Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0
Up to ₹5L grant for Andhra University students, faculty, and researchers building innovations and startups.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Andhra University (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) is a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹5 lakh per project, launched by Andhra University under RUSA 2.0 to mark the university's centenary. It aims to accelerate research, prototyping, and startup ideas from within the AU ecosystem, serving as a stepping stone from the lab or classroom to a market-facing venture.
The program supports a broad range of focus areas including AI, IT/ITES, telecom, gaming, internet and media, EdTech, HealthTech, manufacturing, quantum technologies, green energy, robotics, IoT, materials science, and social-impact innovation. Beyond funding, selected innovators receive mentorship, validation support, a structured prototype-to-market pathway, and access to the university's startup and incubation network.
Applications are open exclusively to AU faculty, research scholars, and UG/PG students, as well as interdisciplinary teams. This grant is most relevant for AU-affiliated founders or researchers seeking early capital and institutional support to turn their ideas into prototypes or ventures.
Highlights
- Grants of up to ₹5L — completely non-dilutive, no equity taken.
- Open only to current Andhra University students (UG/PG), faculty, and researchers.
- Supports a wide array of sectors: AI, IT, telecom, gaming, EdTech, HealthTech, manufacturing, robotics, green energy, materials science, and more.
- Provides mentorship, validation, and a clear prototype-to-market route.
- Applications accepted year-round with a rolling deadline — no fixed close date.
Who can apply
This grant is open only to individuals and teams affiliated with Andhra University — including undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty members, research scholars, and interdisciplinary teams. Applicants must have a research idea, innovation, technology project, or startup vision that aligns with focus areas such as AI, IT/ITES, telecom, gaming, internet and media, EdTech, HealthTech, manufacturing, quantum technologies, green energy, robotics, IoT, materials science, or social-impact innovation. No registered company or DPIIT recognition is required; academic teams and individual innovators at idea, product, or revenue stage can apply.
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise, climate energy ev, deeptech electronics robotics and edtech social impact. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as individual and academic.
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Individual, Academic
Deadline & timing
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected innovators receive a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹5 lakh per project — no equity or repayment is taken. Additional benefits include mentorship and validation support, a structured prototype-to-market pathway, and access to Andhra University's startup and incubation network. This comprehensive package helps winners move from concept or early prototype to a market-ready venture.
About the provider
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is offered by Andhra University, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Andhra University 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 online via the official Google Form. Andhra University evaluates each submission based on innovation potential, technical merit, and alignment with the program's focus areas. No other evaluation stages or timelines have been disclosed in the public announcement. Selected projects receive the grant along with the full support package.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as individual and academic
- 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
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage ai saas enterprise, climate energy ev and deeptech electronics robotics startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Up to ₹5 lakh per project, provided as a non-dilutive grant — no equity or repayment required.
When is the application deadline?
AUCIIG has a rolling deadline and is always open. There is no fixed cutoff date for submissions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current Andhra University students (UG and PG), faculty members, research scholars, and interdisciplinary teams from AU. Startups must come from within the AU ecosystem.
What sectors does the grant cover?
AI & SaaS, IT/ITES, telecom/telco, gaming, internet and media, EdTech, HealthTech, manufacturing, quantum technologies, green energy, robotics, IoT, materials science, and social-impact innovation.
Can individuals or unregistered teams apply?
Yes, there is no company incorporation requirement. Individual students, researchers, and faculty teams are all welcome under this program.
Must I have DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT recognition or MSME registration is not a prerequisite to submit an application under AUCIIG.
Does the grant take equity in my startup?
No — AUCIIG is a pure grant program and does not require any equity stake in exchange for the funding or support services.
What documents or forms are required?
The only publicly listed application requirement is to complete the detailed online Google Form, which captures the innovation in a concise, jargon-free format. No balance sheet, MoA, AoA, or registration proof is called for on the form description.
How will I know if I receive the grant?
Shortlisted innovators will be contacted by Andhra University after the internal evaluation is done — the exact notification mechanism or timeline is not disclosed on the public application page.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted entirely through the official Google Form posted by Andhra University. No email or physical submission is required.
Who offers Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0?
Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is offered by Andhra University, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0
Not sure Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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