What kind of startups should apply?

The program is ideal for Healthcare & ICT startups and innovators, especially those developing hardware products and seeking prototyping, R&D support, mentorship, funding, and market access.

What is the maximum funding available?

Eligible startups can receive an Ignition Grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs.

What kind of support does down town Venture Labs provide?

We offer state-of-the-art incubation facilities, expert mentorship, industry connections, funding opportunities, investor access, co-working spaces, R&D labs, prototyping support, media exposure, and ecosystem networking.

Who supports this program?

This program is a NIDHI iTBI scheme supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 26th August 2026.

Call for Incubation: Join Our NIDHI iTBI Program at down town Venture Labs (dtVL-AdtU) - Ignition Grant upto Rs 10 Lakhs – Up to ₹10 Lakhs

Grant providers

Provider

Department of Science & Technology

New Delhi · Delhi · India

Department of Science & Technology (DST), India The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is a central government department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established on 3 May 1971, DST serves as the nodal body for organising,…

Learn more

Application Process

1
Submit Application
Fill out the application form and upload your pitch deck and other required documents.
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.

The NIDHI iTBI program at down town Venture Labs (dtVL-AdtU), supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, invites innovative startups in the Healthcare and ICT domains to join its incubation program. This initiative is designed to propel early-stage tech startups from idea to impact by providing comprehensive support for prototyping, R&D, and market entry. The program aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for technological innovation.

It addresses the critical needs of startups by offering not just financial assistance but also the essential infrastructure and guidance required to scale. Participants will benefit from a structured environment that nurtures innovation, facilitates product development, and connects them with vital resources for growth. The program is particularly beneficial for those developing hardware products, providing a significant boost to their initial development phases.

The NIDHI iTBI program offers comprehensive support, including an Ignition Grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs for eligible startups. This funding is specifically targeted at accelerating the development of hardware products in the Healthcare and ICT domains.

Beyond the financial grant, participants gain access to state-of-the-art incubation facilities, which include co-working spaces and dedicated R&D labs for prototyping and product development. The program provides expert mentorship from industry leaders, fostering critical skill development and strategic guidance. Startups will also benefit from extensive industry connections, leading to market access opportunities, and direct access to investors to facilitate further funding rounds. Media exposure and ecosystem networking are also key components, enhancing visibility and collaborative prospects.

Call for Incubation: Join Our NIDHI iTBI Program at down town Venture Labs (dtVL-AdtU) - Ignition Grant upto Rs 10 Lakhs

Call for Incubation: Join Our NIDHI iTBI Program at down town Venture Labs (dtVL-AdtU) - Ignition Grant upto Rs 10 Lakhs

Grant providers

Application Process

How to apply

Program templates & documents

Sources

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Am I likely to win this grant — and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

About this grant

Eligibility

Timelines & Process

Benefits & Funding

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Startup Software Credits

Notion

Semrush

Reclaim.ai

DigitalOcean

Huawei

Datadog

Microsoft

Mixpanel

Google

Razorpay

Akamai Technologies

IBM