LVPEI BioNEST Incubator Start-Up Challenge 2026
By LV Prasad Eye Institute BioNEST Incubator
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Quick Answer
A national and global platform by LVPEI and AIOS to identify and accelerate high-impact eye care innovations, offering support services up to INR 5 lakhs, bootcamp, and grand finale.
- 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 March 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by LV Prasad Eye Institute BioNEST Incubator. 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 LVPEI BioNEST Incubator Start-Up Challenge 2026 is the third edition of the flagship national and global platform launched by LV Prasad Eye Institute in collaboration with the All India Ophthalmological Society. The challenge is designed to identify, recognize, and accelerate high-impact innovations in eye care that have the potential to deliver meaningful social and clinical outcomes.
The program invites startups, innovators, and academic researchers working across the ophthalmic innovation spectrum, including diagnostics, medical and surgical devices, AI and ML-driven software, hardware and wearables, and regenerative therapies. Selected teams gain the opportunity to engage directly with leading clinicians, key opinion leaders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders through a structured evaluation and mentorship-driven process.
Shortlisted innovators participate in an intensive bootcamp aimed at refining business models, strengthening clinical relevance, and optimizing pitch readiness. Finalists present their solutions at the grand finale event hosted at the LVPEI KAR Campus in Hyderabad. In addition to recognition among global eye care startups, selected teams receive visibility, networking opportunities, and support services of up to INR 5 lakhs to help advance their innovations toward real-world deployment.
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
The LVPEI BioNEST Incubator is the startup incubator of the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad. It is supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the BioNEST scheme, and LVPEI describes it as a one-stop partner for healthcare…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Support services of up to ₹5,00,000 to help advance innovations toward real-world deployment, along with visibility and networking opportunities.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Startups, innovators, and researchers apply via the official form with details of their ophthalmic innovation.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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
Is the challenge currently open for applications?
No, the application form is no longer accepting responses. This scheme is currently closed.
What kind of support do selected teams receive?
Selected teams receive support services of up to INR 5 lakhs, along with recognition, visibility, and networking opportunities with clinicians, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Who can apply to this challenge?
It is open to startups, innovators, and academic researchers globally. Solutions must focus on ophthalmology or eye care, including diagnostics, drugs, devices, AI/ML, hardware/wearables, and regenerative therapies.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
