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

This week, 10 new startup grants, incubation programs, and competitions have been listed, providing financial and mentorship opportunities across various sectors. Notable programs are offered by institutions such as IIT Bhilai, IIM Kashipur, IIT Madras, and TNAU, alongside initiatives from 1752vc, T-Hub, and Startup India. These programs target innovators in areas spanning AgriTech, DeepTech, healthcare, and digital mobility.

Funding and incubation support are available for early-stage ventures, those with existing MVPs, and startups focusing on specific community or sector challenges. Deadlines for several opportunities are approaching in late August, September, and October 2026, with one program having a rolling application process.

Newly Listed This Week

1752vc Ignite Startup Academy (1752vc)

The 1752vc Ignite Startup Academy is a 12-week execution program for early-stage startups. It focuses on transforming ideas into investor-ready ventures with traction. The program provides strategies and insights from experienced operators, founders, and investors.

Founders receive guidance on various aspects of startup execution, including resolving common dilemmas, crafting pitch decks, mastering sales, optimizing customer acquisition and retention, and building business models with sound unit economics. The curriculum also covers essential financial management. Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis.

SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat Program (IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation)

IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF), with support from SBI Foundation, leads the SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat Program. This initiative identifies and supports innovative startups focused on India's growth. It specifically targets entrepreneurship in AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech sectors.

The program offers support for aspiring founders and existing startups to develop ideas into viable products and scalable businesses. Through a structured incubation approach, SBIF LEAP provides resources, knowledge, and networks. Funding up to ₹8,50,000 is available. The deadline to apply is 31 August 2026.

IIM Kashipur FIED SC-ST Accelerator (FIED, IIM Kashipur)

The IIM Kashipur FIED SC-ST Accelerator is organized by FIED at IIM Kashipur, supported by the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme under the Ministry of MSME. This program empowers existing and aspiring SC/ST entrepreneurs through a blend of online and on-campus learning, coupled with mentorship.

The program addresses gaps faced by entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, providing strategic insights and tools for scaling ventures. Participants engage in hybrid learning, including a 7-day residential immersion at the IIM Kashipur campus. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026.

SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat Program (IBITF)

SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat, implemented by IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF) and supported by SBI Foundation, is an entrepreneurship and innovation program for founders, innovators, and early-stage startups in India. It focuses on solutions in AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech.

The program aims to transform promising ideas and prototypes into viable products and sustainable businesses. It offers financial assistance and non-financial support, providing a platform for early-stage ventures. Funding up to ₹8,50,000 is available. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0 (T-Hub)

The Honda Innovation Challenge 2.0 is a co-development program by Honda and T-Hub. It invites startups to redefine the Honda ownership and usage experience. This edition focuses on creating the future of digital mobility for Honda customers.

Selected startups collaborate directly with Honda’s digital, strategy, engineering, and customer-experience teams. The objective is to co-build technologies and solutions that enhance the Honda experience, addressing safety, convenience, connected experiences, and smarter ownership. Funding up to ₹40,00,000 is available. The deadline for applications is 2 October 2026.

IPTIF Housing & Construction EiR 2026 (IPTIF)

The IPTIF Housing & Construction EiR 2026 is an Entrepreneurship-in-Residence (EiR) Programme led by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF). It collaborates with Habitat for Humanity International’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) and Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). The program supports early-stage innovators and ventures in the housing and construction sector.

The EiR Programme fosters innovations that improve how people access, use, and sustain housing. It seeks technology-driven solutions that are sustainable, affordable, and climate-responsive. The deadline to apply is 15 September 2026.

RKVY RAFTAAR SAIP Cohort 8 Grant 2026 (TNAU)

The ABIS-TBI, R ABI Centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, offers the RKVY RAFTAAR SAIP Cohort 8 Grant 2026 under the PM-RKVY - RAFTAAR scheme. This program supports startup companies in agri and allied sectors with innovative Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) ready for scaling.

It provides financial assistance as a grant-in-aid of up to ₹25 lakh, along with incubation support. Participants benefit from mentoring, technical guidance, and business development assistance. The deadline for online applications is 31 August 2026.

TechPioneer Grant 2026 (IIT Madras Incubation Cell)

The TechPioneer Grant 2026, presented by the IITM Incubation Cell and the School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, IIT Madras, supports early-stage DeepTech startups. This program offers financial support through grants, coupled with pre-incubation and incubation assistance.

It targets innovators building solutions in critical sectors, providing resources for their technologies to develop. The grant addresses funding gaps faced by DeepTech ventures, enabling them to de-risk their technology. Funding up to ₹20,00,000 is available. The deadline to apply is today, 26 August 2026.

TARANG 1.0 IITI DRISHTI CPS Accelerator (IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation)

TARANG 1.0 (Technology Acceleration and Research Alliance for Next Gen Growth) is a Digital Healthcare Accelerator and Technology Commercialization Programme from IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION, IIT Indore. It accelerates healthcare innovations from concept to commercialization.

The program fosters collaboration among startups, innovators, researchers, healthcare institutions, and investors. It focuses on healthcare and deep-tech technologies at TRL 6 and above, providing support for technology validation, pilot deployment, regulatory enablement, and industry partnerships. Funding up to ₹1,00,00,000 is available. The deadline for applications is 11 September 2026.

PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge (Startup India)

The PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge, an initiative by Startup India and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), supports street vendors. It seeks technology-driven solutions to address challenges faced by street vendors across India.

This program focuses on enhancing financial literacy, promoting eco-friendly practices, improving vendor identification, and developing climate-resilient vending infrastructure. It invites DPIIT-recognized startups to innovate in these areas. Funding up to ₹20,00,000 is available. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026.

Before Applying

Careful review of eligibility criteria is essential for these programs. The IIM Kashipur FIED SC-ST Accelerator specifically targets SC/ST entrepreneurs. The PM SVANidhi Startup Challenge requires DPIIT-recognized startups focused on solutions for street vendors. Both SBIF LEAP programs concentrate on AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, while the RKVY RAFTAAR SAIP is for agri and allied sectors with MVPs. DeepTech innovations are the focus for the TechPioneer Grant, and TARANG 1.0 requires Digital Healthcare technologies at TRL 6 or above.

Applicants should note the varied application timelines. The 1752vc Ignite Startup Academy operates on a rolling application basis. Several programs have deadlines approaching rapidly, with the TechPioneer Grant 2026 closing today, 26 August 2026. Other deadlines are set for 31 August, 11 September, 15 September, and 2 October 2026, requiring prompt action for interested startups.