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

Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics startups in India have 10 active funding programs open for applications in September 2026. These opportunities include direct grants, incubation support, seed investment, and innovation challenges. The programs cater to various stages of development, from proof-of-concept to growth.The funding landscape for Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics in India is characterized by a blend of government initiatives, institutional incubation programs, and corporate-backed competitions. This ecosystem provides structured pathways for innovators to access capital, infrastructure, and mentorship necessary for developing and commercializing advanced technological solutions.

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Active Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Grants and Programs

iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)

iCreate’s Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support assists startups in converting a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a viable product. As a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator, iCreate provides access to various government schemes from both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.The program offers comprehensive support including business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and incubation facilities. Selected startups also gain connections with investors, industry partners, and the broader startup ecosystem. Hostel accommodation is available on the iCreate campus, with funding support of up to ₹30 lakh.

Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak (IITM Pravartak)

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is a pre-incorporation grant targeting Indian innovators focused on cyber-physical systems (CPS). Administered by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub under the NMICPS mission at IIT Madras Research Park, this program supports individual innovators before company formation.EIRs receive a grant of up to ₹4.2 lakh, providing the runway and infrastructure to develop an idea into a working prototype or pilot. Upon successful completion, innovators are channeled into Pravartak’s incubation pipeline, which includes programs like PRAYAS and Seed Support System, for follow-on funding once their company is incorporated.

Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program – IC IIT Patna (Incubation Centre IIT Patna)

The Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program is the primary incubation offering from the Incubation Centre at IIT Patna (IC IITP). It guides innovative ideas from concept through to market readiness. IC IITP provides selected startups with access to technical infrastructure, including prototyping labs, bioscience labs, and semiconductor fabrication facilities, making it a key deep-tech incubator in Bihar.The program targets technology-driven startups in sectors such as ESDM, AI/ML and IoT, AgriTech and sustainability, EV and clean tech, defence, MedTech, and life sciences and biotechnology. Startups with scalable ideas in related technology domains are also encouraged to apply.

NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM)

The NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana. This zero-equity incubation program accelerates technology startups in emerging domains like IoT and Artificial Intelligence.It focuses on providing infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration rather than direct grant capital. Startups receive subsidized co-working space and access to advanced prototyping labs for product development and technical validation. Shared complimentary GPU access is also provided, assisting AI-focused startups with model training and testing.

Atoms X (Accel)

Atoms X is a pre-seed program from Accel, a venture capital firm. It supports mission-centric founders at their earliest stages, focusing on 'LeapTech' innovations that aim to establish new technological frontiers and improve human-centric systems.Accel’s expertise in early-stage investments provides a foundation for Atoms X. The program offers seed investment of up to ₹9 crore, targeting disruptive concepts that require early, conviction-driven support. This initiative aims to nurture groundbreaking ventures with potential for industry transformation.

BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)

The BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge is a corporate innovation competition in partnership with Bosch India, run by ACIC-BMU Foundation (Atal Incubation Centre at BML Munjal University). Its objective is to identify innovators developing solutions and digital advancements for sustainable mobility.Focus areas include connectivity, synthetic fuels and clean technologies, electrification, and innovative brake systems. The challenge also considers inclusive mobility solutions for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women, alongside other innovative ideas contributing to sustainable mobility.

CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders (NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI)

The CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders, presented by nasscom Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI, targets deep-tech startups. This initiative, developed with a major port terminal operator, seeks advanced solutions for operational challenges in industrial settings.The current challenge addresses safety and efficiency in bulk cargo handling: detecting foreign objects within deep vessel holds during coal unloading. Current operations lack visibility inside 18-19 meter deep vessel holds, where hidden debris can cause equipment damage and operational delays.

iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence)

The iDEX Open Challenge is an initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX, fostering innovation in India's defence and aerospace sectors. It connects engineering talent with military needs, leveraging advanced technological capabilities for national security. The deadline for this challenge is 30 September 2026.The program targets engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas such as autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. Through this challenge, iDEX seeks to identify and support innovative ideas, technologies, and products contributing to India's military capabilities, with funding up to ₹1.5 crore.

Young Inventors Prize 2027 (European Patent Office)

The Young Inventors Prize 2027, organized by the European Patent Office (EPO), recognizes young innovators globally. It targets individuals and teams developing technology-driven solutions for global sustainability challenges, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2026.The prize provides international recognition and cash prizes up to ₹19 lakh (approximately €20,000). Laureates also gain opportunities to showcase their inventions on a global stage, promoting technological contributions to sustainable development.

Startup League 2026 (Startup Stairs)

Startup League 2026 is India's DeepTech startup funding program, powered by Startup Stairs and backed by Startup Haryana, Startup India, and DPIIT. This national initiative aims to bolster the innovation ecosystem. The application deadline is 15 September 2026.The program identifies and supports innovative Indian startups across DeepTech sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Drone Technology, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology. It connects early to growth stage companies with investors, incubators, and corporate partners to accelerate business growth, with funding up to ₹10 crore.

Before Applying

Applicants should review specific eligibility criteria. The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is designed for individual innovators before company incorporation, specifically for cyber-physical systems. Many programs, such as Vision 2 Venture, NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram, and Startup League 2026, target specific DeepTech sub-sectors including ESDM, AI/ML, IoT, EV, drone technology, and defence. These programs prioritize technology-driven solutions aligning with their stated focus areas.

Several programs have approaching deadlines. The Startup League 2026 closes on 15 September 2026, making it the most immediate opportunity. The iDEX Open Challenge and the Young Inventors Prize 2027 both have a deadline of 30 September 2026. Other programs, including iCreate Pro-Fund, EIR IITM Pravartak, Vision 2 Venture, NASSCOM CoE Gurugram, Atoms X, BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge, and the CoE Innovation Challenge for Ports, operate on a rolling application basis, allowing for ongoing submissions.