18 Startup Grants and Seed Funds Closing This Week (12 October-18 October)

This week, 18 startup grants, incubation programs, and competitions are closing, offering Indian founders crucial opportunities for funding and support. Deadlines range from October 12 to October 18, 2026, across various sectors and stages.

These opportunities include manufacturing-focused accelerators from i-Hub Gujarat and India Accelerator, Agri-Tech and Deep-Tech incubation programs from multiple SARTHI partners like AIC-ADT Baramati and AIC-MIT ADT, national innovation challenges by MeitY Startup Hub and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and high-stakes pitch competitions from E-Cell IIT Bombay.

At a Glance

NIRMIT Manufacturing Cohort (i-Hub Gujarat) Closes 12 October

The NIRMIT Manufacturing Cohort is an acceleration program designed for innovative manufacturing and industrial-tech startups. Operated by i-Hub Gujarat in collaboration with India Accelerator, it aims to strengthen technology, business models, and market readiness, guiding ventures from innovation to industry impact.

The three-month program covers domains such as Industry 4.0, Industrial AI, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Automation, Machine Vision, Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Connected Industrial Hardware, Electronics & Semiconductors, and Next-Generation Industrial Technologies. Participants receive onboarding, mentorship, expert sessions, industry interactions, and business development support, culminating in a showcase to industry leaders and investors.

GENESIS Idea World Competition 2026 (MeitY) Closes 13 October

The GENESIS Idea World Competition 2026 is a national innovation challenge by MeitY Startup Hub, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It targets students, aspiring founders, and young innovators across India, encouraging them to develop early-stage concepts into viable solutions. The competition emphasizes problem-solving and potential for meaningful impact.

This program provides a platform for participants to showcase original ideas, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. It supports nascent ideas that address real-world challenges. Winners can receive grant funding of up to ₹50,000.

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

Bombay Shaving Company's Anandi Fellowship 2026 identifies, skills, and invests early in promising young entrepreneurs. This program targets students in grades 11 and 12, as well as first-year undergraduates, preparing them for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Running alongside college education, the fellowship provides exposure through intensive summer internships, called Pit-Stop Internships (PSIs), at leading Indian startups and venture capital firms. Fellows receive mentorship from entrepreneurs and gain practical business experience. The program offers funding of up to ₹1,00,00,000.

Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge (FIPI) Closes 15 October

The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), focuses on fostering innovation within India's energy sector. It supports startups developing solutions across the entire energy value chain.

The challenge highlights innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity, encouraging entrepreneurs, researchers, and students to present technologies and ideas for India's energy future. Participants address areas like renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon technologies. Grant funding of up to ₹3,00,000 is available.

SARTHI AIC-ADT Baramati Incubation 2026 (AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI AIC-ADT Baramati Incubation Program 2026 is an Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiR) initiative by AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation, targeting innovation in Maharashtra's agriculture and technology sectors. This year-long program supports aspiring entrepreneurs from the Maratha and Kunbi communities with ideas for scalable technology businesses.

Participants receive tools, mentorship, and resources for developing and commercializing Agri-Tech ventures. The program aims to empower first-generation entrepreneurs through a supportive environment, fostering innovation and the growth of sustainable startups. Grant funding of up to ₹3,00,000 is offered.

SARTHI AIC-MIT ADT Incubation 2026 (AIC MIT ADT Incubator Forum) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI AIC-MIT ADT Incubation Program 2026, Batch 2, supports Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha founders from Maharashtra. Run by AIC-MIT ADT Incubator Forum with SARTHI, this year-long program provides a monthly fellowship of ₹25,000, totaling ₹3,00,000, enabling founders to commit full-time to their ventures.

It focuses on ideas and functional prototypes or MVPs in Deep-Tech, Agritech, Agriculture, Foodtech, Electric Vehicles, Smart Mobility, IoT, AI/ML, and Renewable Energy. Participants gain structured incubation support, mentorship, networking, market access, and investor connect.

SARTHI-SUKRDF Incubation Program 2026-2027 (SUKRDF) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI-SUKRDF Incubation Program 2026-2027, Batch 2, offers a fellowship of ₹25,000 per month for 12 months (up to ₹3,00,000 total) to Maratha and Kunbi entrepreneurs in Maharashtra with technology-based business ideas. It is operated by SUK Research and Development Foundation (SUKRDF) under the SARTHI scheme.

Eligibility requires Maharashtra domicile, graduation, belonging to specified communities, and an annual family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh. Participants must commit full-time to their idea and be ready to present their progress, with payment subject to SARTHI guidelines.

SARTHI-Raisoni GHRTBI Incubation 2026 (GHRTBI) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI-Raisoni GHRTBI Incubation Program 2026, Batch 2026-2027, is for Maratha and Kunbi entrepreneurs in Maharashtra with innovative technology-based business ideas, with a focus on the Vidarbha region. It is run by the G.H. Raisoni Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GHRTBI) in Nagpur, under the SARTHI scheme.

Selected candidates receive a fellowship of ₹25,000 per month for 12 months, totaling ₹3,00,000. Benefits also include co-working space, labs and prototyping facilities, mentorship, networking with investors, and support for marketing, legal, financial, and intellectual property matters. Eligibility includes Maharashtra domicile, graduation, and specified community membership.

SARTHI x MAGIC Incubation 2.0 (MAGIC) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI x MAGIC Incubation 2.0 is open to aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups with innovative ideas or products. This second cohort is run by the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth & Incubation Council (MAGIC) in collaboration with SARTHI, serving the Marathwada region and beyond.

The program offers incubation support and mentorship from industry veterans. Capacity building occurs through workshops and training sessions in business development, strategy, and operations, alongside one-on-one and group workshops. Networking connects participants with investors, mentors, industry leaders, and a peer community. Grant funding of up to ₹3,00,000 is available.

SARATHI-Uddyam Solapur Incubation Batch 3 (UDDYAM PAHSUI FOUNDATION) Closes 15 October

The SARATHI-Uddyam Solapur Incubation Batch 3 is a joint incubation program by the Uddyam PAHSUI Foundation Incubation Centre in Solapur, Maharashtra, and SARTHI. It targets innovators and entrepreneurs from the Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities within Maharashtra, fostering entrepreneurship and economic development.

The program provides a structured environment for participants to transform nascent ideas into viable, marketable products. Its objective is to bridge the gap between innovative concepts and market readiness, offering support for early-stage entrepreneurs. Grant funding of up to ₹3,00,000 is provided.

SARTHI SPPU Research Park Foundation Incubation 2026-27 (SPPU Research Park Foundation) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI SPPU Research Park Foundation Incubation 2026-27 offers selected entrepreneurs a stipend of ₹300,000 (₹25,000 per month for 12 months) and one year of incubation support. It is run by the Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development Institute, an autonomous body of the Government of Maharashtra, with partners like SPPU Research Park Foundation in Pune.

SARTHI has 13 incubation centres across Maharashtra, each taking a cohort of 10 new entrepreneurs. Participants receive expert guidance, mentorship, access to facilities, networking, and market access. Eligibility includes Maharashtra residency from specific communities, graduation, and an annual family income not above ₹8 lakh.

SARTHI FMCIII Incubation 2026-27, Pune (Marathwada Mitra Mandals College of Engineering) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI FMCIII Incubation 2026-27 is hosted at the Foundation for Make It Happen Center for Invention Innovation Incubation (FMCIII) in Pune. It operates with SARTHI, an autonomous institute of the Government of Maharashtra, supporting 10 new entrepreneurs at each of its 13 incubation centres.

This program targets Maharashtra residents from the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Maratha-Kunbi categories aiming to develop a technology idea into a scalable startup within a year. Selected entrepreneurs receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for one year, totaling ₹3,00,000, along with incubation space, networking, and mentorship.

SARTHI Incubation at AIC IISER Pune 2026 (AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation) Closes 15 October

The SARTHI Incubation at AIC IISER Pune 2026 is part of the Sarsenapati Santaji Ghorpade SARTHI Entrepreneurship Development (Incubation) Initiative. Implemented at the AIC IISER Pune Seed Foundation, it aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within Maharashtra.

SARTHI's mission is to empower individuals from specific communities in Maharashtra to translate innovative concepts into viable, scalable technology startups. The initiative provides financial support as a monthly stipend, coupled with incubation services and guidance. Grant funding of up to ₹3,00,000 is offered.

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

The Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027, part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue 2027, is a program by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides a platform for young Indian citizens aged 18-35, including aspiring startup founders, to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions.

The challenge fosters problem-solving and entrepreneurship, guiding participants from ideation to national impact. It addresses social challenges across themes such as healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, and women empowerment. Grant funding of up to ₹1,50,000 is available.

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

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Innovation Challenge 2026 is an initiative by Tamil Nadu Tourism and StartupTN to foster innovation in the tourism sector. The challenge aims to transform opportunities into actionable solutions by engaging creators, technologists, and startup founders.

Its purpose is to reimagine and enhance the experience of Tamil Nadu, developing a future-ready tourism ecosystem. It targets boosting tourism-focused startups with innovative products and services, solving sector challenges with technology, and attracting talent. Funding varies depending on the project.

SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund 2026 (SIDBI) Closes 16 October

The SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund (SICF) 2026 is a digital platform by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for fostering transformative ideas and achieving developmental impact. This competitive mechanism crowd-sources innovative, outcome-oriented solutions for critical socio-economic challenges, especially within the MSME sector.

Rooted in SIDBI's mandate for inclusive growth and sustainable development, the fund supports entities capable of translating novel ideas into scalable impact. SICF empowers innovators by bridging funding gaps, enabling the implementation of breakthrough solutions. Grant funding of up to ₹2,00,00,000 is available.

RISE IISER IDEAPOOL Contest 2026 (RISE Foundation IISER) Closes 17 October

The RISE IISER IDEAPOOL Contest 2026 is an innovation contest held as part of the Innovation Conclave 2026. It is open to individuals and early-stage startups focused on sustainable solutions, providing a platform to present ideas to innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in a hybrid format.

Participants can win up to ₹2,50,000 from the total prize pool. Selected participants also receive six months of free incubation at RISE Foundation IISER. The contest has no age, location, incorporation status, team-size, or sector requirements.

Ten Minute Million Challenge 2026 (E-Cell IIT Bombay) Closes 18 October

The Ten Minute Million Challenge (TTMM) 2026 is a high-stakes pitch competition hosted by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of IIT Bombay as part of E-Summit 2026. This offline event connects promising startups directly with leading investors.

Selected startups have 10 minutes to present their vision, business model, and market opportunity to a panel of investors, with the potential to secure substantial on-the-spot funding. The challenge aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and essential capital, offering immediate financial backing and feedback. Funding up to ₹35,00,000 is available.

Before Applying

This week's opportunities present specific eligibility requirements. Many SARTHI incubation programs, such as those with AIC-ADT Baramati, AIC-MIT ADT, SUKRDF, and SPPU Research Park Foundation, are exclusively for residents of Maharashtra belonging to the Maratha or Kunbi communities, with an annual family income ceiling. In contrast, the NIRMIT Manufacturing Cohort focuses on industrial and manufacturing technology, while the Anandi Fellowship targets students in specific academic years.

Pay close attention to the deadlines, as some programs, like the NIRMIT Manufacturing Cohort, close as early as October 12, 2026. A large number of incubation programs under the SARTHI initiative, along with the Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge and Anandi Fellowship, share an October 15, 2026, deadline. The Ten Minute Million Challenge offers a final opportunity on October 18, 2026, for those requiring a few extra days to prepare their pitches.