IIITD-IC FinTech Grand Challenge
By IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center
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Quick Answer
A national FinTech challenge by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center, Startup India, and Decentro, inviting DPIIT-recognized startups to solve problem statements in KYC, payments, lending, fra…
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 December 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The IIITD-IC FinTech Grand Challenge is a national initiative launched by the IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center in partnership with Startup India and Decentro. Its core objective is to identify and support promising FinTech startups that are developing innovation-driven and scalable solutions to address critical issues in the financial sector.
The challenge focuses on solving specific problem statements within FinTech, including:
- Seamless KYC & Digital Onboarding
- Recurring Payments & Subscriptions
- Lending & Credit Infrastructure
- Fraud Detection & Compliance Automation
- SME Fintech Enablement
- Financial Inclusion & Accessibility
- Cross-Border Payments & Global Money Flows
The program offers participants an opportunity to gain visibility, validate their technology, and integrate with the IIITD-IC incubation ecosystem. The top solutions may also be considered for possible acquisition or Technology Transfer (ToT) by industry partners.
The challenge follows a structured timeline:
- Application End Date: December 15, 2025
- Application Result Date: January 31, 2026
Selected startups benefit from:
- A ₹5 lakh prize pool distributed at the discretion of IIITD-IC.
- A 50% waiver on the virtual incubation fee (Current fee: ₹30,000/year).
- Mentorship from a curated panel of domain experts and industry leaders.
- Networking with investors, banks, and corporate FinTech entities.
- Pilot opportunities facilitated in collaboration with partner financial institutions.
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
IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center (IIITD-IC) is a technology business incubator on the fifth floor of the Seminar Block at IIIT Delhi, in Okhla Industrial Area, Phase III, New Delhi. It works alongside IIIT Delhi's faculty, research scholars and its own portfolio of startups,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
₹5 lakh prize pool (distribution at IIITD-IC's discretion) plus a 50% discount on the standard ₹30,000/year virtual incubation fee. Additional non-monetary benefits include mentorship, networking, and pilot opportunities.
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 is the prize money for winning the IIITD-IC FinTech Grand Challenge?
The prize pool is ₹5 lakh, distributed at the discretion of IIITD-IC.
Is there any fee to participate?
Selected startups receive a 50% waiver on the virtual incubation fee. The current fee is ₹30,000/year, so the waived fee would be ₹15,000/year.
What themes or problem statements are covered?
The challenge focuses on: Seamless KYC & Digital Onboarding, Recurring Payments & Subscriptions, Lending & Credit Infrastructure, Fraud Detection & Compliance Automation, SME Fintech Enablement, Financial Inclusion & Accessibility, and Cross-Border Payments & Global Money Flows.
Who can apply?
Any DPIIT-recognised startup in India with scalable, innovation-driven solutions aligned with the challenge themes. Startups at all stages—Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, and Scaling—are eligible.
What are the key dates?
Applications close on December 15, 2025. Results will be announced on January 31, 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
