I-NEXSS Sanitation Grant 2026 by IPTIF (IIT Palakkad)
By IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF)
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Quick Answer
Collaborative R&D program for next-gen non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS), targeting TRL 4+ solutions.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
I-NEXSS is a collaborative innovation program designed to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation solutions for non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS). It is a joint initiative led by the IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) and the Global Sanitation Centre of Excellence (GSCOE) at IIT Palakkad. IPTIF, established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), serves as a Technology Innovation Hub dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies for significant societal impact, particularly in critical infrastructure areas. The program also benefits from the support of the Gates Foundation, underscoring its commitment to addressing pressing global sanitation challenges and promoting sustainable development.
This program specifically targets innovation across three advanced technology tracks within NSSS: advanced membranes, digital technologies (including AI/ML), and affordable sensors. The core objective is to bridge the gap between laboratory-based research and successful, scalable field-scale implementation. I-NEXSS aims to identify, nurture, and support the development of technologies that are not only innovative but also scalable, cost-effective, and robust. These solutions are expected to meet stringent regulatory and performance standards set by key Indian bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), as well as international standards like ISO 30500, ensuring their practical applicability and impactful deployment in diverse real-world scenarios across India and potentially beyond. The emphasis is on creating solutions that can transform sanitation access and public health in regions lacking conventional sewerage infrastructure.
I-NEXSS provides non-dilutive R&D grants, offering financial support for project needs without requiring any equity from the participating entities. The funding is disbursed on a milestone-based system, ensuring that financial releases are directly aligned with demonstrable project progress and the achievement of predefined technical and operational milestones. Supported activities include stages such as advanced prototype development, rigorous testing and validation processes under varied conditions, and essential field deployment efforts to prove viability. Preference is given to proposals that clearly demonstrate cost-effectiveness, high scalability potential, and innovative approaches to addressing complex sanitation challenges.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation, known as IPTIF, is a not-for-profit company set up by IIT Palakkad in 2020. It is one of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs the Department of Science and Technology created under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The I-NEXSS program provides non-dilutive R&D grants designed to support stages of innovation, including prototype development, rigorous testing and validation, and essential field deployment. Funds are disbursed on a milestone-based system, aligning financial support with demonstrable project achievements. The program prioritizes solutions that are not only innovative but also cost-effective and highly scalable, aiming for maximum impact. Beyond financial assistance, selected participants benefit from an environment at IPTIF that is highly conducive to technological advancement, offering a pathway to potential incubation and ecosystem support.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 8 months
- Application fee
- Free
Timelines & Process
Application Fee
Free
Selection Process
The selection process involves an evaluation of proposals based on several key criteria. These include the technical innovation and scientific merit of the proposed solution, its feasibility of implementation, and its anticipated performance under real-world sanitation conditions. Considerations also extend to the scalability, affordability, and ease of deployment of the technology, as well as its integration capabilities across membrane, digital, and sensing systems. Furthermore, the readiness of the technology for pilot-scale validation and field implementation is assessed. The process typically involves an initial screening and shortlisting phase, followed by more detailed review and final approval.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific technology areas does I-NEXSS focus on?
The program focuses on three technology tracks for non-sewered sanitation systems: advanced membranes, digital technologies, and affordable sensors.
What is the minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) required for applicants?
Applicants must demonstrate technologies at a minimum TRL of 4, indicating a lab-validated prototype with a clear pathway to pilot-scale validation.
Is the funding provided by I-NEXSS equity-free?
Yes, the funding offered is a non-dilutive R&D grant, meaning no equity is taken from the participating startups.
How are funds disbursed under the I-NEXSS program?
Funding is provided on a milestone-based disbursement model, linked to the successful achievement of project milestones.
What types of entities are eligible to apply for this program?
Startups, MSMEs, academic and research institutions, and consortia formed by these entities are all eligible applicants.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
