Startup Grants and Funding Programs for Profit-Stage Startups in India — July 2026

8 funding programs are currently open for profit-stage startups in India, spanning grants, competitions, and incubation support. Notable among them are the SMDI Marginal Investment Scheme for medical device companies, the BIRAC Product Commercialization Program for biotech startups, and the SLINGSHOT 2026 deep tech pitching competition.

Profit-stage startups — those generating revenue and seeking growth capital — can access a mix of government grants, corporate innovation challenges, and equity-free prizes. Typical eligibility includes DPIIT recognition, a defined period of operation (often 5–10 years), and sector-specific requirements. Programs range from reimbursements (patent costs) to large-scale project grants (up to ₹10 crore).

Active Programs for Profit-Stage Startups

Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI) - Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence (MISRID) (Department of Pharmaceuticals)

The Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI) - Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence (MISRID) is a grant program by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. It targets medical device companies that can localize production of vital components, raw materials, and accessories currently imported. The scheme provides up to ₹10 crore per project, covering capital expenditure and technology upgrades.

Profit-stage startups in the medical device sector with a proven product and manufacturing capability are eligible. The application deadline is 24 July 2026. The program is suited for companies that have moved beyond R&D and are ready to scale domestic production, reducing import dependence.

BIRAC Product Commercialization Program (PCP) Fund (BIRAC)

The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program (PCP) Fund is a grant initiative by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Section 8 enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology. It bridges the gap between product validation (TRL 7) and market launch, supporting pilot deployments, market validation, and commercialization.

Indian biotech startups with technologies at pre-commercialization stage can apply. The fund amount varies based on project needs. The deadline is 31 December 2026. For profit-stage biotech firms, this grant covers activities like regulatory approvals, scale-up trials, and market entry, reducing the financial risk of commercializing a new product.

Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme (Department of Industries & Commerce, Haryana)

The Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme provides up to ₹25 lakh to cover costs associated with filing and securing patents. It is managed by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, under the Startup Haryana initiative.

Eligible startups must be DPIIT-recognized and based in Haryana. The scheme is rolling with no fixed deadline. For profit-stage startups, this reimbursement helps protect intellectual property without straining cash flow, especially for biotech or med-tech companies with patent-intensive portfolios.

Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 (Technology Development Board)

The Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 is a collaboration between TDB (India) and Business Finland. It funds joint R&D projects between Indian and Finnish entities in any technology sector, with a focus on market-driven innovation. Indian entities can receive up to ₹2.5 crore, capped at 50% of the total Indian project cost, on a reimbursement basis.

Profit-stage startups seeking international partnerships can apply. The deadline is 28 August 2026. Projects must involve a Finnish partner and lead to commercializable products or services. This suits startups already generating revenue that want to co-develop with foreign partners.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore (Enterprise Singapore)

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore is Asia's leading deep tech competition, organized by Enterprise Singapore. It offers a total prize pool of over ₹15.84 crore in Startup SG Grant prizes. The grand winner receives ₹2.88 crore; runners-up and top 10 finalists also receive significant grant amounts.

Categories include Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technologies, Environment & Energy, and Health & Biomedical. The deadline is 27 July 2026 (registration closed 30 June 2026, but still active as of article date). Profit-stage deep tech startups can apply for prize grants that are equity-free and can be used for growth.

Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance (IIMA Ventures)

The Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance is an innovation challenge co-created by RBIH and IIMA Ventures. It calls for AI-enabled fintech solutions to improve financial inclusion for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India. The program provides capacity-building support, access to mentors, and potential pilot opportunities.

Profit-stage fintech startups with AI capabilities are eligible. The deadline is 15 August 2026. While prize amounts vary, the program offers networking and implementation partnerships with banks and SHGs, making it attractive for startups looking to scale in rural finance.

Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) (Capgemini)

The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) initiative is powered by Capgemini and implemented by BharatCares and SRF Foundation. It seeks social impact solutions in areas like education, healthcare, and livelihoods. The program is rolling with no fixed deadline.

Profit-stage social enterprises can apply. Support includes funding, mentorship, and access to Capgemini's network. The program is suited for startups with proven impact that need scaling capital.

Tech Next Challenge 2026 (Accenture)

The Tech Next Challenge 2026 by Accenture focuses on autonomous technologies: AI agents, robotics, self-healing IT, and autonomous operations. Selected startups get access to Accenture's global client base and potential collaborations.

The deadline is 17 July 2026. Profit-stage deep tech startups in autonomous systems are eligible. While the funding amount varies, the primary benefit is enterprise exposure and co-development opportunities.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The SMDI MISRID grant requires the startup to be in the medical device sector and to demonstrate import substitution capability. The BIRAC PCP Fund mandates that the technology be at TRL 7 or above, meaning pre-commercialization stage, and the startup must be Indian. The Haryana Patent Scheme is limited to startups registered in Haryana. The TDB India-Finland call requires a Finnish partner and reimbursement-based funding. SLINGSHOT is open to deep tech startups globally but requires registration before 30 June 2026 (though the competition is still active). Swanari TechSprint is focused on AI for women SHG finance, narrowing the sector. ISGBB and Tech Next Challenge are rolling but may have undisclosed sector or impact criteria.

Timing is critical: the Tech Next Challenge closes on 17 July 2026 (just one day away from this article's date), making it urgent. SLINGSHOT's deadline is 27 July 2026. The SMDI MISRID closes on 24 July 2026. The TDB India-Finland call closes 28 August 2026. The Swanari TechSprint closes 15 August 2026. The BIRAC PCP Fund has a year-end deadline. Programs with rolling deadlines (Haryana Patent, ISGBB) can be applied at any time, but ISGBB may have cohort-based evaluations. Startups should prepare applications well in advance, especially for those requiring LOIs or pre-screening.