DEEP LEAP Incubation Program
By IIMK LIVE
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Quick Answer
IIMK LIVE's flagship deep-tech incubation program, powered by Walmart, accelerating startups with world-class mentorship, industry connections, investor access, and grant funding up to ₹30 lakhs.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIMK LIVE
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- Private Limited company registration
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 30 September 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IIMK LIVE. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The DEEP LEAP program, powered by Walmart and hosted by IIMK LIVE, is a premier deep-tech incubation initiative designed to accelerate the growth of next-generation technology-driven startups in India. IIMK LIVE, the Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Business Incubator at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and is dedicated to fostering innovation and new business ventures.
DEEP LEAP offers a comprehensive incubation experience, bringing together world-class mentorship, strategic industry connections, investor access, and crucial funding opportunities. This program focuses on capacity-building and business growth support to empower ambitious innovators to transform their breakthrough deep-tech ideas into scalable, market-ready ventures.
Through DEEP LEAP, IIMK LIVE aims to create a National Centre of Excellence that promotes high-impact technology entrepreneurship and strengthens India's deep-tech innovation ecosystem. The program aligns with LIVE's broader vision of supporting entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including pre-incubation, competitive events for idea generation, and accelerator programs, all geared towards helping entrepreneurs succeed.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
IIMK LIVE is the business incubator and entrepreneurship development centre of IIM Kozhikode, set up in June 2016 with support from India's Department of Science and Technology. It works out of two campuses in Kerala: the IIM Kozhikode campus itself, and a second office at…
Learn moreWalmart is an omnichannel retailer. It operates stores and eCommerce websites in 19 countries and says that about 280 million customers and members visit it each week. Its Walmart International business runs in 18 countries. Walmart is not an incubator, accelerator or fund in…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected startups in the DEEP LEAP program will receive funding support of up to ₹30 lakhs to accelerate their growth. Beyond financial assistance, the program offers a robust support system including:
- Extensive Mentorship: Over 15 hours of one-on-one guidance from industry veterans, academic experts, and seasoned investors.
- Structured Training: More than 30 hours of focused training sessions covering essential business aspects like model development, product-market fit, customer discovery, fundraising strategy, financial planning, pitch deck preparation, and legal compliance.
- Industry Collaborations & Networking: Opportunities for strategic partnerships within relevant industries and access to a vibrant ecosystem of investors and corporate partners.
- Investor Access & Demo Day: Direct connections with 15-20 investors, culminating in a Demo Day event to showcase solutions and attract further investment.
- Incubation Support: Comprehensive support for product validation, business strategy, go-to-market guidance, and investor readiness, all within a year-long incubation framework.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 12 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the DEEP LEAP program are rigorously evaluated by a dedicated selection committee. The assessment focuses on several key criteria including the innovation and uniqueness of the deep-tech solution, its market potential, and scalability. Furthermore, the strength and commitment of the founding team, the problem-solution fit, and the startup's readiness for an acceleration phase are thoroughly reviewed. Shortlisted startups will be invited to participate in a final selection round, which may involve interviews or presentations to the expert panel.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Complete and submit the online application form with details about your deep-tech solution and team.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LIVE?
LIVE is an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Business Incubator at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. This is established by IIM Kozhikode and is supported by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
How does LIVE support entrepreneurship?
LIVE is envisioned as a Business Incubator with a purpose of creating a National Centre of Excellence that promotes innovation, new business venturing and entrepreneurship. Apart from Incubation Program for Start-ups, it seeks to carry out activities that promote entrepreneurship on IIMK campus and among greater community, conduct training and research in the domain of entrepreneurship, foster idea generation through competitive events, extend pre-incubation support to shape ideas, conduct accelerator/cohort-based programs and other assistance to entrepreneurs that can help their ideas turn into successful enterprises.
What is the Deep Leap Program?
Deep Leap is an intensive startup incubation program designed to support promising deep-tech startups in transforming innovative ideas into scalable ventures. The program focuses on startups in the Prototype or MVP stage and provides structured training, expert mentorship, and investor access.
Who is eligible to apply for Deep Leap?
The program is open to deep-tech startups working on innovative solutions across sectors such as AI, robotics, healthcare, climate tech, mobility, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and other emerging technologies. Eligible startups should: - Be in the Prototype or MVP stage - Have a working product, prototype, or proof of concept - Have a committed founding team - Be focused on building scalable technology-driven solutions
What stages of startups does the program support?
Deep Leap is specifically designed for startups in the: - Prototype stage - Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage
What does the program offer?
Selected startups will receive: - Structured training sessions - One-on-one mentorship from industry experts - Business strategy and go-to-market guidance - Product validation support - Investor readiness training - Networking opportunities - Demo Day with investors and ecosystem partners
What kind of training is included?
The training modules typically cover: - Business model development - Product-market fit - Customer discovery - Fundraising strategy - Financial planning - Pitch deck preparation - Market entry strategy - Legal and compliance basics
How does mentorship work?
Each startup will have access to mentors from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem. Mentors provide personalized guidance on technology, business growth, strategy, and fundraising.
Is the program online or offline?
The program format may include online, offline, or hybrid sessions depending on the schedule and program design. Detailed information will be shared with selected startups.
Is there any fee to participate?
No. There is no fee to participate in the program.
How are startups selected?
Applications are evaluated based on: - Innovation and uniqueness of technology - Market potential - Scalability - Team strength - Problem-solution fit - Readiness for acceleration Shortlisted startups will be called for a selection round.
What is Demo Day?
Demo Day is the final showcase event where selected startups present their solutions to investors, industry leaders, corporate partners, and ecosystem enablers.
Will startups get funding through the program?
Yes, a few selected startups receive funding support of up to ₹30 lakhs.
What are the expected outcomes of the program?
By the end of the program, startups are expected to: - Refine their product and business model - Strengthen market readiness - Improve investor preparedness - Build strategic connections - Accelerate growth
What is the duration of the program?
The duration of the program is one year.
How can I apply?
You can apply through the IIMK LIVE website. Visit the DeepTech Leap page, click on the "Apply Now" button, complete the application form, and submit it online.
Who should I contact for queries?
For any questions regarding the program, applicants may contact the program team through the official communication channels.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- Walmart Global Tech, IIM Kozhikode LIVE launch DeepTech incubation programme for Indian startupseducation.economictimes.indiatimes.com · last month
Source: Google News aggregated
