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

Ten active programs are currently open for Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics startups in India, encompassing a mix of grants, incubation support, and innovation competitions.The funding landscape for Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics in India includes government-backed schemes, institutional incubation programs, and corporate innovation challenges. These initiatives are structured to support technological advancement and product development from concept validation to market entry.

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Active Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics Grants and Programs

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

Invention Engine runs the ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups developing globally relevant products. This accelerator provides up to ₹90 lakh in funding and operates with a founder-first approach. The program offers hands-on support over six months from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators. Support areas include product development, go-to-market strategies, hiring, and fundraising. It aims to help founders refine their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), iterate products through user feedback, launch focused GTM plans, and prepare for institutional fundraising.

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

iCreate offers Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support, providing funding and assistance to develop a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a market-ready product. As a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, iCreate facilitates access to various schemes from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat, with support up to ₹30 lakh. Holistic support includes business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, incubation support, and connections with investors, industry, and the startup ecosystem. Hostel accommodation is also available on the iCreate campus.

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

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras's Technology Innovation Hub, runs the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program. This pre-incorporation grant, offering up to ₹4.2 lakh, is for Indian innovators developing cyber-physical systems (CPS) ideas. The program supports individuals at the stage before company incorporation. It provides runway and infrastructure to convert an idea into a working prototype or pilot. Following this, participants are channeled into Pravartak's incubation pipeline for follow-on funding once their company is formed.

Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program (IC IIT Patna)

The Incubation Centre at IIT Patna (IC IITP) offers the Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program, designed to guide innovative ideas from concept to market-ready startup. Selected startups gain access to technical infrastructure, including prototyping labs, bioscience labs, and semiconductor fabrication facilities, positioning it as an incubator in Bihar with deep-tech lab access. The program targets technology-driven startups in sectors such as ESDM, AI/ML, IoT, AgriTech, sustainability, EV, clean tech, and defence. Startups with scalable ideas in related technology domains are also encouraged to apply.

NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM CoE Gurugram)

The NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) – IoT & AI, Gurugram, supported by MeitY and Hartron, offers a subsidized zero-equity incubation program. This initiative accelerates technology startups working in IoT and Artificial Intelligence. This incubation program provides infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration opportunities. It includes access to a subsidized co-working environment, advanced prototyping labs for product development and technical validation, and shared complimentary GPU access for AI-focused startups.

BOSCH - BMU Innovation Challenge (ACIC-BMU Foundation)

The ACIC-BMU Foundation, in collaboration with Bosch India, hosts the BOSCH – BMU Innovation Challenge. This corporate innovation competition seeks innovators and researchers developing digital advancements for sustainable mobility. Focus areas include connectivity, synthetic fuels, clean technologies, electrification, and innovative brake systems. The program also supports inclusive mobility solutions for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women, among other innovations.

CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders (NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI)

The NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI, in a joint initiative with MeitY and State Governments, presents an Innovation Challenge. This program targets deep-tech startups to develop advanced solutions for industrial problems. The current challenge, in collaboration with a major port terminal operator, focuses on AI-powered foreign object detection within deep vessel holds during coal unloading. The objective is to mitigate equipment damage and operational delays caused by hidden debris in bulk cargo handling.

iDEX Open Challenge (iDEX)

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) run the iDEX Open Challenge. This initiative supports innovation and entrepreneurship in India's defence and aerospace sectors, offering up to ₹1.5 crore. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026. The program targets engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. Its goal is to contribute to national security by harnessing advanced technological capabilities.

Young Inventors Prize 2027 (European Patent Office)

The European Patent Office (EPO) organizes the Young Inventors Prize 2027, an international competition recognizing the ingenuity of young innovators globally. This initiative targets individuals and teams developing technology-driven solutions for global sustainability challenges, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, with prizes up to ₹19 lakh. The deadline is September 30, 2026. The prize provides international recognition and opportunities for laureates to showcase their inventions globally.

BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 (The Estée Lauder Companies)

The Estée Lauder Companies, in collaboration with Nykaa and supported by Startup India, DPIIT, launched BEAUTY&YOU India 2026. This program discovers and supports founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future of beauty for Indian consumers, with funding up to ₹4 crore. The deadline for applications is August 25, 2026. The program welcomes applications across various development stages, from pre-launch concepts to established brands and breakthrough technologies. It covers a broad spectrum of beauty categories, including skincare, hair care, fragrance, makeup, wellness, and beauty-adjacent areas.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program at IITM Pravartak is a pre-incorporation grant for individuals with a Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) idea. iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway focuses on startups at the proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype stage. The iDEX Open Challenge specifically targets solutions for the defence and aerospace sectors, while BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 focuses on the beauty industry, including relevant technologies.

Regarding application timelines, BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 closes today, August 25, 2026. Both the iDEX Open Challenge and the Young Inventors Prize 2027 have deadlines on September 30, 2026. Most other programs, including the ACE accelerator, iCreate Pro-Fund, IITM Pravartak EIR, Vision 2 Venture, NASSCOM CoE Gurugram incubation, BOSCH-BMU, and NASSCOM CoE Innovation Challenge, accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing for ongoing submissions.