BICFAI Deeptech Cohort 1.0 , BITS Pilani Hyderabad & ICFAI Group

• Student founders and startups in deeptech, space or AI at any stage.

About this scheme

BICFAI Deeptech Cohort 1.0 is the inaugural incubation cohort of the Bharat Incubation Center for Futuristic and Advanced Innovations, a joint initiative of BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus and the ICFAI Group. The programme targets high-impact technology ventures across defence, aerospace, and deep-tech domains, reflecting the dual institutional mandate of research excellence (BITS Pilani) and enterprise development (ICFAI).

The programme is open across six technology domains: Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy and Robotics; Cybersecurity, Secure Communication and Information Warfare; Quantum and Advanced Computing Technologies; Advanced Materials and Smart Manufacturing; Sensors, Electronics and Embedded Systems; and Energy Systems. These map closely to India's strategic deeptech priorities and the dual-use technology pipeline between defence, aerospace, and commercial applications.

Selected participants receive mentorship from faculty and domain experts at BITS Pilani Hyderabad and the ICFAI Group, alongside support for identifying and accessing funding sources , government grants, institutional funding, and investor connects. Market access support is also part of the programme, helping ventures connect with potential customers and partners in defence and commercial sectors.

BICFAI is positioned at the intersection of two well-established institutions , BITS Pilani's engineering and research depth, and ICFAI's business and enterprise network , giving cohort members access to a combined ecosystem that spans technical R&D, academic talent, and industry linkages. As a first cohort, this is also an opportunity for founders to build early relationships with the incubator as it scales its programme and network over time.

The programme is open to students, MSMEs, researchers, and professionals , making it accessible to a broader range of applicants than typical startup-only incubators, and particularly relevant for researchers and technologists looking to translate their work into ventures.

Who can apply

• Open to students, MSMEs, researchers, and professionals , both individuals and teams
• Must be working on innovations in one or more focus domains: AI, Autonomy and Robotics; Cybersecurity and Secure Communication; Quantum and Advanced Computing; Advanced Materials and Smart Manufacturing; Sensors, Electronics and Embedded Systems; Energy Systems
• Defence, aerospace, and deeptech applications are particularly encouraged
• No restriction on incorporation stage , pre-incorporation applicants may apply
• No geographic restriction stated , open to applicants from across India

Benefits & funding

• BICFAI does not state a fixed cash grant amount.
• Selected participants receive support in identifying and accessing funding , including government grants, institutional schemes, and investor connects , alongside mentorship from BITS Pilani Hyderabad and ICFAI faculty and domain experts.

Frequently asked questions