Runway Grants
A programme by Runway Incubator, UPES
Three non-dilutive grant tiers — idea, prototype or MVP, and early revenue — awarded alongside a place in the incubation programme.
At a glance
| Best for | Startups anywhere in India that want funding without giving up equity |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Early revenue |
| Format | Hybrid |
| Cost | No equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About Runway Grants
Runway offers grant support at three stages and states plainly that it is non-dilutive: it takes no equity in return. Angel investment is a separate track.
What you get
- Grant support sized to your stage
- A place in the incubation programme
- Mentoring, and lab and workspace access at UPES
- Networking with investors and industry leaders
Who can apply
- Idea stage: a clear problem statement and proposed solution, a founding team of at least one committed member, willingness to do the eight-week incubation, any sector, anywhere in India
- Prototype or MVP: a working prototype or MVP, evidence of early user traction or feedback, registered or willing to register as a company, and a commitment to mentoring and demo day
- Early revenue: demonstrable monthly revenue or paying customers, a registered Indian company (private limited or LLP), a clear roadmap for scaling with the grant, and willingness to file progress reports
How selection works: A panel reviews every application. Shortlisted teams go through interviews and are picked on innovation potential, team strength and scalability.
How to apply: Use the application form on the Runway site and choose the grants track.
Where to apply
Other Runway Incubator, UPES programmes
- Runway Incubation ProgramAn 8-to-10-week blended cohort that takes a startup from refining its idea to pitching investors on demo day.
- Runway Angel & Seed Investment (AI track)Equity investment into AI-native startups, decided in numbered pitch rounds and ending in a milestone-based term sheet.
- Takeoff 6.0 — pre-incubation programRunway's pre-incubation intake, with its own registration page and deadline.
- MeitY GENESIS at RunwayThe Ministry of Electronics and IT's GENESIS support programme for early-stage tech startups, hosted at Runway.
- DST Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI) Ignition GrantIgnition grants for technology startups under the DST-approved inclusive technology business incubator project at UPES.