GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play)
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Quick Answer
GIFT IFIH's flagship equity-free incubation program for early-stage fintech startups, offering up to ₹1.5 lakh stipend, mentorship, and deep immersion within India's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1.5L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Plug and Play Tech Center
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 5 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Plug and Play Tech Center. 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 Residential Program, GIFT IFIH’s flagship incubation initiative, is meticulously designed for early-stage fintech founders poised to revolutionize financial services. This intensive program targets innovators in critical areas such as financial infrastructure, AI-driven finance, RegTech, cross-border finance, and lending innovation, all operating from or aspiring to build within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City. It provides a unique opportunity to develop solutions that address global financial challenges.
This high-intensity, equity-free program spans 12 weeks of onsite residency followed by 3 months of virtual support. Located at GIFT City, it's structured to guide idea-to-MVP startups through a comprehensive journey of structured mentorship, robust product development assistance, unparalleled regulatory exposure within the IFSC ecosystem, and strategic guidance from a network of industry leaders, seasoned investors, and domain experts. The program aims to foster the next generation of fintech innovators, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The program's focus on thematic areas like Cross-border Finance, GovTech & RegTech, Web3 & Blockchain Infrastructure, and Security, Risk & Compliance underscores its commitment to nurturing solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory effectiveness across the financial sector.
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
Plug and Play, sometimes listed as Plug and Play Tech Center, is a family-owned open-innovation platform founded in 2006 and headquartered at 440 N Wolfe Road in Silicon Valley, California. It connects startups with large corporate and government partners, runs accelerator and…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹1.5L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected startups can receive support of up to ₹1,50,000 per team, disbursed upon successful completion of predefined milestones throughout the program. Beyond direct financial aid, participants benefit from an intensive 12-week onsite residential sprint at GIFT City, designed to hyper-accelerate product development and ecosystem immersion. This includes access to a vibrant founder community, complimentary co-working space, regulatory immersion within the GIFT IFSC, and extensive investor and ecosystem exposure. Founders also gain from specialized fintech mentorship and lifelong access to Plug and Play's global network for continued growth and opportunities.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 6 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Residential Program Batch 2 involves a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. Following the application submission, an initial screening panel comprising internal experts from GIFT IFIH will review all applications to assess eligibility, innovation potential, and strategic fit within the GIFT IFSC ecosystem. Startups demonstrating strong alignment with the program's thematic areas and a clear vision will be shortlisted. These shortlisted candidates may then proceed to an interview stage, where they will present their solutions to a diverse selection committee. This committee typically includes representatives from GIFT IFIH, seasoned fintech investors, industry veterans, and regulatory experts. The final selection will be based on factors such as team strength, technological innovation, market potential, and the feasibility of building within the IFSC framework.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application form and supporting documents between June 10 and July 5, 2026.
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 the Residential Program at GIFT IFIH?
The Residential Program is GIFT IFIH’s flagship incubation program designed for early-stage fintech startups building within the GIFT IFSC ecosystem. The program supports idea-to-MVP startups through mentorship, structured execution support, ecosystem access, and regulatory exposure.
Is the program an accelerator?
No. This is an an incubation program focused on helping founders build, validate, and strengthen their product and business foundations at the earliest stages.
Is the program equity-free?
Yes. The program is completely equity-free.
What is the duration of the program?
The program runs over 6 months: 3 months onsite at GIFT IFIH and 3 months of virtual support and ecosystem engagement.
Is the program residential?
Yes. The first phase of the program is fully onsite and residential at GIFT IFIH in GIFT City. Relocation to GIFT City is required for the initial 3 months.
What kind of startups are you looking for?
We are looking for early-stage fintech startups with ideas to MVP, focusing on areas like cross-border finance, GovTech & RegTech, Web3 & Blockchain Infrastructure, and Security, Risk & Compliance within the GIFT IFSC ecosystem.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
