NIDHI iTBI Ignition Grant at downtown Venture Labs (AdtU)
By Department of Science & Technology
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Quick Answer
NIDHI iTBI program at down town Venture Labs offers incubation, mentorship, infrastructure, and an Ignition Grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs for healthcare and ICT startups, focusing on hardware products.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 26 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Department of Science & Technology. 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 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.
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
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 moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
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.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening based on the submitted materials, including the pitch deck. Shortlisted startups may be invited for further evaluation, which could include presentations or interviews with a selection committee comprising industry experts and representatives from down town Venture Labs and DST. The most promising innovations will be selected for the NIDHI iTBI Incubation program.
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
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.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
