Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — June 2026
India's deeptech startups have access to 10 active funding programs including grants, incubations, and competitions. Programs range from iCreate's prototype funding to SLINGSHOT 2026 and iDEX Open Challenge. Deadlines vary, with some closing in July 2026.
Currently, 10 active programs — including grants, incubations, and competitions — are open for deeptech, electronics, and robotics startups in India. These programs collectively offer over ₹10.7 crore in potential funding, along with mentorship, infrastructure, and market access.
The deeptech funding landscape in India is driven by government initiatives (iDEX, STPI, MeitY-backed centres), corporate innovation challenges (Bosch, BMW, Schneider Electric), and international competitions (SLINGSHOT). Programs cater to early-stage innovators, pre-incorporation founders, and growth-stage startups, with a strong focus on AI, IoT, advanced manufacturing, and defence technologies.
Active Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹4,20,00,000 |
| Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹4,20,000 |
| BMW Group Startup Garage | Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹90,00,000 |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur | Competition | 15 July 2026 | Up to ₹50,00,000 |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore | Competition | 30 June 2026 | Up to ₹2,97,18,312 |
| iDEX Open Challenge by DIO | Competition | 30 June 2026 | Up to ₹1,50,00,000 |
| STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 | Competition | 17 July 2026 | Up to ₹25,00,000 |
| BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support is a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator program that provides financial and holistic support to turn a proof-of-concept or prototype into a market-ready product. Startups can access up to ₹30,00,000 in funding, along with business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and incubation support. The program also offers hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus and connections with investors and industry partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no set deadline.
GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC (888VC)
GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is a 12-week AI-enabled venture accelerator that integrates artificial intelligence into daily startup operations. Each cohort accepts 12 startups, providing a minimum direct investment of $25,000 (₹4,20,00,000 total program cap?), with potential for $50,000–$100,000 for standout companies and seed funding up to $500,000. Participants receive hands-on mentoring in GTM strategy, investor readiness, AI automation, and pitch reviews, plus a startup kit valued at $60,000 USD. The program is rolling, with applications accepted year-round.
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak (IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation)
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is a pre-incorporation grant for Indian innovators working on cyber-physical systems (CPS). Run by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation — IIT Madras's Technology Innovation Hub under NMICPS — the program provides a grant of up to ₹4,20,000 along with infrastructure at the IIT Madras Research Park. The EIR is designed for the stage before company incorporation; selected individuals convert their idea into a working prototype or pilot, and then transition into Pravartak's incubation pipeline (PRAYAS, Seed Support System). Applications are rolling.
BMW Group Startup Garage (BMW Group)
The BMW Group Startup Garage is a venture client unit that integrates advanced startup solutions into BMW's business units. It evaluates over 1,000 startups annually and partners with enterprises from more than 50 countries. Over 35 startups complete the program each year, with more than 50% securing paid follow-up projects. There is no fixed funding amount; terms are negotiated per partnership. The program is rolling and open to global startups with relevant technologies in mobility, AI, IoT, and advanced manufacturing.
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine (Invention Engine)
The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is a six-month, founder-first accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups building globally relevant products. Startups receive up to ₹90,00,000 in funding, along with hands-on support from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising. The program focuses on sharpening ICP, iterating through user feedback, launching GTM strategies, and preparing for institutional fundraising. Applications are rolling.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE, Nagpur)
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator offering GPU infrastructure, seed funding, and hands-on mentoring. This 18-month program provides up to ₹50,00,000 in seed support, plus access to AI and GPU compute, bootcamp-style sessions on product validation and unit economics, GTM workshops, IPR and legal support, and introductions to VCs. Eligible startups must be working in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, or Mining. The deadline is 15 July 2026.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore (Enterprise Singapore)
SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech startup pitching competition, part of Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH). The grand winner receives S$400,000 (₹2.97 crore), with total grant prize pool over S$2.2 million (₹16.34 crore). Categories include Advanced Computing & Intelligence, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technologies, Environment & Energy, and Health & Biomedical. Top 50 startups get a sponsored trip to Singapore. The deadline is 30 June 2026.
iDEX Open Challenge by DIO (Defence Innovation Organisation)
The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative for startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to propose breakthrough technologies for defence and aerospace. Funding is up to ₹1,50,00,000. Domains include aerospace, autonomous systems, AI, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and intelligent machines. Unlike narrowly defined problem statements, this category allows original proposals. The deadline is 30 June 2026.
STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 (STPI CoE-EA, Bengaluru)
The STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 is run by STPI's Centre of Excellence – Efficiency Augmentation in Bengaluru, in partnership with Schneider Electric and Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS). It supports proof-of-concept development and industry validation for startups working on Industry 4.0 and emerging technologies. Funding is up to ₹25,00,000. The deadline is 17 July 2026.
BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)
The BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge is a corporate innovation competition by ACIC-BMU Foundation and Bosch India. Focus areas include connectivity, synthetic fuels, electrification, innovative brake systems, and inclusive mobility solutions. Funding amounts vary based on the proposal. Applications are rolling.
Before Applying
Before applying, note specific eligibility constraints: The iDEX Open Challenge is restricted to startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators working on defence applications; DPIIT recognition is not explicitly required but may be needed for follow-on benefits. The NERVE OCP is limited to startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining sectors. The EIR program at IITM Pravartak is specifically for pre-incorporation innovators working on cyber-physical systems; incorporated companies are not eligible.
Deadlines are urgent for three programs: SLINGSHOT 2026 and iDEX Open Challenge both close on 30 June 2026. The STPI CoE-EA OCP 3.0 and NERVE OCP Cohort 1 close on 17 July and 15 July respectively. The remaining programs have rolling applications, but some (like GRO8 and ACE) operate in cohorts — early application is recommended.
