IGNITE Program: SINE x IDFC FIRST Bank
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Quick Answer
SINE IIT Bombay and IDFC FIRST Bank offer a growth-stage accelerator providing grants up to ₹25 Lakhs to TRL 6+ startups in Greentech, HealthTech, and AI for social impact.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹25 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SINE, IIT Bombay
- Application deadline
- 8d — 1 Oct 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The IGNITE Program, a collaborative initiative between the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay and IDFC FIRST Bank, is designed to fuel the growth of early-stage startups. This program, branded as IDFC FIRST Ignite and powered by SINE, operates as a growth-stage accelerator specifically targeting ventures at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and above. It provides crucial support to startups that are beyond the ideation phase and are ready for commercialization. The program places a strong emphasis on addressing critical societal and environmental challenges, focusing on innovative solutions within Greentech (Sustainability), HealthTech, and AI for Social Impact. Through this partnership, SINE leverages its deep expertise in fostering innovation, while IDFC FIRST Bank contributes to the startup ecosystem as part of its CSR commitment, ensuring that impactful solutions receive the necessary resources for scaling.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) is the technology business incubator at IIT Bombay, based on the fifth floor of the RBTIC Building on the Powai campus in Mumbai. Formed as a society in 2004, it is recognised by the Department of Science and Technology as a…
Learn moreIDFC FIRST Bank is a private sector bank founded in 2015 and headquartered in Mumbai. It operates 1,155 branches, with total assets of approximately Rs 393,357 crore on the latest published figures. IDFC FIRST is the newest bank on the CGSS Member Institution panel, formed in…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹25 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The IGNITE Program offers a one-time grant of up to ₹25 Lakhs to eligible startups. This funding is disbursed over a 6-month period, structured around specific project milestones to ensure effective utilization and progress tracking. As a growth-stage accelerator, the program also provides comprehensive incubation support from SINE IIT Bombay, focusing on guiding startups through their commercialization and scalability roadmap, and connecting them with relevant ecosystem players for market access.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 6 months
- Funding source
- CSR funded
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening based on adherence to eligibility criteria, including TRL level, specific sector focus, and mandatory DPIIT registration. Shortlisted startups will then be evaluated by a selection committee comprising experts and representatives from SINE IIT Bombay and IDFC FIRST Bank. The evaluation process will rigorously assess the commercialization roadmap, scalability potential, and the social and environmental impact of the product or solution. Final selections for the accelerator cohort will be made after thorough review, which may include presentations or interview rounds with the selection committee.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants submit their detailed application form online via the program portal before the deadline.
You - 2
- 3
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 type of funding does the IGNITE Program provide?
The program offers a one-time grant of up to INR 25 Lakhs to selected startups. This is non-repayable and equity-free funding.
What is the duration of the IGNITE accelerator program?
The grant funding is provided over a 6-month period, which also indicates the duration of the accelerator program and the support cycle for the cohort.
Which industry sectors are eligible for this program?
The program specifically targets startups operating in Greentech (Sustainability), HealthTech, and those developing AI for Social Impact.
What is the minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) required for applicants?
Startups must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above to be eligible for the program, indicating a strong prototype or system demonstration.
Is DPIIT Startup India recognition mandatory?
Yes, it is a mandatory eligibility criterion that the applicant startup must be officially registered with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).
What legal entity type is required for application?
Only Private Limited companies registered in India are eligible to apply for the IGNITE Program.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
