Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program 2026
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
A one-year equity-free fellowship by Bharathiya Vikas Trust, offering up to ₹30 lakh and comprehensive support to biomedical innovators at TRL 4+.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Provider
- Bharathiya Vikas Trust
- Application deadline
- 40d — 9 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program is designed to strengthen India's biomedical innovation ecosystem by enabling collaboration, visibility, structured support, and unlocking capital for high-potential innovators. Implemented by Bharathiya Vikas Trust (BVT) and supported by Blockchain for Impact (BFI), this program aims to help innovators overcome challenges in scaling, validation, and building viable pathways to impact. Built on the interconnect app, it is a structured one-year program.
Cohort 2 is now open for applications, specifically targeting biomedical innovators at TRL 4+. The program will select up to 50 fellows, providing substantial funding of up to ₹30 lakh over 12 months, disbursed quarterly based on milestone achievements. Beyond funding, participants receive invaluable mentorship from leading experts across academia, industry, and healthcare, strategic guidance, and crucial clinical and industry connections. Innovators also gain access to a national network of peers and ecosystem partners, fostering a collaborative environment. The program explicitly states 'No equity. No IP claims,' ensuring innovators retain full ownership of their work.
During the 12-month program journey, innovators will actively identify collaborators across research, clinical, and industry domains through the interconnect app. They will develop a clear roadmap towards validation or commercialization and participate in periodic review and feedback sessions, receiving guidance on overcoming technical, regulatory, or market bottlenecks. The program culminates in a national-level final event where innovators showcase their work to ecosystem partners, industry leaders, and potential supporters, with selected innovations potentially receiving further scale-up or next-stage funding support.
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
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Fellowship
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program offers substantial financial and strategic support for biomedical innovators. Selected fellows can receive up to ₹30 lakh in grant funding, disbursed quarterly over 12 months based on the achievement of agreed-upon milestones. This funding is provided equity-free, with no claims on intellectual property, allowing innovators to retain full ownership of their ventures. Beyond capital, the program provides intensive mentorship from leading experts in academia, industry, and healthcare, strategic guidance for product development and market entry, and critical connections to clinical and industry partners. Innovators also gain access to a national network of peers and ecosystem partners, facilitating collaboration and market access, and receive incubation support through periodic progress reviews and guidance for overcoming technical, regulatory, or market bottlenecks. The program culminates in a national-level showcase event, offering significant visibility and opportunities for further scale-up or next-stage funding.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 12 months
- Cohort size
- 50 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program involves a multi-stage evaluation. Initial applications, submitted via the Interconnect App, are reviewed and shortlisted by an Internal Review Committee. This committee may contact applicants for clarifications and engage domain experts for subject-specific evaluations. Subsequently, shortlisted teams are invited for an in-person pitch before a panel of experts. This expert panel assesses projects based on their relevance to India's healthcare and biomedical needs, the strength and clarity of the problem statement, scientific or technical merit, innovation potential, feasibility and scalability, potential for real-world impact, and the applicant's ability to benefit from collaboration and mentorship. Final selections are made based on this comprehensive evaluation.
Application Process
- 1
Download App
Download the Interconnect App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
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 kind of funding does the program offer?
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹30 lakh, disbursed quarterly over 12 months based on milestone achievements. This funding is equity-free, with no claims on intellectual property.
Who is eligible to apply for the Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program?
The program is open to biomedical and healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs, including those affiliated with startups or research institutions, postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, physicians, and public health professionals. Applicants should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above.
What is the application process?
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the Interconnect App, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The process involves downloading the app, registering, posting a project on the app's feed, and then completing a detailed program application within the app.
What kind of support is provided beyond funding?
Beyond funding, the program offers mentorship from experts in academia, industry, and healthcare, strategic guidance, support in finding collaborators via the Interconnect network, periodic progress reviews, and opportunities to showcase work at national-level events. It also provides clinical and industry connections and access to a national network of innovators.
Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee to apply for the Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program.
What happens after the program concludes?
At the end of the 12-month program, innovators will present their work at a national-level showcase event to ecosystem partners and industry leaders. Selected innovations may receive further support for scale-up or next-stage funding.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
