Food & Beverage Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

As of October 2026, ten distinct programs are actively seeking applications from Food & Beverage startups across India. These opportunities span various formats, including direct grants, structured incubation programs, and competitive challenges.

The funding landscape for Indian Food & Beverage startups is supported by government initiatives, institutional investment programs, and a range of national and international competitions. These mechanisms aim to foster innovation and commercialization within the agriculture and allied sectors, enabling ventures to scale operations and address market gaps.

Active Food & Beverage Grants and Programs

PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0 Grant (PI-RAHI)

PI-RAHI, the PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation, operates as the Northern Region S&T Cluster under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India. Its flagship initiative, the PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0 Grant, focuses on empowering research-driven and deep-tech startups.

SPARKS 2.0, or the Strategic Program for Accelerating Research & Knowledge Startups, provides resources and guidance to expedite the journey from research concepts to commercially viable products. Food & Beverage startups leveraging deep technology or scientific research in their offerings may find this program relevant. Applications for this grant are open until November 23, 2026, offering funding up to ₹10,00,000.

NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme (NABARD)

Managed by NABVENTURES Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NABARD, the NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme is an equity investment fund. It targets innovative, technology-driven, high-risk, and high-impact early-stage startups within the agriculture and rural development ecosystem in India.

This scheme is registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund with SEBI and has a corpus of ₹300 crore. Food & Beverage startups operating in the farm produce value chain, especially those with tech-enabled solutions for agriculture, are suitable candidates. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with potential funding up to ₹25,00,00,000.

IHFC TECHSETU 2026 Tech Transfer Call (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC TECHSETU 2026 program is a global call for technology transfer and commercialization, led by IHFC (Innovation Hub for Cobotics) at IIT Delhi. The program connects cutting-edge academic research with commercial deployment. IHFC seeks ecosystem partners, including deep-tech startups, to adopt and transform its validated lab technologies into scalable, market-ready products.

Food & Beverage startups can engage with TECHSETU 2026 by exploring opportunities to commercialize technologies relevant to food processing, automation, safety, or logistics from IIT Delhi's research. This initiative aims to remove engineering development barriers. Funding amounts vary, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) (TIH IIT Bombay)

The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH-IoT) at IIT Bombay fosters the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT). The TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) invites proposals from faculty and researchers across India to develop and refine innovative IoT applications.

Food & Beverage startups leveraging IoT for supply chain optimization, smart farming, quality control, or consumer engagement could benefit from collaborations with researchers supported by this program. The program supports promising product prototypes. This call has a deadline of October 31, 2026, with funding up to ₹50,00,000 for successful proposals.

GrowX Accelerator Program (Nasscom AI Centre of Excellence)

The GrowX Accelerator Program is an initiative by the AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. It supports promising AI and Deep-tech startups building innovative solutions in India. The program is a collaborative effort involving MeitY, Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and NASSCOM Center of Excellence for IoT & AI, with support from Microsoft and Google.

Food & Beverage startups utilizing AI or deep technology for product development, operational efficiency, personalization, or waste reduction can gain comprehensive support, including mentorship, access to resources, and networking. Funding amounts vary, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award (DPIIT)

Startup India, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, offers the Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award, a category within the National Startup Awards 6.0. This program recognizes and rewards student-led projects addressing real-world problems with scalability potential.

Student teams developing prototypes, MVPs, or proofs of concept in the Food & Beverage sector that align with national priorities are encouraged to apply. The award aims to foster innovation among young minds. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2026, with potential awards up to ₹6,00,000.

National Startup Awards 6.0 (DPIIT)

The National Startup Awards (NSA) 6.0, an initiative by Startup India and DPIIT, celebrates startups driving innovation, demonstrating scalability, and creating socio-economic impact across India. The program provides recognition, visibility, and connections.

Food & Beverage startups that have developed innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions for the sector are eligible. Winners are selected through a multi-stage evaluation process, culminating in a pitching event. Beyond cash prizes, awardees gain access to a network of investors and industry leaders. Submissions close on November 30, 2026, with awards up to ₹25,00,000.

MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 (MassChallenge)

MassChallenge's 2026-2027 Challenge Cycle connects startups with industry organizations to address complex challenges. The MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 are designed for pre-seed to Series A startups whose solutions align with published challenge statements from corporate partners.

Specific challenge areas include "Sustainable Food Systems," making this program highly relevant for Food & Beverage startups focused on sustainability, resource efficiency, or new food technologies. Participants gain opportunities for business development and collaboration with industry leaders. The deadline for applications is November 9, 2026. Funding amounts vary.

Hello Tomorrow Challenge 2026 (Hello Tomorrow)

The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge 2026 is an annual, multi-stage competition for deep tech startups worldwide. It identifies and accelerates founders leveraging new technologies or scientific discoveries to solve industrial, societal, or environmental challenges.

Food & Beverage startups developing deep tech solutions for food production, processing, safety, or nutrition are encouraged to apply. Participants receive global recognition, networking opportunities, and a chance to secure an equity prize up to ₹2,18,00,000. Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026.

IEF KrishiGram 2.0 Competition (IEF of CCSNIAM)

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Federation (IEF) of Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (CCS NIAM) presents IEF KrishiGram 2.0. This "Udyam Srijan Competition" transforms agro-ideas into viable ventures.

It is a platform for agripreneurs, students, rural youth, and early-stage startup founders to showcase innovative solutions for the Agriculture and Allied sectors. This includes precision farming, agri-logistics, food processing, and sustainable agriculture. The program aims to foster agripreneurship and align with national agricultural advancement goals. Funding amounts vary. The deadline for this competition is December 31, 2026.

Before Applying

Food & Beverage startups should carefully review specific eligibility criteria before applying. Programs like NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct and IEF KrishiGram 2.0 focus on agriculture and allied sectors, while PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0, IHFC TECHSETU 2026, GrowX Accelerator, and Hello Tomorrow Challenge 2026 prioritize deep-tech, research-driven, or AI-enabled solutions. Startups with existing prototypes or MVPs are particularly suited for the Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award and the TDP Call for Proposal 2026.

Several programs have imminent deadlines in the coming weeks. The TDP Call for Proposal 2026 closes today, October 31, 2026. The MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 close on November 9, 2026, followed by PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0 on November 23, 2026. The National Startup Awards 6.0, Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award, and Hello Tomorrow Challenge 2026 all close on November 30, 2026. In contrast, NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct, IHFC TECHSETU 2026, and GrowX Accelerator programs accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing for more flexible submission timelines.