India–UK InnoXchange Programme 2026

• International exchange programme between India and the United Kingdom.
• Official delegation visit to the UK.
• Exposure to leading innovation ecosystems.
• Meetings with Catapult Centres and research institutions.
• Networking with investors, industries, startups, and universities.
• Technology collaboration and commercialization opportunities.
• Business matchmaking and international market access.
• Knowledge sharing on incubation and startup ecosystem development.

About this scheme

The India–UK InnoXchange Programme is a bilateral initiative jointly launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). On the Indian side, the programme is implemented by the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi.

The programme has been established under the India–UK partnership on research and innovation to promote cross-border entrepreneurship and facilitate technology exchange between the innovation ecosystems of India and the United Kingdom. It supports collaboration among startups, incubators, accelerators, universities, research institutions, industry partners, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

The first programme cycle focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, with priority given to Advanced Battery Manufacturing and Advanced Semiconductors & Electronics Manufacturing. Selected participants will join an official Indian delegation visiting the United Kingdom in September 2026, where they will participate in institutional visits, workshops, networking sessions, meetings with Catapult Centres, research laboratories, technology companies, investors, and startup ecosystem organizations.

The programme aims to strengthen international partnerships, facilitate technology transfer, encourage collaborative R&D, support commercialization, and create opportunities for investment and global market expansion.

Who can apply

• Must be a DST-supported or other eligible incubator.
• Minimum seven years of incubation experience.
• Proven technology incubation track record.
• Preference for incubators supporting deep-tech startups.
• Experience in startup mentoring and commercialization.
• Experience managing startup support programmes.
• International collaboration experience preferred.
• Incubator Representative
• Approximately five to seven years of startup ecosystem experience.
• Experience mentoring technology startups.
• Experience managing incubation programmes or partnerships.
• Ability to contribute to bilateral ecosystem development.
• International programme experience preferred.
• Startups
• Must be nominated by an eligible incubator.
• Preferably operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–6.
• Deep-tech or technology-led startup.
• Minimum 51% Indian ownership.
• Founder or co-founder must represent the startup.
• Representative must be an Indian citizen.
• Must comply with DPIIT startup age and recognition norms.
• Startup should align with the programme's priority sectors.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• Participation in the official India–UK delegation.
• International exposure to the UK innovation ecosystem.
• Meetings with Catapult Centres.
• Access to research laboratories and technology centres.
• Industry and investor networking.
• Business matchmaking opportunities.
• Potential collaborative R&D partnerships.
• Technology transfer opportunities.
• International market access.
• Mentorship and ecosystem networking.
• Round-trip airfare supported by DST.
• Visa and medical insurance supported by DST.
• Accommodation, meals, and local transport in the UK supported by the UK partner.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Verify that your incubator satisfies the programme's eligibility requirements and has the required experience in technology incubation.

2. 2

   Eligible incubators should identify and nominate suitable representatives along with two to three eligible deep-tech startups supported by the incubator.

3. 3

   Ensure that nominated startups meet the programme requirements, including Technology Readiness Level (TRL 4–6), Indian ownership criteria, and relevance to the identified priority sector.

4. 4

   Complete the official online application form on behalf of the incubator before the application deadline.

5. 5

   Submit details of the incubator, nominated representative(s), nominated startup(s), programme experience, and supporting information through the application portal.

6. 6

   FITT, IIT Delhi will conduct a preliminary scrutiny and programme-fit assessment of the incubator, representatives, and nominated startups.

7. 7

   Applications shortlisted during the initial evaluation will be reviewed by an Expert Committee constituted by the Department of Science & Technology for final selection.

8. 8

   Selected participants will complete due diligence, onboarding formalities, and mandatory programme requirements before joining the official India–UK delegation.

9. 9

   The selected delegation will participate in the official programme in the United Kingdom, including workshops, institutional visits, networking sessions, and meetings with innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

Documents checklist 11

• Incubator Profile
• Startup Profile
• Founder Details
• Startup Nomination Letter
• Technology Description
• Pitch Deck
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate (where applicable)
• Passport
• Company Registration Certificate
• Shareholding Pattern
• 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