IHFC Startup Incubation Program
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Quick Answer
Incubation for Indian deeptech startups in Cyber Physical Systems, Robotics, IoT and AI, hosted at IIT Delhi, with funding and mentorship.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics) Startup Incubation Program supports startups building in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). IHFC is a Section 8 company under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS), hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).
Selected startups receive funding after a multi-stage evaluation by a panel of experts. The amount is not publicly disclosed. It is meant for technology development, R&D and market expansion.
Other support includes co-working and co-location space, business support, soft credits from corporate partners, technical assistance, research engagement and upskilling. You also get showcasing events, networking with industry leaders and investors, fundraising guidance, market access, and mentorship from professionals and academics. There are chances to take part in CSR projects too. Because IHFC is hosted at IIT Delhi, incubated startups get access to its infrastructure.
Startups at seed, early, growth and expansion stages can be considered, as long as they work in these technology areas.
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
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Provides funding (amount undisclosed) for technological development, R&D, and market expansion. Benefits include co-working facilities, business support, corporate soft credits, technical assistance, research engagement, upskilling, high-impact showcasing, strong networking, fundraising guidance, direct market access, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities for CSR projects.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Begins with a 'Call for Proposals' followed by initial shortlisting against eligibility criteria. Shortlisted proposals undergo expert evaluation, often including discussions/presentations. Final approval is made by the IHFC Board of Directors, followed by MoU signing and onboarding.
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 type of technologies does IHFC support for incubation?
IHFC supports innovations primarily in Cyber Physical Systems, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on deep tech areas.
What kind of support services does IHFC offer to its incubated startups?
IHFC provides a comprehensive suite of support including co-working and co-location spaces, business support services, soft credits from corporate partners, tech development assistance, research and upskilling opportunities, showcasing, networking, fundraising help, market access, and mentorship.
Which stages of startups can apply to the IHFC incubation program?
IHFC incubates and supports startups across various stages of development, including seed stage, early stage, growth stage, and expansion phase.
What is the application and selection process for the IHFC Startup Incubation Program?
The process involves a call for proposals, initial shortlisting, expert evaluation, review by the Board of Directors, formalization through an MoU, followed by funding allocation and onboarding.
Does the IHFC program provide funding to startups?
Yes, the program includes a structured funding allocation stage as part of the overall startup project cycle.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
