I-NEXSS Sanitation Grant 2026 by IPTIF (IIT Palakkad)

• Startups with TRL 4+ sanitation or water-tech solutions at product or revenue stage.

About this scheme

I-NEXSS is a collaborative innovation program designed to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation solutions for non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS). It is a joint initiative led by the IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) and the Global Sanitation Centre of Excellence (GSCOE) at IIT Palakkad. IPTIF, established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), serves as a Technology Innovation Hub dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies for significant societal impact, particularly in critical infrastructure areas. The program also benefits from the support of the Gates Foundation, underscoring its commitment to addressing pressing global sanitation challenges and promoting sustainable development.

This program specifically targets innovation across three advanced technology tracks within NSSS: advanced membranes, digital technologies (including AI/ML), and affordable sensors. The core objective is to bridge the gap between laboratory-based research and successful, scalable field-scale implementation. I-NEXSS aims to identify, nurture, and support the development of technologies that are not only innovative but also scalable, cost-effective, and robust. These solutions are expected to meet stringent regulatory and performance standards set by key Indian bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), as well as international standards like ISO 30500, ensuring their practical applicability and impactful deployment in diverse real-world scenarios across India and potentially beyond. The emphasis is on creating solutions that can transform sanitation access and public health in regions lacking conventional sewerage infrastructure.

I-NEXSS provides non-dilutive R&D grants, offering financial support for project needs without requiring any equity from the participating entities. The funding is disbursed on a milestone-based system, ensuring that financial releases are directly aligned with demonstrable project progress and the achievement of predefined technical and operational milestones. Supported activities include stages such as advanced prototype development, rigorous testing and validation processes under varied conditions, and essential field deployment efforts to prove viability. Preference is given to proposals that clearly demonstrate cost-effectiveness, high scalability potential, and innovative approaches to addressing complex sanitation challenges.

Who can apply

• Startups, MSMEs, academic and research institutions, or consortia are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must demonstrate technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher.
• A clear pathway to pilot-scale validation and real-world deployment for the proposed technology is required.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Proprietorship, Section 8 / NGO

Benefits & funding

• The I-NEXSS program provides non-dilutive R&D grants designed to support stages of innovation, including prototype development, rigorous testing and validation, and essential field deployment.
• Funds are disbursed on a milestone-based system, aligning financial support with demonstrable project achievements.
• The program prioritizes solutions that are not only innovative but also cost-effective and highly scalable, aiming for maximum impact.
• Beyond financial assistance, selected participants benefit from an environment at IPTIF that is highly conducive to technological advancement, offering a pathway to potential incubation and ecosystem support.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), in your own name.

1. 1

   The selection process involves an evaluation of proposals based on several key criteria.

2. 2

   These include the technical innovation and scientific merit of the proposed solution, its feasibility of implementation, and its anticipated performance under real-world sanitation conditions.

3. 3

   Considerations also extend to the scalability, affordability, and ease of deployment of the technology, as well as its integration capabilities across membrane, digital, and sensing systems.

4. 4

   Furthermore, the readiness of the technology for pilot-scale validation and field implementation is assessed.

5. 5

   The process typically involves an initial screening and shortlisting phase, followed by more detailed review and final approval.

Documents checklist 11

• Detailed Project Proposal
• Technical Design and Innovation Details
• Implementation Plan with Timelines
• Budget Breakdown
• Expected Outcomes and Impact
• KYC of Individual Applicant (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
• Company Documents (Certificate of Incorporation)
• CV of Project Investigator
• Project Proposal PPT
• Additional Background Information / TRL Evidence
• Product or Presentation Video

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

Frequently asked questions