Software & IT Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

October 2026 offers 10 distinct opportunities for Software & IT startups across India, encompassing a mix of direct grant funding, seed investments, intensive incubation programs, and targeted innovation challenges. These initiatives are designed to support various stages of startup growth, from proof-of-concept to scaling ventures. The Indian funding landscape for Software & IT remains dynamic, characterized by active participation from government-backed technology business incubators, established institutional accelerators, and private investment firms. These diverse programs collectively provide capital access, strategic mentorship, and market integration opportunities essential for technological advancement and ecosystem development.

Active Software & IT Grants and Programs

iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)

iCreate's Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support offers funding and comprehensive assistance for transforming a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a viable product. As a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, iCreate facilitates access to various schemes from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. The program provides up to ₹30,00,000 in funding alongside holistic support. This includes business and technical mentorship, access to advanced prototyping and digital innovation labs, and broader incubation assistance. Startups also benefit from connections with investors, industry leaders, and the wider startup ecosystem. On-campus hostel accommodation is available for selected ventures.

NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM)

The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program delivers a subsidized, zero-equity incubation experience for technology startups focused on emerging domains like IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana through Hartron, this program emphasizes infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration. Participants gain access to a subsidized co-working environment and advanced prototyping labs crucial for product development and technical validation. Complimentary shared GPU access is also provided, enabling AI-focused startups to train and test computational models effectively. The program focuses on facilitating growth and market entry rather than direct grant capital.

Soma Fellows (Soma)

Soma Fellows is an investment initiative from Soma, a firm recognized for building and investing in startups, with a track record of seeding over 30 unicorn companies across technology sectors. Soma and the Ranadive family aim to be a resource for founders, offering strategic guidance derived from years of direct involvement in startup growth and investment. The program provides substantial, uncapped funding, with initial investments potentially reaching up to ₹18,00,00,000. This capital is coupled with access to Soma's global network and extensive expertise, designed to support founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey in various technology sectors.

Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures)

Forum Ventures operates a Pre Seed Fund specifically for B2B technology startups, with a primary focus on B2B SaaS and AI companies. Forum Ventures positions itself as a venture capital firm dedicated to making the B2B software journey more accessible for early-stage founders by providing hands-on support and strategic guidance. The fund offers up to ₹9,00,00,000 in investment to selected startups. This capital is intended to help founders drive innovation, validate market fit, and build scalable solutions. The program integrates startups into a supportive ecosystem, leveraging deep industry expertise to navigate critical early development stages.

The Forum Accelerator (Forum Ventures)

The Forum Accelerator, also from Forum Ventures, is a B2B tech program tailored for early-stage B2B software companies. Developed by experienced founders and operators, its mission is to enhance the B2B software journey for its portfolio. Forum Ventures acts as a "fractional co-founder," offering deep, hands-on guidance. The accelerator provides up to ₹90,00,000 in investment. This support aims to help startups achieve meaningful traction and prepare for subsequent funding rounds. The program’s focus on B2B SaaS equips founders with specialized knowledge and networks crucial for enterprise sales and sustained growth.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) for early-stage startups. While open to startups offering services nationwide, it particularly focuses on ventures from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The program supports startups in domains such as Mobility Convenience/Assistance, Tech in Mobility (including ADAS, V2X, EV, autonomous mobility), Sustainability, Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing (process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, GenAI). Benefits include cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh, opportunities for a paid Proof of Concept (PoC), mentorship from industry experts, and access to Maruti Suzuki's extensive ecosystem and alumni network.

Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program (NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore)

The Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program is a 6-month initiative by NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore) and Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Designed for mobility startups, it targets ventures past the ideation phase, specifically those at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or paid pilot stage, extending to growth-focused companies. This program aims to accelerate innovation in critical areas for the future of mobility, including electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, data analytics, and sustainable manufacturing. It provides up to ₹1,00,00,000 in investment to foster growth and transform the automotive sector.

Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program (Social Alpha)

Social Alpha's SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program is India's first lab-to-market platform for SpaceTech startups and entrepreneurs, backed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It focuses on applying space science and technology to various sectors, including aviation, maritime, urban planning, disaster management, and sustainable agriculture. Selected startups receive pooled testing and validation infrastructure, R&D support, and curated go-to-market programs. Mentorship from subject matter experts, co-founder clinics, product development guidance, and opportunities for international collaborations are also provided. Selected winners may receive seed investment through syndicated capital.

STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 (STPI)

The STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 is a national program from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), aimed at aspiring and early-stage startups and individual innovators. It focuses on Industry 4.0 solutions, particularly in Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT). Applications for this program close on 25 October 2026. Selected participants receive seed funding up to ₹15 lakh, disbursed in three milestone-linked parts: ₹2.5 lakh upon selection, followed by ₹7.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh tied to incubation outcomes. Support includes expert mentoring, a 2500 sq ft plug-and-play incubation space, access to emerging technology labs, workshops, training, marketing assistance, and patent facilitation. Indian startups at idea, prototype, pre-revenue, or revenue stages are eligible.

CoE Innovation Challenge: AI Exam Scheduling Assistant for GSSSB (nasscom CoE – IoT & AI)

The CoE Innovation Challenge: AI Exam Scheduling Assistant for GSSSB, presented by the nasscom Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI, seeks solutions for the Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB). This challenge targets the manual process of scheduling 50–150 examinations annually, which currently takes around 45 days due to complex coordination and external factors. The challenge seeks AI and deep-tech solutions capable of aggregating multi-agency exam calendars, detecting clashes, and optimizing schedules by considering factors like candidate attendance, centre readiness, and weather conditions. The program offers varied support, focusing on enabling innovation to streamline GSSSB's examination planning processes.

Before Applying

When considering these Software & IT funding programs, note specific eligibility requirements. For instance, the STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 welcomes Indian startups at idea, prototype, pre-revenue, or revenue stages, as well as individual innovators. In contrast, the Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program targets ventures beyond the ideation phase, specifically those with an MVP or paid pilot, up to growth-stage companies. iCreate's Pro-Fund Gateway focuses on those with a Proof-of-Concept or prototype. Forum Ventures' offerings are tailored for B2B technology, B2B SaaS, and AI startups, while the Social Alpha SpIN program is exclusively for SpaceTech. It is critical to observe the application timelines. The STPI IGNITE Open Challenge Programme 2026 has an impending deadline of 25 October 2026, requiring immediate attention. Most other programs, including those from iCreate, NASSCOM CoE, Soma, and Forum Ventures, operate on a rolling or unspecified deadline basis, allowing for continuous applications. The CoE Innovation Challenge for GSSSB also has rolling intake. Thoroughly review each program's detailed requirements before submission to ensure alignment.