Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF
By IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF)
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Quick Answer
A 12-month fellowship program for early-stage social entrepreneurs, offering a ₹2.5 lakh prototyping grant and monthly stipend, with mentorship and access to IIT Palakkad facilities.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2.5L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 October 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF). 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 Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation is a unique, intensive 12-month fellowship program designed to empower early-stage founders and innovators creating transformative, technology-enabled solutions for Tier 3/4 cities, rural areas, and underserved communities. This initiative is a partnership between IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) and Buimerc India Foundation.
Fellows receive a dual benefit package: a monthly fellowship stipend to support their commitment and a prototyping grant of ₹2.5 Lakhs. The program provides hands-on support, expert mentorship, access to cutting-edge prototyping facilities, and crucial connections with investors and partners to accelerate the venture's journey from concept to sustainable social impact.
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
IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation, known as IPTIF, is a not-for-profit company set up by IIT Palakkad in 2020. It is one of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs the Department of Science and Technology created under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2.5L
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Fellows receive a monthly stipend (amount not disclosed) and a one-time prototyping grant of ₹2.5 Lakhs. The program is structured as a grant, with no mention of equity requirements.
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 the duration of the EiR program?
The program is a 12-month intensive fellowship.
What is the funding structure?
It includes a monthly fellowship stipend (amount not specified) and a prototyping grant of ₹2.5 Lakhs.
What are the focus areas for the proposed solution?
Health, Education, Environment/Climate, Agriculture/Rural livelihoods, Assistive/Gender-Inclusive Technologies, and other areas addressing underserved communities.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals aged 21+ who are researchers, professionals, or social innovators with a startup less than 1 year old (any legal form, including NGO), at idea or proof-of-concept stage, founder-led, committed to 12-month residency, and not receiving other funding for the same project.
Is this program open to startups that have already raised funds?
No. The scheme requires that the startup has not received any other funding for the same project and is at early stage without significant revenues or institutional funding.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
