10 Startup Grants and Funding Programs Newly Listed This Week October 2026

This week, 10 new startup funding and support programs have been listed, encompassing grants, incubation initiatives, and accelerator cohorts. These opportunities originate from a diverse set of organizations, including the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with UNDP India, and Startup Karnataka. The programs target various stages of startup development, from early-stage deeptech PoCs to scaling healthcare ventures.

Newly Listed This Week

Avishkar Venture Studio Winter Cohort 2026 (IIIT Hyderabad)

Avishkar Venture Studio Winter Cohort 2026 is a 6-month co-creation program led by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad. It supports early-stage deeptech and deep-IP startups at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage. The program aims to help transform PoCs into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) by leveraging IIIT-H's research faculty and laboratory infrastructure.

Participants can receive up to ₹10,00,000 in funding. This venture studio model provides hands-on support, tailored for ventures developing innovative technologies. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2026.

AIM UNDP Community Innovator Fellowship (AIM, NITI Aayog)

The Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) program is an initiative of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, executed with UNDP India. This one-year fellowship supports aspiring community innovators with knowledge building, infrastructure, and financial assistance.

Hosted at Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), it empowers individuals to develop local solutions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fellows gain access to content on SDGs and entrepreneurship. Funding of up to ₹2,00,000 is available. This program operates on a rolling application basis.

STBI Niramay Healthcare Accelerator 2026 (India Accelerator)

The STBI Niramay Healthcare Accelerator is a 12-week program for healthcare startups. It is jointly run by India Accelerator and Savli Technology & Business Incubator (STBI). The program targets ventures beyond the ideation stage, with a prototype, MVP, or early revenue.

The accelerator provides a structured curriculum and connections to scale solutions and attract investment. Funding amounts vary depending on the startup's stage and needs. This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Grant 2026 (Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund)

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Grant supports individual species conservation initiatives globally. The fund, from an affiliate of Erth Zayed in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aims to recognize leaders and emphasize species importance in conservation.

Grants cover project-related costs for plants, animals, and fungi, prioritizing Endangered, Critically Endangered, Data Deficient, or highly threatened unlisted species. Core running costs are ineligible. Up to ₹23,75,000 is available. The application deadline is 15 October 2026.

Alchemist Accelerator Flagship Program (Alchemist Accelerator)

The Alchemist Accelerator Flagship Program is a six-month global accelerator for enterprise-focused AI-SaaS and deep-tech startups. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, it supports founders globally with remote programming.

The program targets companies generating revenue from enterprises (B2B and B2B2C). Emphasis is placed on team quality, particularly technical founders, and market size. Funding amounts vary. This program has rolling applications.

Sona Incubations Ignition Grant 2026 (Sona Incubation Foundation)

The Sona Incubations IGNITION GRANT 2026, supported under the DST NIDHI i-TBI scheme, offers non-dilutive grant funding for individual innovators and early-stage startups. The grant aids in transforming technology-based ideas into prototypes or products.

It focuses on thrust areas such as assistive technology, sensor technology, and MedTech, for projects with commercialization potential. Up to ₹10,00,000 in grant funding is provided, along with incubation services. This is a rolling application program.

Z Fellows 2026 Fellowship (Z Fellows)

The Z Fellows 2026 program brings together about ten very-early-stage technical founders for an intensive one-week experience. It connects aspiring builders with successful entrepreneurs for mentorship and network access.

Support extends beyond the core week with ongoing introductions and company-building assistance. The program caters to individuals from side projects to nascent startups. Up to ₹9,50,000 in funding is offered. Cohorts run regularly, and applications are rolling.

build3 Impact Accelerator Cohort 10 (build3)

The build3 Impact Accelerator, Cohort 10 is a ten-week paid accelerator and startup studio focused on "cobuilding" impact ventures. It supports startups that generate measurable benefits for people or the planet, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Both technology and non-technology businesses are included, for founders at early stages from idea to early traction. The accelerator helps validate business ideas, secure initial funding, or establish growth. Up to ₹25,00,000 in funding is available. Applications close on 15 October 2026.

Karnataka Startup Internship Support (Startup Karnataka)

The Karnataka Startup Internship Support program, part of the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030, offers financial assistance for startups in the state. It provides a direct subsidy for hiring interns.

This initiative reduces operational costs for startups, helps attract talent, and supports project development. It aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry. Funding amounts vary based on the internship duration and structure. This program has rolling applications.

Karnataka R&D Project Grant 2025 (Startup Karnataka)

The Research and Development Project Grant is an initiative under the Karnataka Startup Policy 2025-2030. It supports collaborative R&D projects by startups in Karnataka forming a consortium with academic/research institutions and industry partners.

The grant fosters a 'Triple Helix Model' of innovation to drive technological advancements. It co-funds up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at ₹1,00,00,000, to de-risk research initiatives. Applications for this program are rolling.

Before Applying

Founders considering these programs should note specific eligibility criteria. For instance, the Avishkar Venture Studio (IIIT Hyderabad) targets early-stage deeptech and deep-IP startups at the Proof-of-Concept stage, seeking collaboration with IIIT-H research. The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Grant is specifically for project-related costs for species conservation and excludes organizational overheads. Both Karnataka programs are state-specific, requiring the startup to operate within Karnataka.

Application timings vary, with some programs having fixed deadlines and others operating on a rolling basis. The Avishkar Venture Studio (IIIT Hyderabad) closes on 31 October 2026, and the build3 Impact Accelerator has a deadline of 15 October 2026. Conversely, programs like the AIM UNDP Community Innovator Fellowship, STBI Niramay Healthcare Accelerator, Alchemist Accelerator, Sona Incubations Ignition Grant, Z Fellows, and both Karnataka programs accept applications continuously.