Startup grants & funding schemes in India

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA 2.0) has introduced the Idea Grant scheme to provide financial assistance to innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to help them convert their innovative ideas into full-fledged ventures. This scheme is implemented through MGUIF, the parent organization of Mahatma Gandhi University for startup-related activities and schemes. The Idea Grant is intended to help innovators and startups to develop the prototype or product and scale up into full-fledged

The Artificial Intelligence and Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship (AIIDE) Centre of Excellence (CoE) is an initiative under the 'Start in UP' scheme by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. It is managed by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with FICCI. The program supports startups working in: * AI/ML * ICT * IoT * Cybersecurity * Related fields The CoE aims to transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures by providing world-class mentorship

The **Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)** scheme is a flagship initiative of **BIRAC** that recognizes and invests in innovative ideas in the biotech sector with clear potential to translate into commercial products/technologies. The program specifically supports **early-stage startups** from **ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC)**. This 25th Call is focusing on Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech innovations. Key features: * **Funding:** Grant-in-aid (non-equity) of up to **Rs. 50 Lakhs** for

The **BIRAC Seed Fund** at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University provides support to **market-ready biotech and life-science innovators**. This fund helps startups move from the prototype stage to the market, offering both financial assistance and hands-on ecosystem support. Selected startups receive seed funding, access to Bioriidl labs and incubation infrastructure, expert mentorship, and support through the BIRAC BioNEST network.

The Ignition Grant is offered by APIIC i-TBI, a DST's NIDHI i-TBI, to support startups and innovators in raising their **Technology Readiness Level (TRL)** and securing further funding. The program offers comprehensive support including: * **Co-working space** * **Mentorship and Training** * **Access to infrastructure** * **Financial grant support** through a selection/screening process. APIIC i-TBI will also assist in securing funding from other external sources. The grant focuses on

This call is part of the MeitY TIDE 2.0 program, aimed at strengthening the technology startup ecosystem. The **Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EiR)** program provides financial support to individuals or early-stage teams to develop and validate their ideas and achieve a Proof-of-Concept (PoC). ### Program Focus The program specifically targets startups and entrepreneurs leveraging emerging **Information and Communication Technology (ICT)**, including: * IoT * AI * Blockchain * Robotics The

This call is part of the MeitY TIDE 2.0 program, aimed at strengthening the technology startup ecosystem. The **Startup Grant Support** provides seed funding to startups with a validated Proof-of-Concept or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to further their development. ### Program Objectives The grant is specifically provided to: 1. Create a **Minimum Viable Product (MVP)**, if not already developed. 2. Advance the start-up towards the **Go-to-the-market stage** or **Growth** phase. ### Program

The FutureSecure AI Innovation Program (FSAI) at IIT Kanpur, supported by the Shibodhi Foundation, empowers student innovators in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity (CS), and interdisciplinary fields that integrate AI and CS to transform their ideas into impactful startups. The program is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world application through structured mentorship, funding, and industry immersion. **Focus Areas:** * AI Applications * CS Applications *

Kotak BizLabs is a flagship **CSR initiative** by Kotak Mahindra Bank, delivered in collaboration with top incubators like **NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore)**. The program is specifically designed to empower and accelerate visionary, early revenue stage ventures. The accelerator aims to fuel innovation that creates a lasting impact by providing: * **Grant Support** ranging up to **Rs. 30 Lakhs** for select high-potential startups meeting the criteria. * **Hands-on Learning:** Tailored curriculum with

The **Social Impact Incubation Programme** is a collaborative initiative by **Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV)** and **IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP)**. It is conceived to bridge the gap for impact-driven startups that face roadblocks like scarce funding and isolated networks. This programme is designed to empower social entrepreneurs building sustainable, technology-enabled solutions. 10 high-potential ventures will be selected to receive 360° support to amplify impact

This program, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is part of the broader **Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0)** initiative. The primary goal is to help ICT-based startups scale their Proof-of-Concept (PoC) to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). It is a **12-month incubation program** at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, providing: * A **Rs. 7 Lakhs grant** for one year for MVP development. * Incubation support at IIM Calcutta

The Innovation Voucher Program (IVP) is a flagship grant scheme by the Government of Tamil Nadu, implemented through the Entrepreneurship Development & Innovation Institute , Tamil Nadu (EDII TN). * **Primary Goal:** To promote research collaboration between Startups and MSMEs. * **Grant Structure:** The program offers two distinct vouchers: * **Voucher-A (Entry into Research):** Provides a grant of **Rs. 3 Lakh**. * **Voucher-B (Entry into Market):** Provides a grant of **Rs. 7 Lakh**. * The