8 Startup Grants and Funding Programs Newly Listed This Week — September 2026

Eight startup grants, seed funds, and incubation programs have been newly listed this week. These opportunities span various stages and sectors, offering financial and mentorship support for emerging ventures across India. The programs include offerings from notable entities such as Y Combinator, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, IIT Madras, and The Foundery Venture Builder. This collection represents a range of support mechanisms for innovators.

From prototype development grants to large-scale R&D schemes and intensive venture building, these programs address different needs of the startup ecosystem. Founders can explore options that align with their stage of development, technological focus, and regional presence.

Newly Listed This Week

The Foundery Venture Builder Cohort 02 (The Foundery)

The Foundery Venture Builder Cohort 02 is an intensive 90-day residential venture builder. The program is designed to develop entrepreneurs into co-founders and to build companies from an initial thesis to market launch. Participants collaborate with experienced operators and specialist teams throughout the process.

This initiative is a joint venture by WTF Media and Think9. It provides access to a network of industry leaders and mentors, including Kishore Biyani, Nikhil Kamath, Ronnie Screwvala, Rajan Anandan, and Arjun Vaidya. The program offers funding of up to ₹4 crore. The application deadline for Cohort 02 is 18 October 2026.

AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant 2026 (AIC-SKU)

The AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant is an initiative by the Atal Incubation Centre - Sri Krishnadevaraya University (AIC-SKU). It supports early-stage startups in developing working prototypes from validated ideas. The program provides financial assistance to bridge the gap in turning concepts into tangible products.

This grant offers up to ₹3 lakh per startup. It is intended for innovators, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and faculty members affiliated with AIC-SKU. The support aims to accelerate proof-of-concept development, protect intellectual property, and advance early-stage innovation. Applications for this grant close on 26 September 2026.

AMRUT-SRIF Business Incubation Scheme 2026 (Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University)

The AMRUT-SRIF Business Incubation Scheme is a collaboration between the Academy of Maharashtra Research, Upliftment and Training (AMRUT) and the SGBAU Research and Incubation Foundation (SRIF) at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The scheme aims to foster entrepreneurship in Maharashtra by supporting innovators with original business ideas.

This program provides financial and non-financial assistance to individuals starting or expanding a startup. It offers up to ₹3 lakh to help bridge early-stage funding gaps and provides structured guidance. Applications for this scheme are accepted on a rolling basis.

UP Deep-Tech Enhanced Grant Top-Up (Government of Uttar Pradesh)

The UP Deep-Tech Enhanced Grant Top-Up is part of the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026. This allows deep-tech startups to receive an increased incentive beyond the standard Prototype Grant or Seed Capital Assistance.

Startups with a proposal rigorously evaluated and recommended by a Centre of Excellence (CoE), Deep Tech Hub, or Innovation Hub can receive up to twice the standard startup incentive. This is a top-up mechanism, meaning the enhanced amount is unlocked through a recommendation on an existing Prototype Grant or Seed Grant application, rather than a separate direct application. The amount varies and is not subject to a specific rupee ceiling from this top-up mechanism itself. Applications are rolling.

DST–GDC I-NCUBATE Program Cohort 10 (GDC, IIT Madras)

The DST–GDC I-NCUBATE Program, Cohort 10, is a joint initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) at IIT Madras. This program focuses on nurturing promising deep-tech startups and research teams.

It supports ventures based on STEM innovations originating from Indian universities and labs. The program provides a learning experience centered on entrepreneurial mindset development, business acumen, and customer discovery. The aim is to transform lab-based inventions into scalable startups addressing socio-economic challenges. The amount of support varies, and applications are processed on a rolling basis.

Y Combinator Winter 2027 Batch (Y Combinator)

Y Combinator (YC) is a seed accelerator that supports early-stage companies globally. The Y Combinator Winter 2027 Batch is a three-month, in-person program conducted at YC's San Francisco campus. It provides seed funding, mentorship, and access to a network of alumni.

Selected startups receive guidance from YC General Partners, who are experienced founders. The program includes regular meetups, talks by founders, and networking opportunities. YC's objective is to help founders build products people want. The program offers up to ₹4.15 crore in funding. The application deadline for the Winter 2027 Batch is 3 November 2026.

PRIP Call 2 – Pharma MedTech R&D Scheme (Concept Notes) (Department of Pharmaceuticals)

The Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma–MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme is a flagship initiative from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It aims to transition India's Pharma–MedTech industry towards innovation-driven R&D. The overall scheme has an outlay of ₹5,000 crore.

PRIP supports rapid discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs and advanced medical devices. This includes support for early-stage projects, fostering indigenous innovation, and strengthening industry–academia collaboration. Individual projects can receive substantial funding, up to ₹1,000 crore. Concept notes are accepted on a rolling basis.

Horizon HealthTech 2026 Incubation by IIITD (IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center)

The Horizon HealthTech 2026 is a 9-month incubation program offered by the IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center (IIITD-IC). Operating under BIRAC, it aims to advance early-stage MedTech startups from validated ideas to functional prototypes. The program provides access to subject-matter experts, clinical validation support via Max Healthcare, and an investor network.

It is specifically designed for innovators in devices, diagnostics, surgical/interventional technologies, and remote monitoring. The program focuses on bridging the gap between early-stage concepts and market-ready solutions through structured mentorship and R&D assistance. Up to ₹15 lakh in funding is available. Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis.

Before Applying

Several programs outlined above have specific eligibility criteria. The AIC-SKU Prototype Support Grant is restricted to innovators, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and faculty associated with AIC-SKU. For the AMRUT-SRIF Business Incubation Scheme, eligibility focuses on individuals willing to start or expand a startup within Maharashtra. Similarly, the DST–GDC I-NCUBATE Program targets STEM innovations from Indian universities and labs, and Horizon HealthTech 2026 is specifically for MedTech startups and operates under BIRAC aegis.

Applicants should note different application processes and deadlines. Programs like The Foundery and Y Combinator have set deadlines, with The Foundery closing on October 18, 2026, and Y Combinator on November 3, 2026. Many other programs, including AMRUT-SRIF, UP Deep-Tech, DST–GDC, PRIP, and Horizon HealthTech, accept applications on a rolling basis. The UP Deep-Tech Enhanced Grant Top-Up is not a standalone application but an enhancement to an existing Prototype or Seed Grant, requiring a recommendation from a Centre of Excellence. PRIP Call 2 specifically requests concept notes for initial evaluation.