SPRINT
A programme by IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation
Rolling-intake programme that helps research ideas become early-stage startups and takes technology projects through validation, upgrading and commercialisation.
At a glance
| Best for | Researchers, innovators and early founders with a deep-tech idea or technology to commercialise, including individuals |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – MVP |
About SPRINT
SPRINT stands for Strategic Program for Research, Innovation and Next-Gen Tech Commercialization. It is meant for innovators, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a startup or need help commercialising a technology. The programme has run nine editions, according to the hub's December 2024 brochure.
What you get
- Incubation support at the hub for a research idea or technology project
- After screening, an internal pitch and a demo day, funding that may come as a grant, as equity or as a loan
Who can apply
- Innovative, technology-focused ideas, with deep-tech ideas in the hub's cyber-physical systems focus areas
- Patents and IP are preferred
- Women founders are encouraged to apply
- Individuals can apply, not only registered companies
How selection works: Screening, then an internal pitch, then a demo day.
How to apply: Applications are taken on a rolling basis, or through open innovation challenges. Register through the form on the SPRINT page.
Where to apply
Other IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation programmes
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme at iHub – AWaDHSeed support for DPIIT-recognised startups, with a milestone-based grant for early validation and an investment route for market entry and scaling, applied for through the national portal.
- SAMRIDHIThe hub's acceleration programme for cyber-physical-systems startups, built around an annual conclave where startups pitch to investors.
- MeitY GENESIS at IIT RoparThe hub's intake window for MeitY's GENESIS scheme for deep-tech startups in smaller cities; the last window closed on 5 November 2025.
- REAL – Real Estate Acceleration LaunchpadA sector accelerator run by Omaxe Limited with IIT Ropar for real estate, construction and PropTech startups; applications closed in June 2025.
- SWACH – Sanitation and Water Action for Conserving HumanityA programme for water and sanitation startups to build scalable models and become investment ready; applications closed in June 2024.
- WATER Innovation ChallengeA challenge for water and agriculture technologies with four problem statements, run with HDFC Parivartan in early 2024; winners received grants or investment.