AIC-INFED Minerals & Deep-Tech Incubation
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
AIC-INFED, IIM Nagpur invites innovative startups focused on Critical Minerals, Advanced Materials, Mining Technologies, Sustainability, and Deep-Tech for an incubation program to accelerate their journey from innovation to impact.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Support
- Provider
- InFED, IIM Nagpur
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The Atal Incubation Centre – IIM Nagpur Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (AIC-INFED), based at the prestigious IIM Nagpur, is calling for innovative startups to join its specialized incubation program focused on Minerals & Deep-Tech Solutions. This initiative is designed to nurture and accelerate ventures that are at the forefront of technological advancements and sustainable practices within critical sectors.
The program targets a broad spectrum of pioneering ideas, encompassing crucial areas such as the entire lifecycle of mineral resources and the application of cutting-edge technologies. Entrepreneurs and innovators working on solutions for Critical Minerals, Advanced Materials, revolutionary Mining Technologies, comprehensive Sustainability strategies, and various Deep-Tech applications are encouraged to apply. The overarching goal is to empower these startups to transition their groundbreaking innovations into tangible market impact, addressing real-world challenges in these resource-intensive and technologically evolving industries.
Key focus areas for the incubation program include:
- Exploration & Mineral Discovery: Developing novel methods and technologies for identifying new mineral deposits and optimizing exploration processes.
- Mining Safety & Environmental Sustainability: Innovations aimed at enhancing safety protocols in mining operations, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting responsible resource management.
- Extraction, Processing & Refining Technologies: Advancements in the efficiency and sustainability of mineral extraction, processing, and refining methods.
- AI, Robotics & Automation: Application of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation to streamline mining operations, improve efficiency, and reduce human intervention in hazardous environments.
- Advanced Materials & Material Substitution: Research and development of new materials with superior properties or alternatives to critical minerals, reducing reliance on scarce resources.
- Recycling & Circular Economy: Solutions for recycling mineral waste, recovering valuable resources, and establishing circular economic models within the minerals industry.
- Water, Energy & Mine Waste Management: Technologies for efficient water and energy use in mining, and innovative approaches to manage and repurpose mine waste.
- Supply Chain, Traceability & Resource Security: Enhancing transparency, efficiency, and resilience across the critical mineral supply chain, ensuring resource security through advanced traceability solutions.
By focusing on these vital sectors, AIC-INFED aims to build a robust ecosystem for deep-tech innovation in India, contributing to national self-reliance and global sustainability goals. The program serves as a critical platform for startups to receive the necessary support to overcome challenges, scale operations, and create lasting impact.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
InFED is the business incubator of the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur. Its full name is the IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development, and it is a separate Section 8 company under the Companies Act 2013 rather than a department of the institute — a distinction…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Support
What You Get
The AIC-INFED incubation program offers comprehensive non-monetary support to selected startups. Benefits include expert mentorship and strategic guidance from industry leaders, fostering critical skill development and informed decision-making. Startups gain access to extensive industry connections and ecosystem partnerships, opening doors for collaborations and market opportunities. The program provides robust business development and market access support, helping ventures refine their strategies and reach target customers. Furthermore, dedicated investment and funding readiness support prepares startups for investor pitches and securing external capital. Participants also benefit from a collaborative startup ecosystem, facilitating peer learning and synergistic growth within IIM Nagpur's innovative environment.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening process by the AIC-INFED team to assess alignment with the program's focus areas and the potential impact of the innovation. Shortlisted startups may be invited for further evaluations, which could include presentations or interviews with a selection committee comprising experts from IIM Nagpur, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners. The committee will evaluate the scalability, innovation, market potential, and team capabilities of the applying startups.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Complete and submit the online application form with all necessary details.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of startups is this program looking for?
The program is looking for innovative startups working in Critical Minerals, Advanced Materials, Mining Technologies, Sustainability, and Deep-Tech solutions.
What are the key focus areas for innovation?
Key focus areas include Exploration & Mineral Discovery, Mining Safety & Environmental Sustainability, Extraction, Processing & Refining Technologies, AI, Robotics & Automation, Advanced Materials & Material Substitution, Recycling & Circular Economy, Water, Energy & Mine Waste Management, and Supply Chain, Traceability & Resource Security.
What benefits do startups receive during incubation?
Startups gain access to expert mentorship, strategic guidance, industry connections, ecosystem partnerships, business development, market access support, investment and funding readiness, and a collaborative startup ecosystem.
Is there any direct funding provided by AIC-INFED?
The program primarily offers non-monetary incubation support, including investment and funding readiness to help startups secure external capital, but no direct funding amount is specified as being provided by AIC-INFED.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications are currently open and accepted on a rolling basis, as no specific deadline has been stated.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
