Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026

There are currently 10 active grants, incubation programs, and competitions open for deeptech, electronics, and robotics startups in India. These include government-backed incubators, corporate innovation challenges, and international pitching competitions.

The funding landscape for deep tech in India has been shaped by initiatives under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS), MeitY, and state-level programs. Startups can access seed funding up to ₹2.97 crore, prototyping support, and mentorship from institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IKP Knowledge Park.

Active Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Grants and Programs

iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)

The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support is an incubation and grant program run by iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator in Gujarat. It provides up to ₹30 lakh for proof-of-concept and prototype development. Startups receive technical mentorship, access to a digital innovation lab, incubation space, and hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus. The program is rolling, so applications are accepted year-round. It is suitable for early-stage deeptech, electronics, and robotics startups looking to move from concept to product.

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 (IKP Knowledge Park)

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 is a 12-month venture-building program for deep science startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–3. Hosted by IKP Knowledge Park, it offers up to ₹30 lakh in grant funding along with hands-on mentoring from IKP's in-house experts. The program aims to bridge the gap between lab research and market entry. Applications close on 31 July 2026. This program is ideal for founders working on breakthrough innovations in electronics, robotics, and other deep tech fields.

Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak (IITM Pravartak)

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is a pre-incorporation grant for innovators working on cyber-physical systems (CPS). It provides up to ₹4.2 lakh to develop a prototype or pilot. Selected EIRs get infrastructure at IIT Madras Research Park and are later channeled into Pravartak's incubation pipeline (PRAYAS, Seed Support System). The program is rolling and targets single innovators before company formation. It is particularly relevant for deeptech and robotics startups building CPS solutions.

ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine (Invention Engine)

The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is a six-month accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. It offers up to ₹90 lakh in funding (equivalent to $100k) plus deep engagement with AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and global operators. The program focuses on product iteration, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising preparation. Applications are rolling. This accelerator is suited for startups with a clear AI component.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is an incubation initiative under the NMICPS mission, hosted at IIT Delhi. It supports startups in cyber-physical systems, robotics, autonomous systems, IoT, and AI. The program offers funding (varies), access to labs, mentoring, and industry connections. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. It is a good fit for deep tech startups in electronics and robotics.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)

SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech startup pitching competition, organized by Enterprise Singapore. The grand winner receives ₹2.88 crore, with total prizes over ₹15.84 crore. The deadline for the competition is 27 July 2026 (registration originally closed 30 June 2026; check for late-entry options). Domains include Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technologies, Environment & Energy, and Health & Biomedical. Indian deeptech startups can apply.

Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE)

The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is a competition for AI and deep tech startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. It provides up to ₹50 lakh in seed funding, GPU infrastructure, and mentoring. The program runs 18 months at STPI Nagpur. Applications close 15 July 2026. This is a MeitY-backed program.

Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge (Zepto)

The Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge is a competition for AI and automation solutions to improve food safety in quick commerce. Prizes up to ₹3 lakh. The deadline is 7 July 2026 (today). It is a collaboration between Zepto, DPIIT, and FSSAI. Suitable for deeptech and robotics startups focusing on supply chain and safety.

AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 (AWE Funds)

The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 is an impact investment competition by AWE Funds, supported by the Evergreen Philanthropic Fund, Bayer Foundation, and AWE Foundation. It targets technology startups addressing underserved and climate-vulnerable communities. Prizes up to ₹2.49 crore. Deadline: 31 July 2026. Open to deeptech startups with social impact.

STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 (STPI CoE-EA)

The STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 is a competition for Industry 4.0 and emerging tech solutions to enhance efficiency. It offers up to ₹25 lakh for proof-of-concept development. Applications close 17 July 2026. The program is hosted by STPI in Bengaluru, in partnership with Schneider Electric and Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The Genesis by IKP cohort is limited to deep science startups at TRL 2–3. The EIR program at IITM Pravartak requires innovators to be pre-incorporation and working on cyber-physical systems. The Zepto Nova challenge focuses on food safety, while the AWE Tech Innovation Challenge targets impact-oriented solutions for climate-vulnerable communities. Programs like iCreate Pro-Fund and IHFC are broader but may require DPIIT recognition or MSME registration.

Urgency: Zepto Nova closes today (7 July 2026). SLINGSHOT 2026 has a 27 July deadline (though registration originally closed in June). NERVE OCP closes 15 July, STPI-Schneider OCP closes 17 July, and Genesis by IKP and AWE close 31 July. Most other programs have rolling applications, but cohort-based programs like Genesis and NERVE have fixed intake. Note that the ACE accelerator and IHFC program are rolling, so you can apply anytime.