3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi
Free 3-month pre-incubation at AIC IIT Delhi for students and innovators (TRL 0-3); up to ₹3L prototype, ₹10L Haryana seed pathway.
- Funding amount
- ₹3L – ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Delhi) (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The 3-Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders is a structured early-stage initiative run by AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Delhi). It is designed for first-time founders, students, researchers, and young innovators who have an idea at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 0 to 3 — meaning they have not yet built a minimum viable product or incorporated a company.
The program is delivered in two phases. Phase 1 is a five-day residential boot camp held from 15 to 19 June 2026 at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus in Haryana. This boot camp covers vision and startup mindset, business model and revenue strategy, design thinking, rapid prototyping, market validation, customer discovery, and pitching fundamentals. Phase 2 is a three-month structured mentorship and validation track that begins immediately after the boot camp, guiding selected participants to sharpen their idea and test it with real customers.
Participants selected for Phase 2 receive prototype development support of up to ₹3 lakh, disbursed on a milestone basis, to turn their concept into a tangible early build. Additionally, the program provides a clear pathway to apply for grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under the Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy, subject to applicable norms and approvals. After completing the program, strong participants are offered direct incubation at AIC IIT Delhi, along with workspace and ecosystem access at IIT Delhi.
Participation in the program is free of cost, with limited seats available. This is one of the few structured early-stage programs in India that takes pre-MVP innovators seriously, offering mentorship, capital pathways, and an IIT-backed environment to test whether an idea can become a viable startup.
Highlights
- Free 3-month pre-incubation program at AIC IIT Delhi for idea-stage founders (TRL 0-3).
- Includes a 5-day residential boot camp at IIT Delhi Sonipat campus (15-19 June 2026).
- Prototype development support of up to ₹3 lakh on a milestone basis.
- Pathway to apply for grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy.
- Direct pathway to incubation at AIC IIT Delhi after program completion.
- No company incorporation or DPIIT registration required.
Who can apply
The program is open to students, researchers, young innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs from any discipline. Applicants must be at the idea stage or very early stage, specifically Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 0 to 3. No incorporated company is required — individuals and pre-incorporation teams can apply. DPIIT recognition is not required. Participants must be able to attend the residential boot camp in person at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus (Haryana) from 15 to 19 June 2026. Seats are limited and selection is merit-based.
3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi 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 3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi closed on 31 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected participants in Phase 2 receive prototype development support of up to ₹3 lakh, disbursed on a milestone basis, to build an early version of their product. Additionally, strong participants can apply for grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under the Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy, subject to applicable norms and approvals. The program also offers a direct pathway to incubation at AIC IIT Delhi, along with workspace and ecosystem access at IIT Delhi. Participation itself is free of cost.
About the provider
3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi is offered by AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Delhi), an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, 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
Applications are submitted through the AIC IIT Delhi Google Form before 31 May 2026. The AIC IIT Delhi team screens applications based on idea merit, applicant background, and TRL stage fit. Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend the 5-day residential boot camp (15-19 June 2026) at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus. Performance during the boot camp and idea progression are used to select participants for the 3-month Phase 2 mentorship and validation track. In Phase 2, selected participants access prototype development support of up to ₹3 lakh on a milestone basis. Strong participants are then offered direct incubation at AIC IIT Delhi and the opportunity to apply for grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under the Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to 3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi, 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
3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L – ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered in this program?
Selected participants can receive prototype development support of up to ₹3 lakh. Additionally, strong participants can apply for grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under the Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy, subject to norms and approvals.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2026 through the AIC IIT Delhi Google Form.
What stage of startup is eligible?
The program is open to ideas at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 0 to 3 — that is, pre-MVP, pre-incorporation stage.
Who can apply?
Students, researchers, young innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs from any discipline are eligible. There is no requirement for an incorporated company.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT recognition is not required, and there is no mention of MSME registration being needed.
Does the program take equity?
The program offers grant-based support, which is non-dilutive. No equity is taken for the prototype development funding or the seed fund pathway.
What documents are needed for the application?
The application is submitted via a Google Form, which likely requires basic personal information, idea description, and background details. Specific document requirements are not listed, but applicants should be prepared to describe their idea and TRL stage.
Where does the program take place?
The residential boot camp is held at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus in Haryana. Phase 2 mentorship may be conducted virtually or at IIT Delhi.
How are participants selected?
Applications are screened by the AIC IIT Delhi team based on idea merit, applicant background, and TRL fit. Shortlisted candidates attend the boot camp, and performance there determines Phase 2 selection.
What happens after the program?
Strong participants are offered direct incubation at AIC IIT Delhi and can apply for additional grant support of up to ₹10 lakh under the Startup Haryana Seed Fund Policy.
Who offers 3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi?
3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi is offered by AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Delhi), an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for 3 Month Pre-Incubation Program for Future Founders - AIC IIT Delhi?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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