Health, Pharma & Biotech Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026

As of July 2026, ten active grants, incubation programs, and competitions are open to Health, Pharma & Biotech startups in India. These include deep science venture building programs, sector-agnostic incubators with health tracks, and targeted competitions for healthcare and biomedical innovations.

The funding landscape for Health, Pharma & Biotech in India combines government schemes (DBT-BIRAC, MeitY-backed incubators), institutional programs (IKP, T-Hub, Villgro, IIMA Ventures), and corporate or international competitions (SLINGSHOT, EthAum, Marico Innovation Foundation, GINSERV). Amounts range from ₹5 lakh to ₹16.6 crore, with multiple programs offering mentorship and market access.

Active Health, Pharma & Biotech Grants and Programs

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 (IKP Knowledge Park)

The Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 is a 12-month venture building program for deep science startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–3. Run by IKP Knowledge Park, it targets founders translating lab research into commercial ventures. The program provides up to ₹30,00,000 in funding along with hands-on mentoring from IKP’s in-house experts. Startups in Health, Pharma & Biotech with a strong scientific foundation and proof-of-concept may apply. Applications close 31 July 2026.

North East Growth Lab 2026 (IIMA Ventures)

The North East Growth Lab 2026 by IIMA Ventures and SAP is open to early-stage startups based in the eight North Eastern states (Sikkim, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur). It offers up to ₹5,00,000 in grant funding along with technical assistance and business support. Health, Pharma & Biotech startups addressing regional challenges are eligible. Deadline: 15 July 2026.

AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program Cohort 6 (T-Hub)

The AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program Cohort 6 is a flagship initiative by Atal Innovation Mission and T-Hub. It focuses on DeepTech startups in healthcare and life sciences that have a validated MVP. Technologies of interest include AI, AR/VR, IoT, and Blockchain. Participants gain access to mentors, investors, and industry experts. The program provides grant funding and incubation support. Applications close 10 August 2026.

MAP-Health (Villgro)

The MAP-Health program by Villgro aims to accelerate market entry for social enterprises in Indian healthcare. Villgro is India’s oldest social enterprise incubator. MAP-Health offers strategic guidance, investor connections, and market access. It accepts applications on a rolling basis. Health startups with a social impact focus are invited to apply.

EthAum Zero BS Healthcare Revenue Scaler Program (EthAum Venture Partners)

The EthAum Zero BS Healthcare Revenue Scaler Program is a 16-week hybrid accelerator for post-prototype healthcare and medical AI startups. It provides enterprise customer access, hospital pilot opportunities, and investor introductions across Singapore, India, Japan, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and UK. Funding of up to ₹16,60,00,000 is available. Rolling applications.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)

The SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia’s leading deep tech pitching competition, part of SWITCH 2026. It features a Health & Biomedical category. Prizes range from ₹57.6 lakh for top 10 global startups to ₹2.88 crore for the grand winner. Registration closes 27 July 2026.

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

The Open Challenge Program Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE is a MeitY-backed incubator offering GPU infrastructure, seed funding up to ₹50,00,000, and mentoring for AI and DeepTech startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, and other sectors. Based at STPI Nagpur, the program runs for 18 months. Deadline: 15 July 2026.

HealthSprint 2026: Indo-Israel Innovation Sprint (GINSERV)

HealthSprint 2026 is a 30-day sprint for healthcare and MedTech startups, organized by GINSERV in collaboration with Israeli partners. It focuses on Clinical AI & Diagnostics, MedTech, and Hospital SaaS. Selected startups receive mentorship and hospital network access. Applications close 20 July 2026.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a biennial program identifying and supporting India’s most impactful innovations. It is open to both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Selected innovators gain strategic mentorship, investor access, and national visibility. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (DBT-BIRAC)

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge under India’s BioE3 policy invites young students and researchers to submit biotechnological solutions. Monthly winners (up to 120) receive ₹1,00,000 and mentoring from DBT-BIRAC. Total funding up to ₹25,00,000. Rolling monthly submissions until 31 October 2026. Health and biotech innovations are strongly encouraged.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The North East Growth Lab is restricted to startups based in the eight NE states. The DBT DESIGN challenge is limited to students and researchers (not registered companies). SLINGSHOT requires deep tech readiness and a global orientation. Programs like NERVE OCP and IKP Genesis target early-stage ventures with a technology focus (TRL 2-3 or AI/deep tech). Some programs, like MAP-Health and Indian Innovation Icons, accept both for-profit and non-profit entities.

Timing is critical: IIMA Ventures North East Growth Lab closes 15 July 2026, followed by NERVE OCP on the same day, HealthSprint on 20 July, SLINGSHOT on 27 July, IKP Genesis on 31 July, and AIC T-Hub on 10 August. The DBT DESIGN challenge accepts rolling submissions until October, while MAP-Health, EthAum, and Marico have rolling intakes. Programs requiring DPIIT recognition or MSME registration do not specify so in the data; check individual program pages for such prerequisites.