Software & IT Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — November 2026
Software & IT startups in India have access to a range of funding opportunities this November, including grants, incubation programs, and competitions. These initiatives offer financial support and resources to foster innovation and growth across various technological domains.
Indian Software & IT startups currently have access to ten active funding opportunities, encompassing direct grants, incubation programs, and innovation competitions. These programs support ventures across various stages, from early-stage concept development to scaling mature solutions.
The funding landscape for Software & IT in India is characterized by a blend of institutional support from academic centers, direct grants from foundations, and government-backed challenges. This ecosystem aims to stimulate technological advancements, address public service needs, and foster entrepreneurship in specialized tech domains.
Active Software & IT Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balmer Lawrie Startup Fund 2026 | Equity | 15 Nov 2026 | ₹1 Cr |
| IIT Indore LAUNCHPAD Incubation Cohort 2.0 | Equity | 10 Nov 2026 | Varies |
| NLnet CodeSupply Grant 2027 | Grant | 3 Jan 2027 | ₹5.5 L – ₹54.5 L |
| Ethereum Foundation ESP Grants | Grant | Rolling | Varies |
| Future of Health Grant 2027 | Grant | 15 Jan 2027 | ₹11.5 L – ₹57.5 L |
| Colosseum Eternal Award 2027 | Competition | 20 Mar 2027 | ₹23.8 L |
| TISC Telangana Innovation Startup Challenge 2026 | Competition | 20 Nov 2026 | Varies |
| Maruti Suzuki Nurture Cohort 5 | Competition | Rolling | ₹13 L |
| AI For Livelihoods Hackathon 2026 | Grant | 19 Nov 2026 | ₹5 L |
| NEAR HACKATHON 2026 | Competition | 15 Nov 2026 | ₹52.3 L |
Balmer Lawrie Startup Fund 2026 (IIML EIC)
The Balmer Lawrie Startup Fund 2026, launched by the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC) in partnership with Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., aims to support India's startup ecosystem. This initiative is part of Balmer Lawrie's Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) program, aligning with government efforts to encourage innovation through Public Sector Enterprises.
This partnership connects a Public Sector Enterprise with an incubation center to identify and support startups across India. The fund invests in ventures demonstrating industry impact potential and contributing to the economy. Startups can receive up to ₹1,00,00,000 in funding. Applications close on 15 November 2026.
IIT Indore LAUNCHPAD Incubation Cohort 2.0 (IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation)
The IIT Indore LAUNCHPAD Incubation Cohort 2.0 is a joint effort by IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION, IIT Indore, and MPSeDC (Government of Madhya Pradesh). It seeks applications for its second Incubation Program cohort, focusing on technology-driven startups.
The program offers an ecosystem designed to support startups from prototype development and technology validation to commercialisation. Participants gain access to IIT Indore's research environment, infrastructure, and a network of industry experts and investors. Funding amounts vary, and applications close on 10 November 2026.
NLnet CodeSupply Grant 2027 (NLnet Foundation)
NLnet CodeSupply Grant 2027 is a pilot program from the Dutch not-for-profit NLnet Foundation, part of the European Open Internet Stack initiative. It provides funding for open-source work on software metadata and supply chain security.
Grants range from €5,000 to €50,000 (about ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh). The second call opened on 3 November 2026 and closes on 3 January 2027. This program prioritizes a strong European dimension; teams from India must present a special case to be considered.
Ethereum Foundation ESP Grants (Ethereum Foundation)
The Ethereum Foundation ESP Grants are offered through the Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) of the Ethereum Foundation. This program provides funding and support to projects that enhance Ethereum and assist developers.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline. Grants are non-dilutive, meaning applicants retain full ownership. There are no country restrictions, allowing Indian developers and teams to apply, provided they can receive payments in ETH. Grant sizes depend on the proposal's scope and complexity.
Future of Health Grant 2027 (EPFL Innovation Park)
The Future of Health Grant 2027 is a funding program for digital health startups, established by EPFL Innovation Park and Swiss health insurer CSS. It offers equity-free grants, coaching, mentoring, and specialist support.
Grants range from CHF 10,000 to CHF 50,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh to ₹57.5 lakh). While primarily for Switzerland-based startups, incorporated startups from India may apply if their solution fits the Swiss healthcare system and they have a concrete plan for growth in Switzerland. Applications are due by 15 January 2027.
Colosseum Eternal Award 2027 (Colosseum)
The Colosseum Eternal Award 2027 is a US$25,000 prize (about ₹23.75 lakh) given by Colosseum, a San Francisco crypto venture firm, to the best crypto startup developed during its four-week
