IHFC READY Program
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Pre-seed incubation for deep-tech startups in cobotics, AI, drones, autonomous systems at IIT Delhi.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The IHFC READY (Research, Entrepreneurship and Development for Youth) Program is a founder-friendly pre-seed incubation program based at IIT Delhi. It aims to accelerate innovation in high-potential deep tech fields such as cobotics, artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous systems, and related areas. IHFC, the Innovation Hub for Cobotics at IIT Delhi, is a technology innovation hub supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Its mission is to be a world-class center for research, development, and commercialization of cobotics and related deep-tech areas. Leveraging IIT Delhi's robust academic and research infrastructure, IHFC fosters a collaborative ecosystem for startups, researchers, and industries. IIT Delhi, an institution of national importance, is renowned for its pioneering contributions to science and engineering, providing an unparalleled environment for technological advancement and startup growth.
This program is critical for bridging the gap between cutting-edge academic research and market-ready products, offering a structured pathway for innovators to translate their scientific insights into tangible solutions. The emphasis on commercialization ensures that the supported ventures are not only technologically advanced but also possess strong market potential and viability.
The program offers financial support up to INR 500,000, intended to help participants ideate, build, and prototype products. The focus is on developing solutions that are viable for commercialization and market entry, emphasizing product feasibility, reliability, technical specifications, and cost-effectiveness. This funding assists in transforming initial concepts into practical, market-ready technologies.
Beyond monetary aid, participants benefit from a comprehensive six-month program, gaining access to the extensive IIT Delhi network and expert mentorship. The program encourages the creation and ownership of intellectual property, provides essential lab space, and offers full incubation access with IHFC. Additional support includes peer learning opportunities and regular assessments to guide startup development.
The IHFC READY Program serves as a springboard for promising deep-tech ventures, facilitating their journey from early-stage ideation through to integration into the broader deep-tech R&D and startup ecosystem.
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
I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics, known as IHFC, is the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi. It was set up in June 2020 by the Department of Science and Technology under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems, and it is a Section 8 not-for-profit…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Receive up to INR 500,000 in financial support for ideation, building, and prototyping. Benefits include a comprehensive six-month incubation, access to IIT Delhi's network, expert mentorship, essential lab space, full incubation access with IHFC, peer learning, regular assessments, and support for IP creation and ownership.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are accepted year-round via an online portal. Initial screening evaluates deep-tech area, commercial potential, and alignment. Shortlisted candidates are invited for quarterly evaluation and pitch presentation sessions to a panel of experts.
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 is the primary focus of the IHFC READY Program?
The IHFC READY Program is a pre-seed incubation program that spearheads innovation in high-potential deep tech areas such as cobotics, AI, drones, autonomous systems, and allied fields.
What kind of financial support is provided to participants?
Participants can receive financial support of up to INR 500,000 to help them ideate, build, and prototype products for commercialization and market entry.
What non-monetary benefits does the program offer?
The program offers a six-month duration, access to the IIT Delhi network, mentorship, opportunities to author/invent IP, lab space, incubation access with IHFC, peer learning, and assessments.
Who is eligible to apply for the IHFC READY Program?
The program targets final year students for fixed onboarding cycles and also offers flexible onboarding for graduated applicants within one to two years after their graduation.
How often are applications reviewed for the READY Program?
Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly screening, evaluation, and pitch presentations held in February, May, August, and November.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
