Ericsson launches Innovation Challenge to advance 5G-led solutions for societal impact in India

Launched with IAN Mentoring and Incubation Services and TiE Delhi-NCR, the nationwide initiative will invite startups, researchers and innovators to develop 5G-enabled solutions addressing healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, manufacturing and digital inclusion challenges.

Ericsson has launched the Ericsson Innovation Challenge, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging startups, researchers, academic institutions and technology innovators to develop 5G-enabled solutions for addressing key societal challenges in India. The programme is being organised in partnership with IAN Mentoring and Incubation Services and TiE Delhi-NCR.

The initiative, introduced as part of Ericsson's global 150-year anniversary celebrations, seeks to promote the use of 5G alongside emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). According to the company, the programme has been designed specifically for India to foster innovation that can deliver measurable outcomes across sectors important to the country's development.

The challenge will focus on solutions targeting rural technology and digital inclusion, healthcare access and diagnostics, climate and environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity and food security, and advanced manufacturing. Ericsson said the initiative is intended to strengthen India's capabilities in developing and deploying 5G-based technologies while supporting innovations that address real-world challenges.

Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, says, "For 150 years, Ericsson has pushed the boundaries of innovation to connect people, transform industries and positively impact the communities in which we operate. As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud to launch the Ericsson Innovation Challenge, an initiative that brings together innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs in India to leverage 5G technology in order to solve real-world challenges.”

“India has a dynamic innovation ecosystem that can leverage 5G and other emerging technologies to address critical needs across healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, manufacturing and digital inclusion. Through this initiative, we hope to support solutions that can deliver measurable impact, strengthen the 5G ecosystem and contribute to India's digital future", he added.

Applications open July 2, winners to be recognised at IMC 2026

The Ericsson Innovation Challenge is open to researchers, faculty members, technology transfer offices, incubatees of recognised incubators and Indian startups developing deployment-ready 5G technology solutions with measurable societal impact. Entries will be evaluated on parameters including innovation, scalability, sustainability, societal impact and alignment with the selected problem statement.

Applications for the challenge will open on July 2, 2026, and close on July 22, 2026. Shortlisted participants will undergo a multi-stage evaluation and mentoring programme involving industry experts, investors and ecosystem leaders. Selected teams will also receive venture-building support and engagement opportunities with Ericsson, TiE Delhi-NCR and IAN before presenting their solutions to industry leaders, policymakers and investors at India Mobile Congress 2026, where the winners will be recognised.

"At IAN, we have always backed founders who see opportunity where others see obstacles. The Ericsson Innovation Challenge does exactly that — it asks India's innovators to look at our most critical societal challenges and answer them with the power of 5G. As partners in this initiative, IAN brings not just capital but deep mentoring expertise to help the most promising solutions mature into ready investment ventures. We are delighted to provide a platform that connects these innovators with the support, guidance and networks they need to turn bold ideas into lasting impact,” said Padmaja Ruparel, Co-Founder- IAN Group and Senior Managing Partner - IAN Alpha Fund.

“India's entrepreneurs have never lacked ambition — what they need is the right platform, the right mentors and the right moment. The Ericsson Innovation Challenge brings all three together. TiE Delhi-NCR is proud to partner in identifying and nurturing solutions that use 5G to address India's most pressing needs across healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, food security and digital inclusion. Through our mentorship network and rigorous jury process, we will help ensure that the ideas which rise to the top at India Mobile Congress 2026 are not just innovative, but ready to scale and create lasting impact," said Geetika Dayal, Director General, TiE Delhi-NCR.