KrishiTech Synapse 2026 by IHFC, IIT Delhi

• Agritech startups with TRL 4+ technology at product or revenue stage seeking IIT Delhi support.

About this scheme

KrishiTech Synapse 2026 is a significant national call for proposals, spearheaded by IHFC, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi. As an integral part of the Department of Science & Technology (DST)-funded National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), IHFC is committed to driving cutting-edge research and innovation across critical technological domains. This program specifically targets the acceleration of deep-tech agricultural innovations, facilitating their crucial transition from advanced laboratory research to impactful, real-world deployment across India. The initiative benefits from robust industry support, notably from Parachute Kalpavriksha (Marico), and collaborative backing from iHub-AWaDH at IIT Ropar, leveraging their expertise and networks.

The program offers substantial R&D grant funding, designed to provide crucial financial impetus without equity dilution or repayment obligations. Individual projects can secure up to Rs. 2 crore, while collaborative consortium projects are eligible for grants up to Rs. 5 crore. These grants are entirely non-dilutive and equity-free, ensuring innovators retain full ownership of their intellectual property. Funding disbursement follows a rigorous, milestone-based approach, where funds are released incrementally upon the successful achievement of predefined project deliverables and progress markers. This structured allocation ensures accountability, promotes efficient resource utilization, and aligns with project objectives, accelerating technology deployment.

The grant funding is versatile, applicable across a broad spectrum of R&D and technology deployment expenses within key agricultural focus areas. These include: Pre-Sowing & Cultivation, Farm Operations & Mechanization, Harvest, Post-Harvest & Waste Management, and Value Chain Integration & Sustainability. Beyond direct financial aid, selected projects benefit from a comprehensive support ecosystem: an exclusive opportunity to showcase prototypes in person before an expert panel, participation in a dedicated 'Lab-to-Market' workshop providing commercialization strategies and business development guidance, personalized mentorship from industry veterans, and extensive ecosystem access for strategic partnerships and broader scale-up initiatives. Travel assistance is provided for one Principal Investigator from each shortlisted team.

Who can apply

• Academic and Research Institutions: Universities, colleges, and research organizations engaged in agricultural science and technology R&D.
• Agri-tech companies and system integrators: Established or emerging companies specializing in developing, implementing, or integrating technology solutions for agriculture.
• R&D Startups and Innovators: Early-stage ventures or individual innovators focused on creating novel agricultural technologies.
• Industry-academia consortia: Collaborative groups comprising multiple partners (academic institutions, startups, industry players, or system integrators) are particularly encouraged to foster interdisciplinary research and comprehensive solution development.
• Applicants must possess an agriculture technology solution that is prototype-ready, demonstrating a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher. This signifies that the core technology has been validated in a laboratory or relevant environment. The program embraces innovators from across India, welcoming applications nationwide.

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

Benefits & funding

• Selected participants receive non-dilutive, equity-free R&D grant funding, with individual projects eligible for up to Rs.
• 2 crore and consortium projects up to Rs.
• These funds are provided as direct grants, are not repayable, and require no equity stake in the venture.
• Disbursement is structured on a milestone-based system, aligning financial support with demonstrated project progress and successful achievement of deliverables.

Frequently asked questions