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

Ten active funding programs are currently available for Software & IT startups in India. These opportunities encompass a mix of grants, incubation programs, and startup competitions. The funding landscape for Indian Software & IT ventures is supported by both government-backed initiatives and institutional programs. Competitions also offer capital and strategic partnerships to innovative technology solutions.

Active Software & IT Grants and Programs

Solana Foundation Funding Program (Solana Foundation)

The Solana Foundation Funding Program supports innovation within the Solana blockchain ecosystem. This program targets projects that develop public goods, contributing open-source solutions or free community offerings. The Solana Foundation, committed to an open-source ethos, aims to empower developers and teams building scalable crypto applications and infrastructure on the Solana network. Funding is offered through milestone-based grants and milestone-based convertible grants for commercial projects. These mechanisms aim to catalyze a range of innovations that benefit the broader Solana community. The Foundation also issues Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for specific development needs. Eligibility focuses on projects making significant open-source contributions.

NLnet Restack Open Internet Grant 2026 (NLnet Foundation)

The NLnet Restack Open Internet Grant 2026 is backed by the European Commission's Open Internet Stack initiative, with a deadline of 3 November 2026. This fund supports building a healthy open internet stack, awarding €7 million (up to ₹54,50,000 per project) in R&D grants by 2030. It focuses on technology building blocks across core internet infrastructure, alternatives to closed online technologies, secure and privacy-friendly devices, software supply chain security, reproducibility, and open standards. Proposals ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 are sought, with potential for significant scaling based on proven potential. Alongside funding, NLnet provides practical support in areas such as accessibility scans, security audits, reproducible packaging, copyright-compliance, governance support, and standardization help. All project results are required to be open source.

Solo Founders Program 2027 (Solo Founders)

The Solo Founders Program 2027 is an immersive three-month accelerator for solo founders building technology companies, with a deadline of 31 January 2027. Recognizing the unique path of solo entrepreneurship, this program fosters an intense building period among peers in San Francisco, allowing founders to move quickly and maintain ownership. It offers up to ₹95,00,000 in funding. Participants receive weekly one-on-one sessions with the program's founder. Dedicated office space in San Francisco is provided, creating an environment for focused innovation and collaboration. The program is designed to support solo entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities of independent venture building.

Open Humans Project Grants (Open Humans Foundation)

The Open Humans Project Grants program offers financial support up to ₹4,17,000 to individuals and teams enhancing the Open Humans ecosystem. This initiative aims to foster development that facilitates new data contributions, enables exploration of existing data, and grows the community. Projects can include developing new data source integrations like time tracking apps, sleep data, continuous glucose monitors, social media APIs, or Google Takeout data. Other project types supported involve creating data reports, visualizations, and tools for health history or psychological profiling. The program emphasizes enabling members to connect diverse personal data streams and gain insights, contributing to a comprehensive personal data environment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Unitary Foundation Microgrant (Unitary Foundation)

The Unitary Foundation Microgrant program supports the quantum technology ecosystem, offering up to ₹3,32,000. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ensures quantum advancements are accessible to a broad community. Initiatives include microgrants, research, and cultivating an open-source quantum tech community. Microgrants empower individuals and teams, referred to as 'explorers,' globally. Projects span open-source quantum software development, educational materials, workshops, and disseminating knowledge. The program promotes an inclusive and collaborative environment for quantum innovation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award (DPIIT)

The Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award, part of the National Startup Awards 6.0 by Startup India, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has a deadline of 30 November 2026. This initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young minds across India, from school to undergraduate levels, offering up to ₹6,00,000. The award recognizes and rewards student-led projects addressing real-world problems with scalability and impact potential. Participants develop ideas into prototypes, MVPs, working models, or proofs of concept. Projects must align with one of seven "Shakti Ki Sapta D" themes.

National Startup Awards 6.0 (DPIIT)

The National Startup Awards 6.0 (NSA 6.0), a flagship initiative by Startup India, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, offers up to ₹25,00,000, with a deadline of 30 November 2026. This program identifies and celebrates startups driving innovation, demonstrating scalability, and creating socio-economic impact across India. Winners are selected through a multi-stage evaluation process, culminating in a pitching event. Awardees gain recognition, visibility, and connections with investors and partners. The program aims to foster a robust startup ecosystem by supporting promising ventures.

MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 (MassChallenge)

The MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 connect pre-seed to Series A startups with industry organizations to address complex challenges, with a deadline of 9 November 2026. This program's 2026-2027 cycle seeks solutions aligned with challenge statements from corporate partners in sectors including FinTech, Insurance, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Security & Resiliency, Sustainable Food Systems, Climate, and Global Financial Systems. Funding amounts vary. Startups gain opportunities to deploy their technology, build enterprise relationships, and accelerate commercial application through direct collaboration with industry leaders. The program focuses on creating pathways for business development and fostering long-term partnerships.

Hello Tomorrow Challenge 2026 (Hello Tomorrow)

The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge 2026 is an annual, multi-stage competition for deep tech startups worldwide, with a deadline of 30 November 2026. This 12th edition invites founders leveraging new technologies, scientific discoveries, or complex engineering processes to solve industrial, societal, or environmental challenges. It offers up to ₹2,18,00,000 in equity prizes. Participants gain global recognition, networking opportunities, and connections with investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders. Startups navigate a selection process by an international jury of experts. The program supports deep tech innovation through exclusive events and year-round support.

Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (Cars24)

The Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026, organized by Cars24 in collaboration with Startup India and the Startup Policy Forum, has a deadline of 10 November 2026. This challenge identifies and empowers early-stage startups addressing critical Indian challenges across four tracks: Fintech & Lending, Mobility & Road Safety, Supply Chain, and Sovereign AI. It offers up to ₹1,00,00,000. Selected startups receive capital, mentorship, real-world deployment opportunities through pilots, investor visibility, and national recognition. The program supports innovators from ideation to practical implementation within a four-month period, culminating in a finale in New Delhi.

Before Applying

Applicants for the Startup India NSA 6.0 Student Innovator Award and National Startup Awards 6.0 must ensure their projects align with specific themes or problem statements, as these are initiatives by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The Solo Founders Program 2027 is designed specifically for solo entrepreneurs building technology companies. Several programs have impending deadlines in November 2026, including the NLnet Restack Open Internet Grant 2026 (3 November), MassChallenge Challenge Programs 2027 (9 November), and Cars24 Grand Startup Challenge 2026 (10 November). In contrast, the Solana Foundation Funding Program, Open Humans Project Grants, and Unitary Foundation Microgrant operate on a rolling basis, allowing for ongoing submissions.