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

India's Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics sector currently offers 9 active programs for startups in September 2026. These opportunities include direct grants, intensive incubation programs, and competitive challenges designed to foster innovation and product development. The funding landscape for Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics in India is supported by a mix of government initiatives, institutional incubation programs, and sector-specific competitions. These avenues aim to provide both capital and strategic resources for developing advanced technological solutions and bringing them to market.

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 provides funding of up to ₹30,00,000 and comprehensive assistance for developing a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a market-ready product. This program is offered by iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator. It serves as a channel to various schemes from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.

In addition to capital, iCreate offers business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and incubation support. Participants benefit from connections with investors, industry leaders, and the broader startup ecosystem. Hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus is also available.

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 Indian innovators focused on cyber-physical systems (CPS). Administered by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub under the NMICPS mission at IIT Madras Research Park, this program provides up to ₹4,20,000 in funding.

This initiative supports individual innovators in the stage before company incorporation. It provides the runway and infrastructure needed to convert a CPS idea into a working prototype or pilot. Successful EIRs are then channeled into Pravartak's incubation pipeline, which includes programs like PRAYAS and Seed Support System, for follow-on funding once their company is formed.

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

The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program, supported by MeitY and the Government of Haryana through Hartron, offers a subsidized zero-equity incubation program. It targets technology startups in emerging domains such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence, with funding amounts varying.

The program focuses on providing infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration opportunities rather than direct capital. Selected startups gain access to subsidized co-working spaces and advanced prototyping labs to support product development and technical validation. Shared complimentary GPU access is also provided, enabling AI-focused startups to train and test computational models.

Soma Fellows (Soma)

Soma Fellows is a program by Soma, an investment firm with a history of building and investing in startups. Soma provides substantial, uncapped funding for startups, with initial investments reaching up to ₹18.6 crore. This program operates on a rolling intake basis.

Soma leverages its global network and track record of seeding over 30 unicorn companies across technology sectors. The program offers not only capital but also strategic guidance derived from years of involvement in startup growth and investment.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is an intensive incubation and acceleration initiative from IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics) at IIT Delhi. As a Section 8 company under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS), IHFC aims to foster deep tech innovation with varying funding amounts.

The program supports a globally competitive startup ecosystem in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). IHFC's mandate is to advance India's capabilities in these pivotal technological domains.

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

The CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders is presented by the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI. This joint initiative with MeitY and the Governments of Karnataka, Haryana, and Gujarat, targets deep-tech startups to develop advanced solutions for industrial problems, with funding amounts that vary.

The current challenge, developed in collaboration with a major port terminal operator, focuses on improving safety and efficiency in bulk cargo handling. It seeks solutions for detecting foreign objects within deep vessel holds during coal unloading, where current operations lack adequate visibility.

iDEX Open Challenge (iDEX)

The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX, offering up to ₹1,50,00,000. The challenge closes on 30 September 2026.

This program fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within India's defence and aerospace sectors. It connects engineering talent with military needs, seeking to harness advanced technological capabilities for national security. iDEX targets next-generation engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas such as autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines.

Startup League 2026 (Startup Stairs)

Startup League 2026 is India's DeepTech startup funding program, powered by Startup Stairs. Backed by Startup Haryana, Startup India, and DPIIT, this national initiative offers up to ₹10,00,00,000. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026.

The program supports innovative Indian startups across DeepTech sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Drone Technology, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology. Its objective is to help early to growth stage companies secure investment, foster connections with investors, and accelerate their business trajectory by bringing together startups, VCs, incubators, and corporate partners.

Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge (FIPI)

The Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge, organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), provides up to ₹3,00,000. The challenge's deadline is 15 September 2026.

Building on the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Avinya'27 identifies and supports Indian startups with groundbreaking solutions across the energy value chain. It encourages entrepreneurs, research enthusiasts, and students to present technologies and ideas for renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon solutions, emphasizing innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability, and diversity.

Before Applying

Specific eligibility criteria for Deeptech, Electronics & Robotics startups vary across these programs. The IITM Pravartak EIR program, for example, is designed for pre-incorporation innovators with Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) ideas. The iDEX Open Challenge specifically targets innovations in defence and aerospace, while the NASSCOM CoE Innovation Challenge has a precise focus on AI-powered foreign object detection for port operations. The IHFC Incubation program is centered on CPS, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, IoT, and AI, and Startup League 2026 supports startups in AI, EV, Drone, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology.

Several programs feature rolling applications, including iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway, IITM Pravartak EIR, NASSCOM CoE IoT & AI Gurugram, Soma Fellows, IHFC Incubation, and the NASSCOM CoE Innovation Challenge. However, three programs have approaching deadlines in September 2026: Avinya'27 Energy Startup Challenge and Startup League 2026 both close on 15 September, and the iDEX Open Challenge concludes on 30 September. Applicants should prioritize these time-sensitive opportunities.