Innovation Voucher Program
By Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub)
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Quick Answer
Grant for Tamil Nadu hardware-based startups/MSMEs to develop prototypes and commercialize products.
- Funding amount
- ₹3L – ₹10L
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Tamil Nadu
About this subsidy
The Innovation Voucher Programme (IVP), supported by EDII-TN and facilitated by iTNT Hub, offers crucial grant support aimed at assisting startups and MSMEs in Tamil Nadu. The iTNT Hub, also known as the Tamil Nadu Technology Hub, is a key state-backed entity driving technological advancement and innovation within Tamil Nadu. EDII-TN, the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute of Tamil Nadu, plays an instrumental role in promoting entrepreneurship and building a robust innovation ecosystem across the state. Both organizations are committed to fostering economic growth and technological self-reliance through targeted initiatives like the IVP.
This program is structured to provide financial grants that enable early-stage ventures to progress from conceptual ideas to tangible prototypes, and subsequently, from prototypes into commercially viable products. This comprehensive support aims to de-risk early-stage development and accelerate market entry for innovative hardware solutions. A co-financing requirement is integral to the program, where applicants must be willing to match a portion of the investment as per IVP norms. This collaborative funding model fosters greater commitment from applicants. A 10% success fee is applicable, but only upon the successful disbursal of the grant by EDII-TN, ensuring no upfront charges are incurred for the grant itself, aligning the program's success with that of its grantees.
Grant funds can be utilized for activities essential to product development, rigorous testing, and effective market entry. This includes R&D expenses, specialized equipment procurement, patenting costs, market research, and pilot project implementation, supporting the transition across various development stages. Beyond monetary aid, the iTNT Hub extends invaluable expert guidance and mentorship. This support helps applicants strengthen their proposals, refine business models, and enhance their overall readiness, significantly improving their prospects of securing funding for innovative projects within the specified hardware-based focus sectors.
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.
Subsidy providers
Tamil Nadu Technology Hub, known as iTNT Hub, is a Section 8 company set up by the Government of India, the Government of Tamil Nadu and industry partners, and it sits under Tamil Nadu's Information Technology and Digital Services Department. It is headquartered at Anna…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹3L – ₹10L
What You Get
Financial grants for prototype development and commercialization, covering R&D, equipment, patenting, market research, and pilot projects. Expert guidance and mentorship from iTNT Hub are also provided to strengthen proposals, refine business models, and enhance readiness for funding. There are no upfront charges for the grant itself, with a 10% success fee only upon disbursal.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are submitted through the program's online portal with required startup and innovation details. Applications undergo evaluation by the program team for innovation merit and stage eligibility. Approved startups receive a non-dilutive voucher grant to support prototype development or product scaling under the applicable voucher track.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
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.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Innovation Voucher Program (IVP)?
The Innovation Voucher Program (IVP) is a grant support initiative, facilitated by iTNT Hub and supported by EDII-TN, designed to help startups and MSMEs move their innovations from idea to prototype and then to commercialization.
Who is eligible to apply for the IVP?
Startups and MSMEs registered in Tamil Nadu are eligible, provided they are hardware-based and willing to co-finance the investment according to the program's norms.
What kind of support does the IVP offer?
The program offers grant support to aid in product development and commercialization. Additionally, iTNT Hub provides expert guidance to help applicants strengthen their proposals and improve their chances of securing funding.
Are there any fees associated with the program?
There is no upfront application fee. However, a 10% success fee applies, payable only upon the successful disbursal of the grant by EDII-TN.
Which sectors are prioritized under this program?
The program focuses on hardware-based innovations in sectors such as Automobile, Auto-components & EV, Electronics & Semiconductors, Biotech & Healthcare, Clean Energy & Sustainability, Aerospace & Defence (including Space Tech), and Enterprise Applications (AI and Advanced Computing).
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
