Textiles & Leather Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

Five programs comprising grants, incubation initiatives, and accelerator opportunities are currently open for Textiles & Leather startups in India. These programs offer varied support for ventures at different stages of development. The funding landscape for Textiles & Leather startups in India integrates governmental schemes, institutional acceleration programs, and targeted competitions. These initiatives aim to foster innovation and growth across the sector, often by encouraging technology integration and sustainable practices.

Active Textiles & Leather Grants and Programs

IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator 2026 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator Programme 2026, a joint initiative by the West Bengal Government and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), is designed to support innovative MSMEs and startups in West Bengal. This program helps ventures overcome challenges in securing funding by developing robust business models and facilitating connections with investors. Textiles & Leather startups based in West Bengal with innovative business models are eligible to apply.

The accelerator focuses on nurturing investable businesses, opening doors to funding opportunities, and enabling sustainable expansion. It contributes to economic prosperity within West Bengal by fostering innovation and stimulating job creation. Applications for this program close on November 10, 2026, requiring timely submission from interested ventures.## MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad 2027 (T-Hub)The MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad 2027, also known as the Student Launchpad Program, is a flagship initiative by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub. It is part of the broader Sustainability Garage – a Mercedes-Benz Initiative focused on sustainable technologies.

This program targets student innovators, empowering them to address climate and mobility challenges. Textiles & Leather startups founded by students that are developing sustainable materials, eco-friendly production methods, or circular economy solutions within the sector can align with the program's climate tech focus. Participants undergo a 12-week acceleration framework to transform ideas into tangible climate tech prototypes, receiving expert mentorship, prototyping workshops, and access to maker labs. The program offers grant funding up to ₹50,000, and applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026.## TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) (TIH IIT Bombay)The TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) from the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH-IoT) at IIT Bombay supports the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, particularly those leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT). This initiative bridges the gap between academia and industry by funding the advancement of IoT-related applications.

Faculty and researchers from academic and research institutions across India are invited to submit proposals. Textiles & Leather ventures developing smart textiles, IoT-enabled supply chain tracking for raw materials or finished goods, or IoT solutions for optimizing manufacturing processes within the sector could be eligible. The program aims to support promising product prototypes or applications, offering grant funding up to ₹50,00,000. The deadline for this call is October 31, 2026.## GrowX Accelerator Program (Nasscom AI Centre of Excellence, Gandhinagar)The GrowX Accelerator Program, spearheaded by the AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, nurtures promising AI and Deep-tech startups in India. Supported by MeitY, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), NASSCOM Center of Excellence for IoT & AI, Microsoft, and Google, this program provides extensive support.

Textiles & Leather startups utilizing AI for design innovation, predictive analytics in production, supply chain optimization, quality control, or personalized customer experiences can find relevance here. The accelerator assists startups in overcoming common challenges and offers variable grant or seed investment. This program operates on a rolling intake basis, with no specified application deadline.## Studio by IIMA Ventures Program (IIMA Ventures)The Studio by IIMA Ventures Program is designed to collaboratively develop ventures with aspiring entrepreneurs, working professionals, early-stage founders, domain experts, and repeat founders. It leverages IIMA Ventures' expertise, resources, and networks to enhance venture success and mitigate risks. The Studio focuses on Deep Tech, Digital Inclusion, and Sustainability solutions.

Textiles & Leather startups innovating with deep tech materials, implementing sustainable production practices, or creating digital platforms for inclusive market access could align with the program's focus areas. Entrepreneurs receive hands-on support from idea validation through team building and investor pitches, benefiting from Thesis Sprints and Entrepreneurial Workshops. This program also accepts applications on a rolling basis, with no specific deadline.## Before ApplyingProspective applicants for Textiles & Leather sector funding should carefully review eligibility requirements. The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator is specifically for innovative MSMEs and startups located in West Bengal. Student innovators focusing on climate tech, including sustainable textiles or leather, should consider the MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad. Startups leveraging IoT for smart textiles or supply chain improvements can apply to the TDP Call for Proposal from TIH IIT Bombay, which targets academic and research institutions across India.Applicants should note the varying application processes and deadlines. The TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) closes today, October 31, 2026. The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator has a deadline of November 10, 2026, and the MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad closes on November 15, 2026. In contrast, both the GrowX Accelerator Program and the Studio by IIMA Ventures Program accept applications on a rolling basis, providing flexibility for founders at different stages of their venture development.