Excelium-SINE DeepTech Innovation Grant Program

• DPIIT-recognized DeepTech startups.
• Startups with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above.
• Founders building innovative technology products.
• Teams preparing for product validation and commercialization.
• Startups seeking grant funding without equity dilution.

About this scheme

The Excelium-SINE DeepTech Innovation Grant Program is a CSR-funded initiative launched through a partnership between Excelium Technologies and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay. The programme is designed to support early-stage DeepTech startups by providing milestone-based grant funding to accelerate product development and validation.

The programme focuses on startups with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or above, enabling them to bridge the gap between prototype development and commercial readiness. Selected startups can receive grant funding of up to ₹20 lakh over a period of six months, with funds released in tranches based on predefined project milestones.

Beyond financial support, participating startups gain access to SINE's incubation ecosystem, technical guidance, institutional support, and opportunities to engage with investors and industry stakeholders. The funding can be utilized for activities such as product development, in-house testing and trials, regulatory approvals, field trials, and product deployment.

The programme is ideal for DPIIT-recognized DeepTech startups with a clear commercialization roadmap that are looking to validate and scale innovative technologies.

Who can apply

• Must be registered in India as a Private Limited Company.
• At least 51% shareholding must be held by Indian citizens.
• Must be recognized by DPIIT.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) must be 4 or above.
• Product or solution must fall within the programme's DeepTech focus.
• Startup must have a clear commercialization roadmap.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Grant funding of up to ₹20 lakh.
• Milestone-based fund disbursement.
• Six-month product development support.
• Support for product development and validation.
• Funding for in-house testing and trials.
• Support for regulatory approvals.
• Funding for field trials and product deployment.
• Access to SINE's institutional, technical, and startup ecosystem.
• Opportunities to connect with investors and ecosystem stakeholders.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Review the programme guidelines to ensure your startup meets all eligibility requirements, including DPIIT recognition, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above, and Indian ownership criteria.

2. 2

   Prepare your startup profile, product details, technology validation status, commercialization roadmap, and any supporting documents required during the application process.

3. 3

   Complete the online application form through the official SINE Edge portal before the application deadline.

4. 4

   Clearly explain your innovation, current technology maturity, proposed milestones, expected outcomes, and how the grant funding will be utilized.

5. 5

   Submit the completed application along with all required supporting information before 16 July 2026.

6. 6

   Applications will undergo an evaluation by the selection committee. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted individually for the next stages of the selection process.

7. 7

   Selected startups will receive milestone-based grant funding and gain access to SINE's technical, institutional, and ecosystem support throughout the six-month programme.

Documents checklist 7

• Startup Profile
• Pitch Deck
• Certificate of Incorporation
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate
• Product or Technology Details
• Commercialization Roadmap
• Any additional documents requested during evaluation

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions