AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant 2026
By Atal Incubation Centre - Sri Krishnadevaraya University (AIC-SKU)
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Quick Answer
Financial support up to ₹3 lakhs for early-stage AIC-SKU incubated startups to develop working prototypes from validated ideas.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- 6d — 26 Sept 2026
- Location
- Andhra Pradesh
About this grant
The AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant is an initiative by the Atal Incubation Centre - Sri Krishnadevaraya University (AIC-SKU) designed to empower early-stage startups in their innovation journey. Many promising innovators possess strong, validated ideas but often face significant financial hurdles in transforming these concepts into a tangible, working prototype. This program directly addresses this critical gap.
By offering financial assistance of up to ₹3,00,000 per startup, AIC-SKU aims to accelerate the development of proof-of-concept and prototypes. This support is crucial for innovators, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and faculty members associated with AIC-SKU, enabling them to validate their ideas further, protect their intellectual property, and take a significant step towards market readiness. The grant helps these budding enterprises to move past the ideation phase and build a functional representation of their solution, which is essential for attracting further investment and customer validation. The program emphasizes the pillars of Innovate, Build, and Grow, fostering a robust environment for startup development within the AIC-SKU ecosystem.
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
Provider
Atal Incubation Centre - Sri Krishnadevaraya University (AIC-SKU)Anantapur · Andhra Pradesh · India
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The AIC-SKU Prototype Support program provides up to ₹3,00,000 in financial assistance per startup, specifically earmarked for prototype development. This funding is disbursed in tranches to support various stages of the prototyping process, from material procurement to fabrication and initial testing. Beyond the monetary grant, beneficiaries also gain access to AIC-SKU's robust incubation ecosystem, which includes mentorship from experienced professionals, technical guidance for product development, and support for protecting intellectual property (IP). The program aims to equip startups with the necessary resources to transform a validated idea into a tangible, working prototype, thereby accelerating their journey towards commercialization and market entry.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications submitted to the AIC-SKU Prototype Support Program undergo a rigorous evaluation process by the AIC-SKU Screening Committee. The committee assesses each application based on several key criteria, including the novelty and impact of the idea, the feasibility of prototype development, the team's capabilities, the market potential of the innovation, and the progress demonstrated during the validation phase. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual pitching session on 7th October 2026, where they will have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas and prototype development plans in detail. This presentation may be followed by a discussion with the committee. The final decision regarding financial and technical support rests solely with the Screening Committee, and submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application through the official Google Form with details of your startup, idea, and prototype plan.
You - 2
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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 is the maximum funding available through this program?
Startups can receive financial support of up to ₹3,00,000 (₹3 Lakhs) for prototype development.
Who is eligible to apply for the AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant?
Only AIC-SKU Pre-Incubatees or AIC-SKU Incubated Startups with a validated idea ready for prototype development are eligible. Applicants must also possess valid DPIIT Startup India recognition and demonstrate significant progress in their validation process.
Is this program open to startups not associated with AIC-SKU?
No, this program is strictly for existing AIC-SKU Pre-Incubatees or AIC-SKU Incubated Startups. It is not open to external applicants.
What kind of ideas will be supported?
The program aims to support innovative ideas from early-stage innovators, student entrepreneurs, researchers, faculty, and budding startups that require assistance in developing a proof-of-concept or a working prototype.
What is the application deadline for this program?
Applications close on 26th September 2026.
When will the first tranche of funding be disbursed?
The first tranche disbursement is targeted for 30th October 2026, according to the program timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
