Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)

Up to ₹75L14d left (20 Jul)

Quick Answer

The FIST program by BITS BioCyTiH Foundation provides up to INR 75 Lakhs in combined grants and equity investment to faculty-led translational research aiming to commercialize TRL 7+ technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and environment.

Funding amount: Up to ₹75 Lakhs
Funding type: Grant
Provider: BITS BioCyTiH Foundation
Application deadline: — 20 Jul 2026
Location: Open to startups registered in India

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BITS BioCyTiH Foundation

Pilani · Rajasthan · India

Application Process

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My Application

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Documents to prepare

Keep these ready — you'll attach them on the application portal.

Attach images of Proof of concept / Prototype / Product
Upload labelled images or a short demo video showing the prototype at its current TRL stage.
Attach a deck
Upload a pitch deck (10–15 slides) covering problem, solution, TRL evidence, team, commercialization plan, and budget overview.
Attach Annexure 1
Download the Annexure 1 template from the programme website, complete it fully, and upload here.
Proof of regular employment with the institute/organization for PI
Upload appointment letter, employment certificate, or salary slip confirming you are a regular faculty/employee.
Existing partnership details e.g. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Upload signed MOU or LOI from industry/government partners confirming collaboration for this project.
Validation evidence
Upload test reports, third-party evaluations, or pilot study data validating the technology's performance.
Product certifications
Upload any product certifications (BIS, ISO, CE, etc.) obtained for the technology or its components.
Licensing deal
Upload any executed licensing agreement demonstrating commercial interest in the technology.
Declaration
Upload a signed declaration by the PI confirming accuracy of information and compliance with programme terms.

Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary objective of the FIST program?

A: The FIST program aims to expedite the transformation of advanced academic research into viable commercial products and technologies, particularly those related to Bio-Cyber Physical Systems, to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environment.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the FIST program?

A: Applicants must hold a regular position within a UGC-recognized academic institute or a government research establishment. The Principal Investigator must have necessary lab access, and the technology should be at TRL 7 or higher with demonstrable market feasibility.

Q: What kind of financial support does the FIST program offer?

A: The program offers financial support of up to INR 75 Lakhs, which is structured as a combination of grants for R&D and investments to foster long-term startup growth and market traction, alongside incubation services.

Q: Is there an equity component involved in the funding?

A: Yes, in the event of a startup emerging from the project, BITS BioCyTiH Foundation (BBF) should be offered equity. Startups are also encouraged to avail of BBF's incubation services.

Q: What Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is required for applications?

A: The technology or product should be at a mature stage, specifically TRL more than 7, poised for commercialization, with demonstrable technology and feasibility to meet market requirements.

Q: What happens to Intellectual Property (IP) developed during the program?

A: Ownership of new intellectual property developed through the project will be shared with BITS BioCyTiH Foundation (BBF). BBF will also facilitate technology transfer, which will involve a mutually agreed fee or royalty.

Q: What are the key outcomes expected from the FIST program?

A: Key outcomes include a deployable technical solution with promising impact, shared IP ownership with BBF, facilitated technology transfer, and the potential emergence of a startup where BBF would receive equity and offer incubation.

Q: What is the application deadline for the FIST program?

A: The application deadline is July 20th, 2026. Submissions must be made via the provided Google Form link.

Q: Are collaborative projects preferred?

A: Yes, collaborative projects are strongly encouraged, especially those between universities, research establishments, and industry/startups. Preference will be given to collaborations involving industry partners.

About this grant

BITS BioCyTiH Foundation (BBF), a Section 8 company established by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and funded under the NM-ICPS program of DST, Government of India, introduces the Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) Program.

As a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) focused on "Bio-Cyber Physical Systems (Bio-CPS)", BBF aims to foster research, innovation, skill development, and training through mentoring and nurturing startups and entrepreneurs, and industry & academia collaborations to undertake cutting edge research and provide affordable solutions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, water, and environment. Bio-Cyber Physical Systems (Bio-CPS) is an interdisciplinary field that synergistically combines principles from biology, electronics, computer science, and related disciplines to offer transformative solutions, employing cutting-edge technologies like IoT, ML, AI, AR, and Smart Sensors. The FIST program is a crucial component of BBF's Technology Development vertical, specifically designed to accelerate the transformation of advanced academic research into viable commercial products and technologies. It addresses significant technical and financial challenges primarily within the healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sectors, including water. The program targets translational research revolving around advanced technology and market-ready products, with a strong emphasis on projects that are either inherently Bio-CPS or incorporate a Bio-CPS component for value enhancement. It seeks to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and market deployment by supporting faculty members and scientists in developing mature technologies (TRL 7 and above) into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and eventually into successful spin-off startups. The foundation encourages collaborative projects involving universities, industries, and research establishments, with a preference for industry partnerships to ensure market relevance and successful commercialization. This initiative offers crucial support for product refinement opportunities for faculties/scientists.

Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)

Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)

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