Solo Grant Microgrant
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Microgrants from ₹9,500-₹95,000 for solo builders to fund parts, compute, and materials to build their first version.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Solo Founders
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- International
About this grant
The Solo Grant Microgrant program is dedicated to empowering solo builders to transform their passion projects into functional first versions. It offers non-dilutive funding ranging from US$100 to US$1,000 (approximately ₹9,500 to ₹95,000) to cover essential parts, compute resources, and materials. This program serves as a vote of confidence, providing crucial financial support without taking any equity, requiring repayment, or demanding a board seat.
The grant is specifically designed to cover tangible costs that directly 'move the build' forward. This includes purchasing specific components, securing compute time, funding PCB/board runs, acquiring raw materials for initial prototypes, covering domain registration and initial hosting fees, or investing in specialized tools needed to complete a prototype. The program explicitly excludes funding for salaries, general operational runway, pitch deck creation, cosmetic branding, conference travel, or market research, maintaining a sharp focus on 'parts, not payroll.'
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, welcoming individuals of all ages and nationalities. The application process is straightforward, involving a short form, a written application, and a relaxed 15-minute interview. The Solo Grant aims to support early-stage innovation and practical building, helping individuals overcome financial blocks in their development journey by funding the critical resources needed to bring their ideas to life.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Provider
Solo FoundersBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Microgrant funding of US$100 to US$1,000 (approximately ₹9,500 to ₹95,000) provided as a non-dilutive, equity-free, and non-repayable sum. This funding is specifically for essential project costs like parts, compute, PCB/board runs, materials for v1, domain/hosting, and tools for prototyping.
- Access to the Solo Grant community for support, connections, and shared learning among fellow builders.
- A significant vote of confidence to help turn a passion project into a working first version, overcoming financial barriers.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the Solo Grant involves a multi-stage evaluation focused on the builder's conviction and the practicality of their project. Applications are initially screened for clarity, personal background, and a well-articulated project description. A critical component of the written application is a meticulously itemized budget, where lean and researched budgets with real parts and prices are prioritized. This ensures the grant funds are sized precisely to the build's needs, not merely a 'dream'. Shortlisted applicants are then invited for a relaxed 15-minute interview, designed as a builder-to-builder conversation rather than a formal pitch. Successful applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of what the next dollar unlocks for their build and are encouraged to be transparent about early-stage mistakes and lessons learned.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Form
Complete the online application form, providing personal and project details, and a detailed budget.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who's running this?
Solo Grant is a Solo Founders program, affiliated with ODF — the accelerator whose flagship program has helped launch 1,000+ startups. Solo Grant backs builders even earlier: day one, sketch in hand.
Who is eligible?
Anyone blocked from self-funding their build. All ages, all nationalities, all disciplines — hardware, software, weird science.
What exactly is "no strings attached"?
You get $100–$1,000 plus the Solo Grant community, with zero equity or future obligations. We only expect the money to go into the build.
Can I apply multiple times?
Yes, though priority goes to new applicants. Different project, different stage — both fine.
Why do you ask about finances?
To make sure we fund builders who've pushed as far as they can before money became the wall.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
