NIFTEM-K–Nestlé R&D Centre Startup Challenge 2026
A programme by NTIBIF (NIFTEM Technology Innovation and Business Incubation Foundation)
A joint challenge with Nestlé R&D Centre India to find and support early-stage food and agri-business startups.
At a glance
| Best for | Early-stage, DPIIT-registered food and agri-business startups with an MVP or prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – Early revenue |
| Format | Hybrid |
| Cost | Free, takes equity |
| 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 Startup Challenge is a joint initiative by NIFTEM-K and Nestlé R&D Centre India to identify and support early-stage startups working on scalable, sustainable and market-ready solutions in the food and agri-business sector. Selected startups can receive financial support, part as a cash grant and the balance as incubation support, and NTIBIF may take a small equity stake in winning startups in lieu of incubation support.
Who can apply
- Early-stage startups registered as private limited companies, LLPs or proprietorships under DPIIT
- Innovators or teams with an MVP or prototype
- A team of at least two members, with at least one holding technical expertise in the food or agri sectors
- Pre-revenue or early-revenue startups, not more than five years old
- Indian nationals and residents; international applicants must partner with an Indian entity
- Startups operating outside the food and agri domains are excluded
How to apply: Apply online through NTIBIF's designated portal during the stated application window. There is no application fee.
Where to apply
Other NTIBIF programmes
- NIFTEM Startup Incubation Programme (N-SIP)NTIBIF's incubation programme for Food-Agri and allied sector startups, run in two phases.
- NINE Program (NIFTEM Innovation and Nurturing Enterprises Program)A route that gives food and allied sector ventures access to NIFTEM's facilities at concessional prices.