IBITF Tribal Area Sub-Plan Grant 2026
By IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation
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Quick Answer
IBITF invites proposals under its Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme to foster tribal-centric/tribal-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization for the ST community.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Application deadline
- 3d — 30 Oct 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition
About this funding program
The IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF), a Category 'A' Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) executed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is launching a Call for Proposals under its Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TSP) 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to cultivate and promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization that is either tribal-centric or tribal-led.
The primary objective of this call is to facilitate the rapid productization, deployment, and successful commercialization of technology-driven solutions that directly benefit Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The program focuses on enhancing livelihoods, generating income, and adding value to locally sourced products within tribal areas. Key thematic areas include Fintech applications, Agritech, HealthTech, Transport, and Energy, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, and E-Payments. IBITF, operating as a Section-8 not-for-profit company, has a track record of supporting diverse projects, including 61 projects in previous cohorts, with significant presence in North-Eastern states and Chhattisgarh, demonstrating its commitment to regional development through innovation.
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.
Funding providers
Benefits & Funding
What You Get
IBITF provides financial assistance available as a flexible combination of equity (potentially through instruments like iSAFE or CCSP), grants, and loans, with disbursements based on reimbursement of actual expenditure against bills. Further performance-based funding may also be considered. Beyond funding, selected projects benefit from expert mentorship to guide their product development, commercialization strategies, and business growth. Comprehensive ecosystem support is offered, including networking opportunities with industry partners, government agencies, and fellow innovators. IBITF also assists with IP governance, often leading to joint IP ownership, and may secure a representative seat on the startup's Board to provide strategic oversight and guidance, fostering a collaborative environment for success.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process involves a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation conducted by a dedicated Project Review Committee. This committee assesses proposals based on several key criteria, including technical innovation and novelty, market fit and commercial viability of the proposed solution, the strength of the team, potential for intellectual property (IP), and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the project, ideally TRL-4 or higher. Budget justification and any co-funding commitments are also crucial factors. The evaluation proceeds in distinct stages: Stage 01 involves a detailed technical evaluation of the proposed technology; Stage 02 focuses on the commercial evaluation and viability of the solution in the target market; Stage 03 assesses the business capabilities and organizational strength of participating entities. Final approval for selected projects is granted only after all legal and compliance requirements have been thoroughly cleared, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulations.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare Proposal
Develop a detailed proposal covering technical, commercial, and financial aspects, including a business plan and TRL progression.
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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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of solutions are being sought?
The call is looking for technology-driven solutions focusing on Fintech, Agritech, HealthTech, Transport, and Energy, utilizing AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, and E-Payments, specifically beneficial to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, aimed at enhancing livelihoods and income generation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility requires either the Principal Investigator/Head of the project/organization to be from the ST category, OR over 50% of the project's beneficiaries must be from the ST community. Applications are open to academic institutions (faculty, scientists, researchers) and startups/industry (DPIIT-recognized startups, MSMEs, or enterprises with product development experience).
Is co-funding required?
While co-funding is not strictly mandatory for eligibility, proposals demonstrating co-investment commitments, preferably at least 10% of the total project cost, are strongly preferred and will receive special consideration during evaluation.
What is the expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for proposals?
Only proposals with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) greater than 4 (i.e., TRL 5 or higher) will be considered. The program aims for projects to reach a minimum TRL 7 by the end of the project duration.
What kind of financial support is offered?
IBITF offers financial assistance as a flexible combination of grants, loans, and equity investments (potentially using instruments like iSAFE or CCSP). Disbursement is based on reimbursement of actual expenditure against submitted bills.
What is the duration of the supported projects?
The initial project duration is typically between 6 to 12 months, with a possibility of extension for up to one additional year based on performance review and progress.
