AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC
Call for proposals by AI4India & IHFC for AI startups showcasing at AI Impact Summit 2026. Selected teams may get incubation and funding up to ₹2Cr.
- Funding amount
- ₹2Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (24 Dec 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
This is an official Pre-Summit Event for the AI Impact Summit 2026, themed 'Building Inclusive AI for India and The World'. The call for proposals invites innovative AI startups, industry, and academia to showcase their solutions in key sectors. Selected teams will present at the Pre-Summit Event on January 23, 2026, at R&I Park, IIT Delhi. Particularly promising projects can be considered for incubation and funding of up to ₹2 Crore by IHFC, —but the funding is limited to deeptech startups that align with IHFC's supported sectors and domains.
Highlights
- Showcase at the AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event on January 23, 2026 at R&I Park, IIT Delhi.
- Top projects may receive incubation and funding of up to ₹2 Crore from IHFC.
- Open to startups, industry, and academia across nine application areas including healthcare, defence, agriculture, and more.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from concept (TRL <4) to full-scale production (TRL 9) is considered.
- Funding supported by IHFC only for deeptech startups in IHFC-related sectors.
Who can apply
Proposals are welcomed from Startups, Industry, and Academia. The broad application areas include: Industry, Agriculture, Education, Healthcare, Defence & Security, AI Hardware, Entertainment, Productivity Tools, and Foundational Research / Scientific Discovery. The technology's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is assessed, from Less than TRL 4 up to TRL 9 (Full Scale Production Achieved). However, incubation and funding of up to ₹2 Crore from IHFC are available only for startups in sectors and domains that IHFC supports (i.e., deeptech areas relevant to IHFC).
AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC closed on 24 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected teams gain the opportunity to showcase their work at the AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event. The most promising projects may receive incubation support and funding of up to ₹2 Crore from IHFC, provided they operate in IHFC-supported deeptech domains. For those not funded, the summit provides valuable visibility and networking.
About the provider
AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IHFC, IIT Delhi as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with the summit's AI focus and their potential impact across the mentioned sectors. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the proposed solution is considered. Applications require a Proposal PPT (following the required format) and, optionally, a Video of Prototype/Product. There is no specified number of stages or durations—selection is tailored to match IHFC's investment interests for deeptech AI.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Promising projects may receive incubation and funding of up to ₹2 Crore by IHFC.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 24, 2025.
Who can apply?
Startups, industry entities, and academic teams can apply. Proposals are welcome across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, defence, education, AI hardware, and more.
Is the funding available for any industry?
No. The funding of up to ₹2 Crore is only available for sectors and domains supported by IHFC, which focus on deeptech AI startups.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The call does not specify a requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration. Check the application format for any hidden prerequisites.
Does the program take equity?
No terms on equity are mentioned. Since it's a grant and incubation offer, equity terms, if any, would be decided during selection.
What documents are needed?
Applicants must submit a Proposal PPT following the required format, and may optionally include a Video of Prototype/Product.
How do I apply?
Apply via the online form at the link provided by IHFC.
When will the selected teams present?
Selected teams showcase their work at the Pre-Summit Event on January 23, 2026, at R&I Park, IIT Delhi.
What is the theme of the summit?
The AI Impact Summit 2026 focuses on 'Building Inclusive AI for India and The World'.
Who offers AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC?
AI Impact Summit 2026 Pre-Summit Event: Call for Proposals by AI4India & IHFC is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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