DST NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0

About this scheme

The DST NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 is a flagship initiative spearheaded by Sharda Launchpad, a prominent technology business incubator located at Sharda University, with robust backing from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. As an integral part of DST's National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI), this program is designed to cultivate a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship within India. Sharda Launchpad provides a structured incubation pathway, ensuring that promising ideas are nurtured through critical developmental stages. The grant specifically targets high-impact, science and technology-based solutions that are engineered to confront and resolve pressing rural and societal challenges across the length and breadth of India.

Selected innovators and early-stage startup teams are eligible to receive a substantial Ignition Grant of up to Rs. 10,00,000 per entity. This crucial financial assistance is disbursed in accordance with stringent DST norms, with specific tranches contingent on the successful achievement of predetermined milestones and positive outcomes from the ongoing evaluation process. The primary objective of this funding is to provide critical support for prototype development and strengthening, rigorous validation activities, and to cover other essential expenses that bridge the gap from an initial idea or Proof of Concept (PoC) to a market-ready solution, ultimately preparing the venture for its startup phase.

Beyond the significant monetary aid, the program offers an extensive and comprehensive suite of non-monetary support tailored to accelerate growth. This includes unparalleled access to expert mentorship, where participants receive strategic guidance from seasoned industry veterans, accomplished entrepreneurs, and leading domain specialists. Innovators also benefit from dedicated access to state-of-the-art prototyping and lab facilities, which are indispensable for the intricate refinement and testing of their technological solutions. Furthermore, the initiative provides hands-on market validation assistance, including support for pilot programs and user feedback loops, alongside invaluable opportunities for vital industry connections, investor introductions, and partnership formations. This holistic support system is designed to equip participants with the tools and networks necessary for successful market entry and sustainable scaling of their ventures.

Who can apply

• Individual innovators and student innovators who are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions.
• Early-stage startup teams that have a foundational concept and are ready to move towards product development.
• Researchers who are keen to translate their scientific discoveries into tangible, impactful applications.
• A critical requirement for all applicants is the possession of a well-defined Proof of Concept (PoC) for their proposed solution. This PoC should clearly demonstrate the technical feasibility and potential viability of the innovation, serving as a concrete foundation for further development. Furthermore, applicants must present a solution that is firmly rooted in Science & Technology principles, explicitly addressing significant rural or societal challenges within India. Examples of such challenges include, but are not limited to, innovations in Agritech and rural development, solutions for health and sanitation, initiatives promoting women empowerment, advancements in rural livelihoods, and other social impact areas that leverage deep tech.

Eligible entity types: Individual Innovator

Benefits & funding

• 10,00,000 for prototype development, validation, and essential expenses, disbursed based on milestones.
• Non-monetary support includes expert mentorship, access to state-of-the-art prototyping and lab facilities, hands-on market validation assistance, pilot programs, user feedback loops, industry connections, investor introductions, and partnership formations.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Sharda Launchpad, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applicants submit proposals via an online form.

2. 2

   Initial screening shortlists promising candidates.

3. 3

   Shortlisted applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation and expert interaction, involving a project review, pitch presentation, and Q&A session with a panel from Sharda Launchpad and DST.

Frequently asked questions