IHFC Startup Incubation Program

• Deeptech or AI startups seeking incubation and IIT Delhi infrastructure access.

About this scheme

The IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics) Startup Incubation Program is an intensive incubation and acceleration initiative designed to foster deep tech innovation within India. Established as a Section 8 company under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS) and hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), IHFC is committed to cultivating a dynamic and globally competitive startup ecosystem across the nation. Its strategic mandate is to advance India's capabilities in pivotal technological domains, encompassing Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This dedication directly contributes to positioning India at the forefront of global technological leadership, driving progress and innovation in critical areas.

A central pillar of the program's support for incubated startups is its structured funding allocation process. While precise financial figures are not publicly disclosed, this vital assistance is disbursed following a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation by a panel of experts. The primary objective of this funding is to empower selected startups, providing them with the necessary capital to substantially accelerate their technological development, conduct crucial research and development activities, and effectively expand their market presence within these highly specialized deep tech sectors. This financial backing is instrumental in helping startups move from concept to market and achieve sustainable growth.

Beyond monetary aid, the program offers a comprehensive suite of non-monetary support designed to maximize startup potential. Participants benefit from access to advanced co-working and co-location facilities, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. Essential business support services are tailored to meet the unique requirements of deep tech ventures, addressing operational and strategic challenges. Further advantages include access to valuable soft credits from corporate partners, which can significantly reduce operational costs, and specialized technical assistance vital for cutting-edge technology development. Startups are also provided with continuous opportunities for research engagement and professional upskilling, ensuring their teams remain at the vanguard of technological advancements. The program actively facilitates high-impact showcasing events, strong networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors, crucial guidance on fundraising strategies, and direct market access channels. All these elements are further amplified by dedicated mentorship from experienced professionals and academics, alongside avenues for participating in impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, integrating social responsibility into their growth trajectory.

Who can apply

• To be eligible for the IHFC Startup Incubation Program, applicants must meet specific criteria aligning with the program's deep tech focus and mission.
• **Technological Focus**: The program exclusively targets startups actively developing innovative solutions and technologies within critical domains such as Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This emphasis ensures that incubated ventures contribute directly to India's strategic technological priorities and leverage the specialized expertise and resources available through IHFC and IIT Delhi.
• **Startup Stage**: IHFC considers startups across a broad spectrum of development stages for incubation and support. This includes ventures at the seed stage, early stage, growth stage, and expansion phase, allowing the program to support innovators at various points in their entrepreneurial journey, from nascent ideas to established businesses seeking further acceleration.

Benefits & funding

• Provides funding (amount undisclosed) for technological development, R&D, and market expansion.
• Benefits include co-working facilities, business support, corporate soft credits, technical assistance, research engagement, upskilling, high-impact showcasing, strong networking, fundraising guidance, direct market access, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities for CSR projects.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Begins with a 'Call for Proposals' followed by initial shortlisting against eligibility criteria.

2. 2

   Shortlisted proposals undergo expert evaluation, often including discussions/presentations.

3. 3

   Final approval is made by the IHFC Board of Directors, followed by MoU signing and onboarding.

Frequently asked questions