10 Startup Grants and Funding Programs Newly Listed This Week — July 2026

This week, 10 new grant programs, seed funds, and incubation opportunities were added to our database, spanning government-backed schemes and corporate accelerators. Notable providers include the Department of Science & Technology (through NIDHI-SSP at PDEU and IIT Mandi), IIM Lucknow, AIIMS Patna, and Cisco.

These opportunities cover technology-driven startups, sports tech, medtech, cleantech, agritech, and deep-tech sectors. Deadlines range from rolling to mid-August 2026.

Newly Listed This Week

DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) – PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center (PDEU IIC)

The DST NIDHI Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP) at PDEU Innovation & Incubation Center is a national initiative by NSTEDB, DST, Government of India. It provides seed funding up to ₹1 crore and incubation support to technology-driven startups. The program addresses early-stage financial and strategic needs, helping ventures move from concept to commercialization. PDEU IIC implements the program to foster knowledge-based innovations. Eligible startups must be technology-driven and likely incubating at PDEU IIC. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

IIML EIC SportsTech Acceleration Program (IIM Lucknow)

The IIML EIC SportsTech Acceleration Program is run by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre in collaboration with Legaxy. It identifies and accelerates startups at the intersection of sports and technology, covering athlete performance, fan engagement, media, and operations. The program supports early- and growth-stage ventures using AI, wearables, and data analytics. Applications close on 31 July 2026.

NIDHI-SSS (Seed Support System) at IIT Mandi Catalyst (IIT Mandi)

The NIDHI-SSS at IIT Mandi Catalyst is a DST scheme providing early-stage financial assistance up to ₹50 lakh to technology-driven startups. IIT Mandi Catalyst implements the program for its incubatee startups, bridging the gap from proof-of-concept to market-ready product. The deadline for applications is 20 July 2026.

APIIC 2nd Incubation & Ignition Call 2026 (AIIMS Patna)

The APIIC 2nd Incubation & Ignition Call 2026 by AIIMS Patna Incubation and Innovation Council is designed for healthcare and medical technology innovations. It offers seed funding up to ₹10 lakh and incubation support to move ideas from concept to clinic. The program leverages AIIMS Patna’s clinical expertise. Applications are due by 30 July 2026.

Seed Funding & Recognition under Bihar Startup Policy 2022 (Government of Bihar)

The Seed Funding & Recognition program under the Bihar Startup Policy 2022 is implemented by the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar. It provides financial assistance, incubation facilities, co-working spaces, and mentorship to startups registered in Bihar. The program aims to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in the state. Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2026.

Startup Seed Fund (Zerodha CSR Initiative) (FSID, IISc)

The Startup Seed Fund powered by Zerodha CSR is operated by FSID STEM Cell at IISc. It supports early-stage deep-tech startups in sustainability, cleantech, and healthtech. The fund provides critical capital and incubation services to science-led ventures with societal impact. Applications close on 17 July 2026.

Renewable Energy Incubation Centre (NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore)

The Renewable Energy Incubation Centre is a collaboration between NSRCEL, KREDL, FSID (IISc), and UNSW Sydney. It focuses on innovations in India’s clean energy sector, addressing challenges in grid-scale storage, efficiency, and market readiness. The program offers business incubation, technical validation, policy access, and global exposure. Applications are open on a rolling basis.

Aarohan 6.0 – TIH IIT Bombay Seed Support Program (TIH IIT Bombay)

Aarohan 6.0 is the sixth edition of TIH IIT Bombay’s seed support program for investment-ready agritech startups. It targets companies developing IoT solutions for farm-level operations and supply chain management. Selected startups receive up to ₹1 crore in seed funding and incubation support. The deadline is 16 August 2026.

Cisco LaunchPad (Cisco)

Cisco LaunchPad is a B2B corporate accelerator for deep-tech startups. It provides access to Cisco’s technologies, partner ecosystem, and market opportunities. The program is designed for startups building disruptive solutions aligned with Cisco’s strategic vision. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

100Unicorns Accelerator VC Program (100Unicorns)

The 100Unicorns Accelerator VC Program is an accelerator venture capital firm offering seed funding up to ₹19 crore, followed by larger co-investment rounds. It targets early-stage companies with potential to become unicorns, providing strategic guidance, network access, and support in product development and fundraising. Applications are rolling.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The Bihar Startup Policy program is restricted to startups registered in the state of Bihar. The NIDHI-SSP at PDEU and NIDHI-SSS at IIT Mandi are typically open only to startups incubated or accepted into their respective incubators. Aarohan 6.0 is sector-specific to agritech with IoT focus, while FSID Zerodha targets deep-tech in sustainability, cleantech, and healthtech. Additionally, the IIML SportsTech and APIIC programs may require startups to be in relevant sectors.

Application timing varies: while programs like NIDHI-SSP at PDEU, NSRCEL Renewable Energy, Cisco LaunchPad, and 100Unicorns have rolling applications, six programs have fixed upcoming deadlines between 17 July and 16 August 2026. Ensure you verify whether the program requires prior incubation, DPIIT recognition, or state registration before applying. Some programs may be in early announcement phase with application forms not yet open; check the respective provider’s website for current status.