Textiles & Leather Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India ex October 2026

Six distinct programs are currently open for Textiles & Leather startups across India in October 2026, comprising a mix of grants, incubation support, and a dedicated competition.

The funding landscape for Textiles & Leather innovation in India features government-backed initiatives, institutional accelerators, and challenges. These avenues provide strategic support for ventures focused on technological integration, sustainability, and market entry.

Active Textiles & Leather Grants and Programs

IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator 2026 is a collaborative initiative by the West Bengal Government and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). It supports innovative MSMEs and startups within West Bengal, providing a framework to nurture investible businesses, facilitate funding opportunities, and enable sustainable expansion. The program addresses common hurdles startups face in securing funding by assisting with business model development and strategic investor connections.

This accelerator is open to a wide range of ventures based in West Bengal, including those in the Textiles & Leather sector that aim for significant growth and economic contribution to the region. Applications for the program close on 10 November 2026.

MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad (T-Hub)

The MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad 2027 is a student-focused initiative from Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and T-Hub, part of the Sustainability Garage initiative. The program supports student innovators in developing climate tech prototypes to address global climate and mobility challenges. Participants receive up to ₹50,000 through a 12-week acceleration framework, including mentorship and access to maker labs.

Textiles & Leather startups focusing on sustainable materials, circularity, waste reduction, or other climate-positive innovations, particularly those led by student teams, are eligible. The deadline for applications is 15 November 2026.

TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) (TIH IIT Bombay)

TIH-IoT at IIT Bombay's TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) aims to foster commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, specifically leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT). This program facilitates the development and refinement of innovative IoT applications, supporting promising product prototypes or processes with funding up to ₹50,00,000.

Proposals are sought from faculty and researchers affiliated with academic and research institutions across India. Textiles & Leather startups developing IoT solutions for supply chain optimization, smart textiles, manufacturing efficiency, or predictive maintenance could find this program relevant, provided they meet the academic affiliation criteria. The submission deadline is 31 October 2026.

GrowX Accelerator Program (Nasscom AI Centre of Excellence, Gandhinagar)

The GrowX Accelerator Program, spearheaded by the AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, nurtures promising AI and Deep-tech startups. It is a joint effort supported by MeitY, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and NASSCOM Center of Excellence for IoT & AI, with contributions from Microsoft and Google. The program offers support to overcome common startup challenges.

Textiles & Leather ventures leveraging AI for design, production optimization, quality assurance, or personalized consumer experiences can apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no specified deadline.

Studio by IIMA Ventures Program (IIMA Ventures)

Studio by IIMA Ventures Program is designed to collaboratively develop ventures with aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and early-stage founders. The program focuses on Deep Tech, Digital Inclusion, and Sustainability solutions. It provides hands-on support through phases like idea validation, team building, and investor pitches, leveraging IIMA Ventures' resources and networks.

Textiles & Leather startups focusing on new materials (deep tech), digital platforms for the sector, or sustainable fashion initiatives are aligned with the program's focus areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no specified deadline.

Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 (EarthON Foundation)

The Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026, an initiative by EarthON Foundation in collaboration with Greenovation Hub and SwitchON Foundation, identifies and scales innovations for circularity across critical waste streams in India. This challenge explicitly targets solutions for plastic, textile, and food waste, offering funding up to ₹4,00,00,000.

Startups, SMEs, and social enterprises with solutions for recovering, reusing, and recycling textile waste are directly addressed by this program. Innovations could include waste collection, smart sorting, recycling methods, or development of new materials from textile waste. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026.

Before Applying

Applicants should note specific eligibility criteria. The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator is restricted to startups in West Bengal. The MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad is specifically for student innovators, while the TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) requires affiliation with academic or research institutions. The Greenovation Circularity Challenge is open to a broader range including startups, SMEs, and social enterprises with solutions for circularity.

Urgency is a factor for several programs this month. The TDP Call for Proposal 2026 (11) and the Greenovation Circularity Challenge 2026 both close on 31 October 2026. The IIMCIP Bengal Business Accelerator 2026 has a deadline of 10 November 2026, and the MBRDI Climate Tech Launchpad 2027 closes on 15 November 2026. Conversely, the GrowX Accelerator Program and Studio by IIMA Ventures Program accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing for more flexible submission timelines.