Mobility & Transport Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

Ten active programs are currently open for Mobility & Transport startups in India, comprising a mix of grants, acceleration programs, venture studios, and innovation challenges. These opportunities target various stages of startup development, from proof-of-concept to field validation and market deployment.The funding landscape for Mobility & Transport startups in India is characterized by diverse support mechanisms. Government-backed initiatives, institutional incubation programs, and corporate-sponsored competitions provide seed capital, mentorship, and access to infrastructure, fostering innovation across areas like logistics, automotive technology, sustainable transport, and smart infrastructure.

Active Mobility & Transport Grants and Programs

INNOSTARS 3.0 Acceleration Program (i-RISE TBI, IISER Mohali)The INNOSTARS 3.0 Acceleration Program is a 2-month acceleration initiative by i-RISE TBI IISER Mohali in collaboration with AngelBlue. It supports early-stage deep tech startups by providing access to funding, strategic consulting, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities. Startups developing deep tech solutions, including green mobility initiatives, are eligible for this program.The program is designed to empower ventures at the forefront of innovation across various critical sectors. Its core mission involves nurturing promising ventures through a structured support system. Applications for this cohort close on 25 October 2026.## Avishkar Venture Studio Winter Cohort 2026 (CIE, IIIT Hyderabad)The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad leads the Avishkar Venture Studio Winter Cohort 2026. This 6-month co-creation program targets early-stage deeptech and deep-IP startups at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage. The objective is to facilitate the transformation of PoCs into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) through collaboration with IIIT-H's research faculty and laboratory infrastructure.Participating startups can leverage the academic and technical expertise of IIIT-H. The program offers up to ₹10,00,000 in funding, supporting ventures in deeptech sectors relevant to mobility innovation. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.## EDII-TN Innovation Voucher Program — SRM BRC Pathway (Bootstrappers' Research Council)The Innovation Voucher Programme (IVP) is an initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, administered by the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute (EDII). It aims to foster research and innovation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, particularly in product-based and DeepTech ventures.The program provides grant support up to ₹7,00,000 to transition innovative ideas from conceptualization to market-ready products. The target sectors include Automobiles, among others, making it relevant for mobility startups in Tamil Nadu. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.## 1st Call for Validation of Field-Ready Climate Solutions (C-CAMP)The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), with support from Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT), has launched the 1st Call for 'Validation of Field-Ready Climate Solutions'. This call targets Indian startups with deployment-ready solutions where climate change intersects with biology, spanning health, agriculture, and environment.For mobility startups focused on sustainable transport, green energy, or decarbonization through biological solutions, this program offers up to ₹50,00,000 for joint validation projects. Selected startups gain access to C-CAMP's network of government and industry stakeholders. The deadline for this call is 27 October 2026.## IHFC TECHSETU 2026 Tech Transfer Call (IHFC, IIT Delhi)IHFC (Innovation Hub for Cobotics) at IIT Delhi spearheads the TECHSETU 2026 program, a global call for technology transfer and commercialization. The program bridges the gap between academic research and commercial deployment.IHFC seeks ecosystem partners, including deep-tech startups, to adopt and transform its validated lab technologies into scalable, market-ready products. Startups in robotics, automation, and cobotics with applications in mobility and logistics can explore this opportunity. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.## NLDSL DigiTwin Grand Challenge 2026 (NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd.)The NLDSL DigiTwin Grand Challenge is an initiative by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL), in partnership with NICDC and DPIIT Startup India. It aims to revolutionize India's logistics sector through advanced Digital Twin technology.A Digital Twin is a real-time virtual replica used for monitoring, predictive analytics, and optimization. This challenge seeks solutions leveraging Digital Twins across critical logistics domains such as port operations, freight corridors, warehousing, and supply chain networks, directly impacting the mobility sector. Up to ₹5,00,000 is available for winning solutions. The deadline for submissions is 14 November 2026.## Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (Government of Maharashtra)The Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), presents the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026. This initiative seeks groundbreaking solutions from innovators to address governmental and societal challenges across 10 key sectors within Maharashtra.Mobility startups focused on smart cities, public transport improvements, or logistical efficiency within Maharashtra can participate. The program aims to transform promising concepts into impactful realities, offering up to ₹10,00,000. The application window closes on 30 October 2026.## BuildX Hackathon 2026 (T-Hub)The BuildX Hackathon 2026 is a collaborative initiative by AIC T-Hub and Crescent Innovation Incubation Council. This 36-hour hackathon/ideathon challenges university students, early-stage startups, and individual innovators to develop solutions across critical sectors, including Mobility & Automotive.Hosted at the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute in Chennai, the event provides a platform for applying engineering, AI, ML, and robotics skills to real-world problem statements. Participants compete for prizes up to ₹50,000. The deadline for registration is 1 November 2026.## Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24)The Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge (GSC) 2026 is organized by Cars24 in collaboration with Startup India and the Startup Policy Forum. It aims to identify and empower early-stage startups addressing critical challenges in India across four key problem tracks: Fintech & Lending, Mobility & Road Safety, Supply Chain, and Sovereign AI.This program provides significant capital, strategic mentorship, real-world deployment opportunities through pilots, investor visibility, and national recognition. Mobility & Road Safety and Supply Chain are direct focus areas. Selected startups can receive up to ₹1,00,00,000. Applications must be submitted by 10 November 2026.## The Liveability Challenge 2027 (Temasek Foundation)The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2027, presented by Temasek Foundation, is Asia’s sustainability solutions platform. The tenth edition features a record pool of over S$5.5 million (approximately ₹7,50,57,000) with themes including Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.TLC connects innovators with funding and market pathways for high-potential climate and sustainability solutions. Mobility startups with deep-tech solutions that cut or remove carbon emissions align directly with the Decarbonisation theme. Selected finalists pitch at the Grand Finale in Singapore. The deadline for applications is 12 February 2027.## Before ApplyingMobility and transport startups should review specific eligibility requirements for each program. The EDII-TN Innovation Voucher Program targets product-based and deeptech MSMEs and startups, while Avishkar Venture Studio is for deeptech/deep-IP ventures at the Proof-of-Concept stage. INNOSTARS 3.0 focuses on early-stage deep tech. Startups looking to solve public sector issues in Maharashtra should consider the Seva First Innovation Challenge. Several programs, like C-CAMP's call, require deployment-ready solutions.Applicants should note the upcoming deadlines. INNOSTARS 3.0 closes on 25 October 2026, followed closely by C-CAMP on 27 October 2026, Seva First on 30 October 2026, and Avishkar Venture Studio on 31 October 2026. The BuildX Hackathon has a deadline of 1 November 2026, and the Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge on 10 November 2026. Programs like the EDII-TN IVP and IHFC TECHSETU offer rolling applications, providing more flexibility.