Startup grants & funding schemes in India

The Open Challenge Program (OCP) 8.0 at STPI NEURON is designed to identify and support startups innovating in Animation & Gaming (AVG) and allied emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics (DA), and Internet of Things (IoT). The initiative aims to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, foster high-value job creation, and encourage experimentation in advanced media and technology domains. The program offers access to specialized labs including AI/DA Lab

The Gramam Thorum Puthozhil Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu implemented through StartupTN and TANSIM to foster rural innovation and grassroots entrepreneurship. The scheme aims to create startups in selected villages across Tamil Nadu by enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to transform village-based ideas into viable and sustainable businesses. It focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship, rural innovation, and local economic development. Selected startups receive

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has collaborated with Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK), the Royal Danish Embassy in India, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to launch the fifth edition of the AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge! This transformative program seeks India's brightest innovators to represent our nation globally. Selected participants will become part of the Indian cohort at the Next Generation Digital Action (NGDA) program, a global youth initiative

The BFI-BIOME & IIT Kanpur Bioinnovation Program invites innovators and impact-driven startups in healthcare innovation (medical devices, diagnostics, and biopharma) to apply for Cohort 2. This initiative aims to expedite the trajectory of healthcare innovators through two funding tracks: a **Fellowship** providing monthly support of up to Rs. 50,000 for individual innovators (6-9 months) and a **Kickstarter Initiative** offering grant support of up to Rs. 10 lakhs for biomedical startups. The

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk), invites applications for the SIDBI Seed Fund Programme for Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India (MSMEs) and startups in the defence and related sectors. This initiative is hosted under FIRST (Programme/SPiDeR) in collaboration with iDEX and aims to promote innovation-led growth in domestic defence manufacturing, import substitution, and export potential. **Program Offerings** Startups and

Applications are now open for the Ignition Grant under the NIDHI iTBI Scheme at Assam down town University , a golden opportunity to turn your Healthcare and ICT-based innovations (AI, IoT, Blockchain, Robotics, etc.) into reality. This is your opportunity to secure up to Rs. 10 lakh in funding, along with invaluable support, expert mentorship, and powerful networks that will help fast-track your journey. Why apply? 1. Funding support for Prototypes/MVPs 2. Access to R&D labs, co-working

The MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0 is an initiative by the Ministry of MSME to foster inclusive innovation and address national challenges. It invites Indian citizens aged 18 to 60 years to submit innovative ideas under themes like low-carbon technologies, cyber defense, Industry 4.0 & 5.0 adoption, coastal/hilly area sustainability, and smart supply chains. Selected ideas receive funding up to Rs. 15 lakhs and incubation support under the MSME Innovative Scheme (Incubation Component) for nurturing

The MeitY TIDE 2.0 Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) grant, implemented through the VITTBI incubation center, provides a grant of up to Rs. 4 lakhs to individuals, students, or early-stage startups. The funding is intended to help them develop and validate their ideas and create a Proof of Concept (PoC). The program is part of a larger initiative to support ICT ventures utilizing emerging technologies, including IoT, AI, Blockchain, and Robotics.

The MeitY TIDE 2.0 Grants Program, implemented through the VITTBI incubation center, provides a grant of up to Rs. 7 lakhs to startups that already have a ready Proof-of-Concept (PoC). The grant is intended to help these startups create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and advance them to the go-to-market stage. VITTBI provides mentorship and guidance throughout the program to facilitate the development of the startups.

Nidhi PRAYAS is a program designed to support young innovators in converting their innovative ideas into functional prototypes. This initiative provides financial assistance and essential resources to help innovators overcome the initial hurdles of product development, preparing them for commercialization and startup creation. It acts as a crucial pre-incubation stage, facilitating faster experimentation and development of solutions to local and global challenges.

HP Udgam is a corporate startup support initiative by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). This program is a **startup funding program and not a grant**. It provides investment and support to early-stage startups. This program aims to nurture and invest in innovative startups across a diverse range of sectors including energy, sustainability, and digital solutions. The funding is provided through **Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS)**. A CCPS is a type of equity

The NIDHI Accelerator Program at AIC ISB is a specialized accelerator for promising, innovation-driven startups in the agriculture sector. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology, this program offers structured mentoring, funding, and market linkages to help ventures scale their solutions and create a lasting impact. The top 3 startups in the cohort receive a grant of up to Rs. 5,00,000.