Startup Grants and Funding Programs for Profit-Stage Startups in India — August 2026
Profit-stage startups in India can tap 6 active funding programs, from MeitY’s PLI electronics grant to BIRAC’s commercialization fund and the TDB India-Finland call. This guide covers grants, competitions, and eligibility deadlines for scale-up capital.
Six funding programs for profit-stage startups are currently open: four grants and two competitions. The lineup includes MeitY's PLI for large electronics manufacturing, BIRAC's Product Commercialization Fund, and the TDB India-Finland Joint Innovation Call. These programs target companies with existing revenue that need capital for expansion, commercialization, or IP protection.
Profit-stage startups in India typically access capital through performance-linked grants, cost reimbursements, or innovation challenges. Eligibility often depends on production benchmarks, technology readiness, or sector-specific criteria. Funding amounts range from capped reimbursements to co-funding of up to 50% of project costs.
Active Programs for Profit-Stage Startups
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation of PLI Scheme for Large Electronics Manufacturing (MeitY) | Grant | Rolling | Varies |
| BIRAC Product Commercialization Program (PCP) Fund | Grant | 31 Dec 2026 | Varies |
| Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹25,00,000 |
| TDB India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 | Grant | 28 Aug 2026 | Up to ₹2,50,00,000 |
| Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance | Competition | 15 Aug 2026 | Varies |
| Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
Operation of PLI for Large Electronics Manufacturing (MeitY)
The Operation of Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It offers financial incentives based on incremental sales of goods produced in India, benchmarked to a defined base year. The scheme rewards actual production and sales performance rather than upfront investment.
For profit-stage electronics manufacturers, the structure fits companies that already generate revenue and can demonstrate year-on-year incremental sales. Eligible products fall within specific sectors and product lines in large electronics manufacturing. Since applications roll through the year, companies can apply as soon as they meet the prescribed production thresholds. Incentive amounts vary with output and sales growth.
BIRAC Product Commercialization Program (BIRAC)
The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program (PCP) Fund supports Indian biotech startups that have completed product development and validation up to TRL 7. It targets the gap between pre-commercialization and full-scale market launch, covering pilot deployments, market validation, and commercialization expenses.
PCP is structured for biotech startups whose products or technologies have reached pre-commercialization stage and need financial support for market preparation and launch. The fund extends to large-scale commercialization, which aligns with profit-stage companies looking for growth capital. Applications close on 31 December 2026, with grant amounts varying by project.
Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme (Government of Haryana)
The Haryana Startup Policy 2022 Patent Cost Reimbursement Scheme provides financial relief for startups securing patents. The Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, with Startup Haryana, reimburses patent filing and related costs up to ₹25,00,000. The scheme applies to domestic and international patent applications.
Profit-stage startups with proprietary technology can use this grant to offset IP protection expenses. It is open to startups recognized under the Haryana Startup Policy, and the rolling deadline means companies can apply as costs are incurred. The scheme is relevant to hardware, biotech, and software firms whose valuation depends on a protected patent portfolio.
TDB India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 (TDB)
The Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 funds bilateral R&D projects between Indian and Finnish entities. It supports market-driven innovation leading to new products, processes, or services for global markets. Indian entities can receive grant funding up to ₹2,50,00,000, capped at 50% of total project cost, on a reimbursement basis.
For profit-stage companies, this call is suited to those with an existing product line and a need to co-develop next-generation technology with a Finnish partner. The project must have a commercial application and a clear route to global markets. Applications close on 28 August 2026, giving companies a short window to build a partnership and submit. TDB’s reimbursement model requires upfront project spending, which profitable startups can handle more easily than early-stage teams.
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. The program seeks AI-enabled solutions that improve credit access, savings, and digital bookkeeping for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Selected teams receive support to build and deploy their solutions at scale.
This competition is relevant for fintech startups with working products and existing operational capacity. The challenge favors teams that can quickly integrate with the SHG ecosystem and handle large transaction volumes. The deadline is 15 August 2026, so interested companies have less than two weeks to apply. The funding amount varies, but the program provides access to ecosystem partners and deployment pathways.
Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (Capgemini)
The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) is a multi-state initiative powered by Capgemini and implemented by BharatCares with SRF Foundation. It invites innovators to solve social challenges with community-focused solutions. The program is structured as a competition with rolling applications.
Profit-stage social enterprises and tech companies can apply with an existing solution that can be tailored to regional needs. ISGBB emphasizes collaboration between innovators, academic institutions, and community groups, so winning teams often need to demonstrate on-ground implementation capability. The rolling window means companies can enter when they are ready.
Before Applying
Before applying, review each program’s eligibility definition. MeitY’s PLI scheme requires incremental production and sales growth in the electronics sector, so you need a base-year benchmark and a track record of output. The TDB India-Finland call limits reimbursement to 50% of project cost and requires a Finnish partner. Swanari TechSprint 4.0 targets AI solutions for SHG financial inclusion, so sector fit matters more than general profitability.
Watch the deadlines. Swanari TechSprint 4.0 closes on 15 August 2026, the TDB India-Finland call on 28 August 2026, and BIRAC PCP on 31 December 2026. The other three programs accept applications on a rolling basis. If you’re eyeing the TDB call, note that you must spend first and claim reimbursement later. For the competitions, early application improves your chances of securing mentor time and selection.
