WaveX invites startups to develop AI-powered real-time multilingual translation solution-OxBig News Network

The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025, inviting startups across the country to participate in a national hackathon to develop an AI-powered multilingual translation solution to be named ‘BhashaSetu’.

“The challenge aims to encourage the development of innovative artificial intelligence tools capable of real-time translation, transliteration, and voice localisation across at least 12 major Indian languages. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive, accessible, and emotion-aware communication technologies,” said the Ministry on Monday.

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,” it said.

The winner will be provided incubation support under the WaveX Accelerator, including mentorship, workspace, and development assistance until the final product is completed and deployed.

The registrations for the challenge will be open from June 30 to July 22.