can apply on F6S through this link.
