At a time when India's independent music scene is growing faster than ever, access to funding and industry infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges for emerging artists. Looking to bridge that gap, Madverse Music Group has announced the launch of Empower Fund 3.0, an initiative that combines financial backing with career-building opportunities for independent musicians across the country.

This year's edition will award three independent artists, each receiving support worth ₹1 lakh, including ₹50,000 in cash and ₹50,000 in promotional and industry benefits, to help bring their next release to life.

Rather than functioning as a traditional talent contest, Empower Fund is designed to invest in artists who are already building their careers. Beyond cash prizes, winners will benefit from promotional support, industry exposure, and career development opportunities designed to help them reach wider audiences.

The fund is open to Madverse subscribers based in India who are planning to release an unreleased single, EP or album through the platform in 2026. Artists working across every genre and language are eligible to apply, reflecting the increasingly diverse landscape of India's independent music movement.

Applications are open and close on 31^st July, with winners set to be announced on 7^th August. The selection process will be led by a jury comprising Music Journalist : Amit Gurbaxani, Producer, DJ and Artist Development Mentor : Prayag Mehta, and Music Tech Entrepreneur : Rohan Jain.

As India's independent music ecosystem continues to mature, initiatives like the Empower Fund are shifting the conversation from simply discovering talent to actively investing in it. For emerging artists navigating today's music economy, access to funding, mentorship and industry networks can often be just as valuable as the music itself.