Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — June 2026

As of June 2026, there are eight active programs offering grants, seed funding, and incubation for startups in India's deeptech, electronics, and robotics sectors. These opportunities include government-backed incubation, corporate venture client programs, early-stage accelerators, and high-value international competitions.

The current funding landscape for these sectors is supported by a mix of institutional programs from hubs like iCreate and IITM Pravartak, defence innovation challenges such as iDEX, and accelerators providing both capital and operational support. These programs cater to various stages, from pre-incorporation ideas to revenue-generating startups seeking global scale.

Active Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Grants and Programs

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Competition (Enterprise Singapore)

SLINGSHOT 2026 is a major deep tech startup pitching competition in Asia, organized by Enterprise Singapore. It is held during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and attracts a global pool of applicants. The competition offers a total grant prize pool of over S$2.2 million (approximately ₹16.34 crore).

The Grand Winner receives a S$400,000 grant, with significant prizes for runners-up and finalists. The competition is structured around five domains, including Advanced Computing & Intelligence and Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Systems, which are directly relevant to electronics and robotics startups. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

iDEX Open Challenge (Defence Innovation Organisation)

The iDEX Open Challenge is an initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to source technologies for India's defence and aerospace sectors. It provides grants of up to ₹1.5 crore for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to develop solutions. This program supports a wide range of technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and advanced materials.

Unlike narrowly defined problem statements, the Open Challenge allows innovators to propose their own original ideas that address defence needs. It is a key platform for deep tech startups to secure non-dilutive funding and engage with the Indian defence establishment. The current challenge closes on June 30, 2026.

NERVE CoE Open Challenge Program (NERVE CoE, Nagpur)

The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is an 18-month incubation program backed by MeitY. It is designed for AI and deep tech startups in sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. Selected startups receive up to ₹50 lakhs in seed support, access to dedicated AI and GPU computing infrastructure, and expert mentoring.

The program, based at STPI Nagpur, also provides GTM support through enterprise introductions and market-access workshops, along with assistance in patent filing and legal matters. The application deadline for the first cohort is July 15, 2026.

Incubation & Accelerator Programs (Multiple Providers)

Several programs with rolling deadlines provide ongoing support for deep tech and electronics startups. The GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is a 12-week AI-focused accelerator offering a minimum $25,000 investment and access to seed funding up to $500,000. For early-stage AI and deeptech founders, the ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine provides hands-on support over a six-month period, operating as a co-founding partner and investing up to ₹90 lakhs.

For startups at the prototype or proof-of-concept stage, the iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support offers up to ₹30 lakhs and access to prototyping labs and technical mentorship. The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is a pre-incorporation grant of up to ₹4.2 lakhs for individual innovators working on cyber-physical systems, helping them build a prototype before forming a company. Finally, the BMW Group Startup Garage operates as a venture client unit, integrating startup solutions into BMW's business operations, often resulting in paid follow-up projects rather than direct investment.

Before Applying

Applicants should carefully review the specific focus areas of each program. The iDEX Open Challenge is exclusively for technologies with defence and aerospace applications. The EIR Program at IITM Pravartak is designed for individual innovators at the pre-incorporation stage with ideas in cyber-physical systems. NERVE CoE's program has a stated focus on sectors like HealthTech and AgriTech, which may influence selection.

There is a clear urgency for several cohort-based programs. SLINGSHOT 2026 and the iDEX Open Challenge both close on June 30, 2026, requiring immediate attention. The NERVE CoE program follows with a deadline of July 15, 2026. In contrast, programs like iCreate Pro-Fund, GRO8 Cohort 2, and the BMW Startup Garage operate on a rolling basis, allowing for more flexible application timelines.