IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) , 2026

• Deeptech academic teams and Pvt Ltd startups at product stage with TRL 2+ technology.

About this scheme

The IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) , 2026 is a national translational research funding initiative launched by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), which implements the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) on Positioning & Precision Technologies under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science & Technology.

This call is designed to advance deep-tech innovations from early validation stages (TRL 2, 4) to prototype-level validation and deployment readiness (TRL 5, 6) within a strict 12, 18 month framework. The program prioritizes translational outcomes including validated prototypes, measurable TRL progression, intellectual property generation, and clearly defined deployment pathways aligned with national strategic priorities.

Funding support of up to Rs. 1 Crore per project is provided by the TIH, with milestone-based release mechanisms. Industry or startup contribution is encouraged to strengthen commercialization pathways and industry relevance. While startup participation is strongly recommended, proposals must be anchored by a Principal Investigator from a recognized Indian academic or research institution, and startup-only proposals are not permitted. IIT Tirupati faculty may be assigned as Co-PI or Technical Mentor based on project requirements.

Strategic domains include Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; and Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence. The program mandates structured proposal components including TRL entry and exit clarity, prototype roadmap, validation plan, IP filing strategy, deployment pathway, and quarterly milestones.

Projects are evaluated through expert committee review and technical presentations, followed by milestone-based monitoring. The initiative aims to strengthen India's deep-tech ecosystem by enabling academia, industry, startup collaboration and accelerating nationally relevant, indigenous technology development.

Who can apply

• Eligible for Indian nationals only.
• Principal Investigator (PI) must be from a recognized Indian academic or research institution.
• Academia, industry, startup collaborative proposals encouraged.
• Startup participation strongly recommended.
• Startup-only proposals are not permitted.
• Projects must target advancement from TRL 2, 4 to TRL 5, 6.
• Must align with one of the specified strategic technology domains.
• Project duration must be between 12 and 18 months (strict cap).
• Compliance with IITTNiF IP and institutional norms required.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited

Frequently asked questions