UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 , Runway Incubator

• Well suited to student founders building deep-tech, AI, or agritech solutions at the idea or product stage.

About this scheme

The UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 is run by Runway Incubator at UPES under the Department of Science and Technology's NIDHI i-TBI scheme (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations). It puts up to Rs. 10 lakh behind early-stage innovators in DeepTech, AI and ML, AgriTech, and sustainability technology, supporting the journey from idea through proof of concept, prototype, and validation, all the way to a minimum viable product.

The grant is meant for students, researchers, and fledgling startups who have a concept but lack the resources and guidance to build and test it. It covers early R&D and product work end to end, from building prototypes and validating proofs of concept to technical iteration, and pairs that with structured mentoring from industry experts and incubation backing from Runway Incubator's network at UPES, Dehradun.

On top of the money, those selected tap into Runway Incubator's mentor pool, investor links, and the wider facilities of UPES, one of the few universities in Uttarakhand running a DST-supported Technology Business Incubator. That makes it especially useful for founders in Uttarakhand and nearby states, though anyone across India may apply.

DST's NIDHI i-TBI ignition model is among the country's longer-standing grant routes for pre-revenue deep-tech work, and this second edition at UPES signals deeper institutional backing for the region's startups. For founders at the idea or early-prototype phase in the listed sectors, it brings both capital and credibility ahead of going to market.

Who can apply

• The call is open to students, researchers, and startups in their early days, whether at ideation, proof of concept, prototype, or MVP.
• Applicants need to be active in a covered field: deep tech, AI and ML, agritech, or sustainability technology.
• No floor on revenue is set, and teams that are pre-revenue or not yet incorporated can still take part.
• There is no geographic limit, so founders anywhere in India are welcome.

Benefits & funding

• Grant money of up to Rs. 10 lakh to help build a prototype, validate the proof of concept, and reach a minimum viable product.
• Because it falls under the DST NIDHI i-TBI route, the grant is non-dilutive and takes no equity.
• On top of the funding, hands-on technical help, mentoring from industry experts, and use of the incubation facilities at Runway Incubator, UPES.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Runway Incubator, UPES, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applications sent to the Runway Incubator portal by 10 June 2026 are assessed by the DST-iTBI selection committee on innovation merit and sector fit.

2. 2

   Shortlisted applicants are told about the next round of evaluation or a pitch session.

3. 3

   Grantees then receive up to Rs. 10 lakh together with structured mentoring and incubation support at UPES.

Frequently asked questions