I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi

• DPIIT-recognised AI, deeptech or healthtech startups at any stage seeking IIT BHU incubation.

About this scheme

The I-DAPT HUB Foundation is a Technology Innovation Hub at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, established as a Section 8 company under the Government of India's National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), supported by the Department of Science & Technology. It supports early-stage Indian startups working on AI, data analytics, IoT, cyber-physical systems, robotics, and AR/VR, with Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies (DAPT) as its core thematic focus.

Cohort 3 funds up to 10 companies per year with grants of up to Rs. 1 crore, alongside mentorship from IIT BHU faculty and industry experts, access to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure, and connections to industry and government networks. Selected startups receive office space, technical support, market access, legal guidance, and structured pathways to follow-on funding.

The program is open to Indian incorporated startups from idea stage through paying-customer stage, across pre-seed, seed, and Series A. Intake is sector-agnostic but oriented around the DAPT core. Past portfolio includes UNSNARL Technologies and NCode Sutram.

Cohort 3 applications close on 31 May 2026.

Who can apply

• Startup must be incorporated in India
• Must hold DPIIT (DIPP) recognition
• At least one founder must be working full-time
• At least one founder must hold 51% equity
• Open to startups at idea, prototype, users, or paying-users stage
• Targeting pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding rounds
• Sector-agnostic, with Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies (DAPT) as the core thematic focus
• Prior funding and existing revenue are both acceptable

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive grants of up to Rs.
• 1 crore, alongside office space at IIT BHU's I-DAPT HUB, mentorship from IIT BHU faculty and industry experts, technical support, legal guidance, and access to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure.
• The program also opens market access pathways and direct connections to industry and government networks for follow-on funding.
• Up to 10 companies are funded per year.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with I-DAPT HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, in your own name.

1. 1

   {'steps': [{'id': 'application', 'actor': 'user', 'label': 'Online Application', 'description': "Submit the application on F6S with startup details, founders' equity structure, DPIIT certificate, business plan and technology/product documentation."}, {'id': 'review', 'actor': 'provider', 'label': 'Review', 'description': 'The I-DAPT HUB / IIT (BHU) team reviews applications against eligibility, technology fit (DAPT and adjacent deep-tech areas) and impact potential.'}, {'id': 'shortlist', 'actor': 'provider', 'label': 'Shortlisting', 'description': 'Shortlisted startups are notified and invited for a pitch round.'}, {'id': 'pitch-interview', 'actor': 'user', 'label': 'Pitch & Interview', 'description': 'Shortlisted startups pitch to the selection committee comprising IIT faculty and industry experts.'}, {'id': 'selection-funding', 'actor': 'provider', 'label': 'Final Selection, Agreement & Grant Disbursal', 'description': 'Final cohort selected (up to 10 companies per year).

2. 2

   Grant agreement signed and the seed grant (up to Rs.

3. 3

   1 crore) disbursed; startups onboarded to I-DAPT HUB infrastructure, mentorship and ecosystem support.'}]}

Documents checklist 5

• Certificate of Incorporation
• DPIIT (DIPP) Recognition Certificate
• Founders' Equity Structure
• Business Plan or Proposal
• Technology / Product Documentation

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

Frequently asked questions