NIFTEM-K – Nestlé R&D Centre Startup Challenge 2026
A programme by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT)
Joint challenge of NIFTEM-K and Nestlé R&D Centre India for early-stage food and agri startups, with grant and incubation support. Closed.
At a glance
| Best for | Early-stage food and agri startups with an MVP or prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – Early revenue |
| Cost | Free |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | Nestlé R&D Centre India |
About NIFTEM-K – Nestlé R&D Centre Startup Challenge 2026
The 2026 challenge's application window ran from 14 April to 5 May 2026, and its registration form no longer accepts responses. Selected startups were to receive financial assistance partly as a cash grant, paid in tranches, and partly as incubation support, with access to pilot plants and product testing, mentoring and showcase opportunities. NTIBIF may ask for equity in winning startups in lieu of incubation support.
Focus areas
- Protein for All.
- Nutrition for Every Pocket.
- Wellness, Functional & Indulgence Beverages.
Who can apply
- Early-stage startups registered under DPIIT as a private limited company, LLP or proprietorship, with an MVP or prototype.
- Teams of at least two members, with one member having technical expertise in food or agri sectors.
- Pre-revenue or early-revenue startups no more than five years old.
- Indian nationals and residents, or international applicants who partner with an Indian entity.
Where to apply
Other NIFTEM programmes
- NIFTEM Startup Incubation Programme (N-SIP)NTIBIF's incubation programme for food and agri startups: a one-week residency workshop, then incubation with seed grant support and mentorship.
- NINE Program (NIFTEM Innovation and Nurturing Enterprises)Registration route that gives food and allied-sector individuals and ventures concessional access to NIFTEM facilities, and a route to apply for N-SIP seed support.
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