Electronics & Hardware Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

As of October 2026, ten distinct programs are actively supporting Electronics and Hardware startups across India. These opportunities encompass a mix of grants, comprehensive incubation programs, and competitive challenges, providing vital resources for early-stage development to market-ready solutions.

The current funding landscape for Electronics and Hardware ventures in India demonstrates a robust ecosystem, drawing support from government-recognized incubators, established institutional bodies, and industry-led competitions. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, provide strategic mentorship, and facilitate market integration for technology-driven startups.

Active Electronics & Hardware Grants and Programs

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

iCreate’s Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support serves as a critical entry point for startups aiming to transition a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a viable product. This program offers financial assistance of up to ₹30 lakh, specifically designed to aid in the initial development phases of hardware innovations.

As a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator, iCreate connects startups with a portfolio of schemes from both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. Beyond capital, the program provides comprehensive support, including business and technical mentorship, access to advanced prototyping and digital innovation labs, and connections to investors, industry leaders, and the broader startup ecosystem. Selected participants also have access to hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus, facilitating focused development.

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

The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana through Hartron, offers a subsidized incubation pathway. This zero-equity program targets technology startups focused on emerging domains such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence, which are foundational to many Electronics and Hardware innovations.

While not providing direct grant capital, the program emphasizes infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration. Participants benefit from a subsidized co-working environment and advanced prototyping labs, enabling product development and technical validation. Shared complimentary GPU access is also provided, which is particularly beneficial for AI-focused startups requiring significant computational resources for model training and testing.

Soma Fellows (Soma)

Soma Fellows is an investment program initiated by Soma, an investment firm with extensive experience in building and investing in startups. Soma and the Ranadive family have a long history of supporting founders, aiming to be a primary resource throughout the entrepreneurial journey. The firm is known for its global network and track record of seeding over 30 unicorn companies across various technology sectors.

The program offers substantial, uncapped funding for startups, with initial investments potentially reaching up to ₹18.6 crore. Beyond capital, Soma Fellows provides strategic guidance derived from years of direct involvement in startup growth and investment, leveraging Soma's global network to connect founders with resources and opportunities.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is designed to support startups developing solutions in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics) is a Section 8 company under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS), hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

Selected startups receive funding following a multi-stage evaluation by an expert panel, with amounts varying based on specific needs for technology development, R&D, and market expansion. Additional support includes co-working and co-location space, business assistance, soft credits from corporate partners, technical aid, research engagement, and upskilling opportunities. The program also facilitates showcasing events and networking within the startup ecosystem.

Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy (KBITS, Government of Karnataka)

The Patent Reimbursement Incentives: Karnataka Startup Policy offers targeted financial relief for startups in Karnataka. This program, led by the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), a key agency of the Government of Karnataka, aims to mitigate the costs associated with securing intellectual property rights.

Specifically tailored for incubated startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell, the policy provides reimbursement of up to ₹10 lakh for patent expenditures. This initiative is crucial for technology-driven ventures within the state, enabling them to protect their innovations and maintain a competitive advantage in the market.

Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge (Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI))

The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), is a competition fostering innovation across India's energy sector. This edition seeks to identify and support Indian startups developing groundbreaking solutions throughout the energy value chain.

The challenge aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, emphasizing innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity. Participants are encouraged to present technologies and ideas for renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon solutions. The program offers up to ₹3 lakh for selected innovations, with a deadline for applications on 15 October 2026.

Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program (NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore)

The Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program is a six-month initiative resulting from a partnership between NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore’s innovation hub, and Maruti Suzuki India Limited. This program is structured to accelerate the growth of technology and mobility startups dedicated to transforming the automotive sector, including areas relevant to electronics and hardware like advanced driver-assistance systems and electric vehicle components.

The program targets ventures past the ideation phase, specifically those at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or paid pilot stage, extending up to companies focused on growth and scale. It provides up to ₹1 crore in funding, along with mentorship and resources to foster innovation in critical future mobility areas.

Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program (Social Alpha)

Social Alpha's SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN) is a lab-to-market platform for SpaceTech entrepreneurs and startups, supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It focuses on applying space science and technology to various sectors, including aviation, maritime, land transportation, urban planning, and environmental monitoring, areas that often involve advanced electronics and hardware.

Selected startups gain access to pooled testing and validation infrastructure, R&D support, and curated go-to-market programs. Mentorship from subject matter experts, co-founder clinics, product development guidance, and opportunities for international collaborations are also provided. Selected winners may secure seed investment through syndicated capital, with amounts varying based on specific needs and potential.

STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 (Software Technology Parks of India (STPI))

The STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026, from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), is a national initiative for aspiring and early-stage startups and individual innovators. The program specifically targets those working on Industry 4.0 technologies such as Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), all of which are pertinent to advanced electronics and hardware development.

Selected startups receive seed funding of up to ₹15 lakh, distributed in three milestone-linked parts: ₹2.5 lakh upon selection, followed by ₹7.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh tied to incubation outcomes at the Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE). The program also provides mentoring, a 2500 sq ft plug-and-play incubation space, emerging technology labs, workshops, training, marketing assistance, and patent facilitation. The application deadline is 25 October 2026, and it is open to Indian startups at idea, prototype, pre-revenue, or revenue stages.

The Liveability Challenge 2027 (Temasek Foundation)

The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2027, presented by Temasek Foundation and organized by Eco-Business, represents a significant global platform for sustainability solutions. The tenth edition features a substantial pool of over S$5.5 million (approximately ₹7.5 crore) and introduces an Oceans theme alongside Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. This challenge seeks deep-tech solutions that could involve advanced electronics and hardware components for environmental monitoring, renewable energy systems, or sustainable infrastructure.

TLC connects innovators with catalytic funding and market pathways for high-potential climate and sustainability solutions. Since 2018, it has engaged thousands of global applications, incubated over 61 startups, and deployed nearly S$18 million in catalytic funding. Finalists are invited to pitch at the Grand Finale during Ecosperity Week 2027 in Singapore. The deadline for applications is 12 February 2027.

Before Applying

Before submitting applications, prospective founders should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for each program. For instance, the Patent Reimbursement Incentives are exclusively for startups officially registered with the Karnataka Startup Cell, limiting its reach to ventures within that state. Similarly, the Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program requires ventures to be past the ideation phase, specifically at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or paid pilot stage, ensuring a certain level of development. The STPI IGNITE program focuses on Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT and AI, targeting early-stage Indian startups at various revenue milestones.

Applicants should note the varying application windows. The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge closes very soon, on 15 October 2026, followed by the STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 on 25 October 2026, requiring immediate action. Many other programs, such as iCreate Pro-Fund, NASSCOM CoE, Soma Fellows, IHFC Incubation, Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL, and Social Alpha SpIN, operate on a rolling deadline basis, allowing for applications throughout the year. The Liveability Challenge 2027 has a later deadline of 12 February 2027, providing more time for preparation.