Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation
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Quick Answer
Equity-free grant up to Rs.2.2L for TRL 3+ deeptech startups solving social or climate problems.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2.2 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC-IIITH Foundation
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by AIC-IIITH Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program is a 4-6 month acceleration program run by AIC-IIITH Foundation, the Atal Incubation Centre at IIIT Hyderabad, in partnership with Coherent Corp and supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. It exists to close the "transition gap": the hard stretch where a working lab prototype at TRL 3 has to become a market-ready product. The focus is narrow on purpose, covering deep-tech solutions that address social or climate problems and contribute to India's Sustainable Development Goals.
Selected startups and innovators receive milestone-based, equity-free grant support of up to Rs.2,20,000. The grant is released against agreed milestones rather than as a lump sum, so funding tracks real progress from prototype toward a validated, functional pilot.
Beyond capital, the program plugs founders into the IIIT Hyderabad ecosystem. This includes a Research Connect with IIITH's research centres, access to the IIITH Smart City Lab test bed, CIE IIITH startup services, lab facilities and talent, plus bootcamps, masterclasses and mentorship from domain experts on business modelling and scaling for impact. Depending on readiness, startups may join demo days and can be considered for follow-on seed funding.
The strategic aim is to de-risk deep-tech research and move it toward commercial viability without diluting founder equity at a fragile stage. Technology pillars in scope include IoT, AI/ML, computer vision, robotics, drones and similar emerging tech, applied to areas such as sustainability, healthcare and community resilience.
The program is built for early-stage tech startups and for researchers or innovators holding an impact-focused prototype who intend to take it to market as a for-profit venture. Note that selected participants must take at least one accelerator seat at AIC-IIITH for six months and pay a one-time incubation fee of Rs.10,000.
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
AIC-IIITH Foundation is an Atal Incubation Centre built for one kind of founder: people using technology to solve a social problem. It is a Section 8 company, set up by IIIT-Hyderabad with Surge Impact Foundation as the vehicle for the centre, and it is supported by the Atal…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2.2 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Milestone-based, equity-free grant of up to Rs.2,20,000, released in tranches against agreed milestones rather than as a lump sum. Beyond cash, selected startups get an IIITH Research Connect, access to the Smart City Lab test bed, CIE IIITH startup services, lab facilities and talent, plus bootcamps, masterclasses and expert mentorship on business modelling. Depending on readiness, startups may join demo days and be considered for follow-on seed funding. Participants must take an accelerator seat at AIC-IIITH for six months and pay a one-time incubation fee of Rs.10,000.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are screened by AIC-IIITH against eligibility criteria and program fit. Best-fit applicants are called before a selection panel for further discussion or presentation, with the panel's decision being final. Selected startups undergo due diligence before being accepted into the 4–6 month program with a one-time incubation fee of Rs. 10,000.
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
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program?
Early-stage Indian tech startups at idea or MVP stage with a solution at TRL 3 or above, and individual innovators or researchers holding an impact-focused prototype who intend to build a for-profit venture. Founders must be over 18, and the solution must target social or environmental impact.
How much funding does the program provide?
A milestone-based, equity-free grant of up to Rs.2,20,000, released in tranches against agreed milestones over the 4-6 month program.
Is there any cost to participate?
Yes. Selected startups must take at least one accelerator seat at AIC-IIITH for six months and pay a mandatory one-time incubation fee of Rs.10,000.
Which technology areas does the program focus on?
Deep-tech and emerging tech such as IoT, AI/ML, computer vision, robotics and drones, applied to social or climate impact areas like sustainability, healthcare and community resilience.
How long is the program and who runs it?
It is a 4-6 month acceleration program run by AIC-IIITH Foundation, the Atal Incubation Centre at IIIT Hyderabad, in partnership with Coherent Corp and supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
