What kind of ideas are eligible for the NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant?

The grant is open to innovative technology-based ideas that demonstrate significant potential for impact and commercial viability. We encourage solutions across various tech domains.

What is the maximum funding I can receive?

Selected startups can receive a grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs. This funding is non-repayable and equity-free.

What kind of support does INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF) provide?

INIF provides comprehensive incubation support, including dedicated mentorship from industry experts, access to co-working spaces, lab infrastructure (if applicable), and strategic guidance for product development, business scaling, and market access.

Do I need to have a registered company to apply?

While the program encourages applications from registered startups, pre-incorporation teams with a clear plan for formalizing their entity are also welcome to apply.

Is there any equity taken by INIF or DST?

No, the NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant is equity-free. Neither INIF nor DST will take any equity in your startup as part of this grant.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the current round is 5 August 2026, 5:00 PM IST.

NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant - INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF)

The NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant, powered by INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF) and supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with groundbreaking technology-based ideas. This program acts as a crucial stepping stone, providing both financial impetus and strategic guidance to transform innovative concepts into viable startups. It addresses the critical early-stage challenges faced by deep-tech and innovative ventures, offering a structured environment for validation, prototyping, and initial market entry. By fostering a culture of innovation and providing necessary resources, the grant aims to catalyze the development of high-impact solutions across various technology domains. INIF's role as the incubation partner ensures that selected startups receive hands-on support, leveraging their expertise to navigate the complexities of startup growth, from product development to business model refinement and market positioning. This initiative is a testament to the commitment to strengthening India's innovation ecosystem, providing a robust platform for promising ideas to flourish and contribute to national development. The program is particularly geared towards fostering innovation that has the potential for significant societal and economic impact, driving forward technological advancements and creating new opportunities within the Indian startup landscape. It seeks to bridge the gap between academic research or nascent ideas and commercialization, offering a guided pathway for founders to build scalable and sustainable enterprises.

The selection process for the NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant is rigorous and multi-faceted, designed to identify the most promising technology-based ideas with significant potential for impact. Applications are first screened by an expert panel at INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF) to ensure they meet the fundamental eligibility criteria and align with the program's strategic focus on innovation and technology. This initial review evaluates the novelty of the idea, its technological feasibility, market potential, and the team's capabilities. Shortlisted applicants then proceed to a more in-depth evaluation phase, which may include virtual or in-person interviews and presentations to a jury comprising industry veterans, investors, and subject matter experts from DST and INIF. During these interactions, applicants will be expected to elaborate on their problem statement, solution, competitive advantage, business model, and proposed use of funds. The final selection prioritizes ideas that demonstrate clear innovation, a scalable business model, a dedicated founding team, and a high likelihood of achieving commercial success and societal benefit post-incubation. Decisions are made collaboratively by the selection committee, aiming to foster a diverse cohort of high-potential startups.

The NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant provides up to ₹10 Lakhs in non-repayable cash funding, a critical resource for early-stage startups to cover essential expenses such as R&D, prototype development, market research, and initial operational costs. Beyond financial support, the program offers comprehensive incubation support from INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF), which includes access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant co-working environment. Selected startups will also benefit from dedicated mentorship, connecting with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academic leaders who provide strategic guidance on technology development, business model validation, intellectual property strategy, and market access. This holistic support system is designed to accelerate the growth of innovative ventures, equipping founders with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to transform their ideas into successful enterprises. The mentorship aspect is crucial, offering tailored advice and critical feedback to help startups overcome technical and commercial hurdles, ensuring they are well-positioned for future funding rounds and market penetration.

Explore

Partners

Legal

Upcoming Webinars

NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant - INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF)

NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Grant - INurture Incubation Foundation (INIF)

Grant providers

Application Process

How to apply

Program templates & documents

Webinars

Grants closing soon

Subsidies

Debt programs

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Results & next round

About this grant

Eligibility

Timelines & Process

Benefits & Funding

Webinars

Grants closing soon

Subsidies

Debt programs

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Startup Software Credits

Warp

Bolt

Notion

Manus

Reclaim.ai

Replit

Semrush

Hostinger

Higgsfield

Google

Microsoft

Huawei

Mistakes to avoid to win Grants

DeepTech Grants in India 2026

Can Your Startup Win Grants?

How Do I Write a Winning Application

Can Your Startup Win Grants?