16 Startup Grants and Seed Funds Closing This Week (5 October-15 October)

16 startup grants, seed funds, incubation programs, and competitions are concluding their application windows between October 5th and October 15th, 2026. These opportunities offer crucial support for founders at various stages, from ideation to early revenue. The programs come from a diverse set of organizations including Entrepreneurs First, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IIT Dharwad's dhaRti Foundation, SpinLab, EarthON Foundation, Campus Fund, Manipal University Jaipur, Bombay Shaving Company, and various SARTHI-backed incubators across Maharashtra, alongside government initiatives.

At a Glance

Entrepreneurs First Bangalore Winter 2027 (EF) Closes 5 October

The Entrepreneurs First Bangalore Winter 2027 program, run by Entrepreneurs First (EF), is an intensive, full-time, in-person accelerator. It targets highly talented individuals aiming to build groundbreaking technology companies. Unlike programs requiring existing teams, EF facilitates co-founder matching and idea development. Participants gain mentorship, strategic guidance, and community support for early-stage company creation. The program focuses on de-risking initial entrepreneurial steps, supporting deep-tech and innovative ventures across sectors. Founders receive direct assistance in ideation and launch.

Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator (Kotak Mahindra Bank) Closes 6 October

Kotak Mahindra Bank's Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator is a program rooted in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. It identifies and supports high-potential startups developing impactful solutions in critical sectors. The program provides up to ₹30,00,000 in funding. It addresses challenges faced by early-revenue-stage startups by offering capital, guidance, and network access to enable rapid scaling. Kotak BizLabs aims to empower founders to build businesses that contribute positively to the economy and society, aligning with India's innovation goals. The program seeks startups with market-ready solutions.

Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi (Electropreneur Park) Closes 6 October

The Electropreneur Park OCP 3.0 Delhi is an Open Challenge Program (OCP) for startups in the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) domain nationwide. This platform aims to empower, recognize, and reward aspiring and early-stage tech entrepreneurs. Participants gain strategic networking opportunities, seed funding (amount varies), expert mentoring, and support for training, marketing, and patenting. The program provides access to Electropreneur Park's Centers of Excellence (CoE) labs, specialized tools, software, and advanced incubation facilities.

dhaRti BioNEST Incubation Centre (dhaRti Foundation, IIT Dharwad) Closes 7 October

The dhaRti BioNEST Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad, established by dhaRti Foundation, supports deep tech and life sciences startups. It leverages IIT Dharwad's academic resources and research facilities to nurture innovation. The centre focuses on biotechnology, healthcare, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. It aims to convert early-stage R&D ideas into scalable commercial products through comprehensive support beyond funding, with a newly launched facility from October 2025. Funding amounts vary.

SpinLab Accelerator 2027 (SpinLab) Closes 8 October

SpinLab - The HHL Accelerator, based in Leipzig, Germany, assists entrepreneurial teams in scaling their businesses. Since 2015, SpinLab has supported over 240 innovators. The program offers up to ₹54,50,000 in funding and provides guidance and an international network. SpinLab operates with no equity, shares, or intellectual property claims, ensuring founders retain 100% ownership. It connects startups with industry leaders, investors, and potential pilot partners, particularly in Central Germany, through a hybrid program format including intensive on-site focus weeks.

EarthON Greenovation Bootcamp 2026 (EarthON Foundation) Closes 9 October

The EarthON Greenovation Bootcamp 2026 is a 3-day residential program for climate entrepreneurs developing sustainable solutions. Jointly organized by EarthON Foundation, Greenovation Hub, and AIC ISB, it strengthens ventures and explores scaling possibilities. The program offers up to ₹2,00,000. The bootcamp connects founders, practitioners, mentors, and investors at the ISB Hyderabad campus. It addresses agroecology, circularity, renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, and climate resilience. Participants improve leadership skills, enhance investment readiness, and network through expert sessions and workshops.

AWS × IDFC × Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 (Campus Fund) Closes 10 October

The AWS × IDFC × Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026 is the 7th edition of India’s competition for student startups. Campus Fund, a SEBI-registered AIF, invests exclusively in student-led ventures, including recent graduates and dropouts. Funding amounts vary. This Challenge helps student founders gain visibility, meet investors, and grow their ventures. Since 2020, it has featured over 70 startups, funded more than 25, with alumni raising over ₹90M post-Challenge. Eligible founders (current students, dropouts, or 2023+ graduates holding at least 25% equity) apply free. Top 15 finalists pitch live to a jury in Mumbai on 10 December 2026.

Hefty-Hacks (TechZap) Closes 10 October

Hefty-Hacks is an online hackathon focusing on Finance × Trading, presented by TechZap. Teams of 2–6 members (engineers, quants, designers) develop trading systems, market predictors, fintech solutions, risk engines, or DeFi applications during an intense sprint. The competition offers up to ₹75,000. Tracks include Finance (payments, lending, neo-banking, fraud/AML, insurance, RegTech, DeFi), Trading (algo/HFT, futures/options, market prediction, alt-data signals, backtesting, portfolio optimization), and Fusion (combining both). Solo entries are not accepted.

HackX 3.0 (Manipal University Jaipur) Closes 12 October

HackX 3.0 is a 36-hour hackathon organized by Manipal University Jaipur. It invites students and innovators to address real-world problems across 10 tracks, with a prize pool exceeding ₹5,00,000. This event promotes creativity, collaboration, and technical skill. It is open to students, developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts. Teams can be formed on-site or pre-assembled. Participants build prototypes and present them to a judging panel. The event runs from September 30 to October 12, 2026.

Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 (Bombay Shaving Company) Closes 15 October

The Anandi Fellowship by Bombay Shaving Company 2026 identifies, skills, and invests early in India's young entrepreneurs, targeting students in grades 11 and 12, and first-year undergraduates. The fellowship offers up to ₹1,00,00,000. Running alongside college education, the program provides exposure through 3-4 intensive summer internships (Pit-Stop Internships or PSIs) at India's top startups and venture capital firms. Fellows receive mentorship from entrepreneurs and gain practical business experience to prepare them for entrepreneurship.

Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) Closes 15 October

The Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027 is an initiative by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027. It offers up to ₹1,50,000. This platform supports young Indian citizens (18-35 years), including aspiring founders and professionals, in transforming ideas into impactful solutions. YEC 2027 fosters problem-solving and entrepreneurship, guiding participants from ideation to national impact. It addresses social challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, and other themes.

Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Challenge 2026 (StartupTN) Closes 15 October

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Challenge 2026, an initiative by Tamil Nadu Tourism and StartupTN, aims to foster innovation in the state's tourism sector. Funding amounts vary. Tamil Nadu recorded 286 million domestic and 1.17 million foreign tourists in 2023. The challenge seeks to enhance the tourism experience by bringing together creators, technologists, and startup founders. Its purpose is to boost tourism-focused startups with innovative products and services, solve sector challenges using technology, and attract new talent.

SARTHI Incubation Programs Close 15 October

Several incubation programs supported by the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI), Pune, are closing on October 15, 2026. These initiatives are designed to empower entrepreneurs from the Maratha and Kunbi communities across Maharashtra, providing up to ₹3,00,000 in funding for each program. Each program targets individuals with innovative and scalable technology-based business ideas. The SARTHI AIC-ADT Baramati Incubation 2026 by AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation focuses on Agri-Tech ventures, providing mentorship and resources for year-long development. The SARTHI AIC-MIT ADT Incubation 2026 by AIC MIT ADT Incubator Forum targets Deep-Tech, Agritech, Foodtech, EV, IoT/AI/ML, and Renewable Energy sectors. The SARTHI-SUKRDF Incubation Program 2026-2027 from SUK Research and Development Foundation (SUKRDF) supports tech-based ideas, particularly in Vidarbha, with financial and structural aid. Similarly, the SARTHI-Raisoni GHRTBI Incubation 2026 by G.H. Raisoni Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GHRTBI) in Nagpur offers monthly fellowships, co-working spaces, and lab facilities. The SARTHI x MAGIC Incubation 2.0 from Marathwada Accelerator for Growth & Incubation Council (MAGIC) focuses on foundational support and expert guidance within the Marathwada region. Finally, the SARATHI-Uddyam Solapur Incubation Batch 3 by Uddyam PAHSUI Foundation in Solapur helps transform ideas into marketable products. All SARTHI programs require full-time commitment and domicile in Maharashtra for Maratha/Kunbi communities, meeting specific income criteria.

Before Applying

Applicants should review specific eligibility requirements carefully. Several SARTHI incubation programs, including those from AIC-ADT Baramati, AIC-MIT ADT, SUKRDF, GHRTBI, MAGIC, and Uddyam Solapur, are specifically for entrepreneurs from the Maratha and Kunbi communities residing in Maharashtra, with income criteria. The Campus Fund Grand Challenge is exclusively for student-led startups or recent graduates. SpinLab Accelerator and Electropreneur Park are open to a broader base but focus on technology and ESDM sectors respectively. Most of these programs have fixed deadlines, with a concentrated cluster on October 15. Missing the deadline for programs like the Entrepreneurs First accelerator or the various SARTHI incubations means waiting for their next annual cohorts, potentially delaying your startup's development by several months. The Campus Fund Grand Challenge also has a firm application close date before its December finale.