BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program
BluePrint is a nationwide startup funding program from ideation to Series A readiness, offering mentorship, incubation, and a grant pool of up to ₹4 Cr. Applications close Feb 1, 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (1 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
BluePrint is a national startup funding and incubation platform designed to back founders from the ideation stage through Series A readiness. It is a flagship initiative under Synapse 2026, the annual management fest of N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research. The program is powered by Venture Catalysts++, India’s first integrated multi-stage venture capital ecosystem, with support from Startup India, DPIIT, and apna.
BluePrint embeds real investors, operators, and institutional mentors directly into the founder’s journey, ensuring every interaction mirrors real-world venture standards. Founders receive structured mentorship, incubation support, and a pledged funding pool of up to USD 500,000 (approximately ₹4 Crore). The program culminates in a live Demo Day designed to replicate authentic founder-investor pitch sessions.
The goal is to help founders build ventures with clarity, credibility, and long-term scalability — making it suitable for anyone who wants to accelerate their startup without giving up equity (since this is a grant).
Highlights
- Grant of up to USD 500,000 (~₹4 Crore) – no equity taken
- Open to ideation to Series A startups across India
- No age limit, no academic restriction, no mandatory incorporation
- Must obtain DPIIT recognition before funding disbursement
- Flagged under Synapse 2026, supported by DPIIT & Venture Catalysts++
- Applications close February 1, 2026
Who can apply
The program is open to students, working professionals, independent founders, researchers, and startup teams from any geography within India. There are no age limits or academic restrictions, and prior incorporation or fundraising is not mandatory to apply. The opportunity is available for startups at any stage from Ideation to Series A readiness.
However, to be considered for funding at the time of investment, the startup must meet these conditions: be incorporated (or in the process of incorporation, or willing to incorporate as a Private Limited Company); must have been incorporated within the last 10 years; must be at pre-revenue, MVP, or product–market fit stage; must not have exceeded ₹100 Crore in revenue in any financial year; must possess valid DPIIT recognition or be willing to obtain it before funding disbursement; and must not operate in prohibited or restricted sectors such as alcohol, non-vegetarian food products, leather goods, gambling, or betting.
BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program 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 BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program closed on 1 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups gain access to a grants pool of up to USD 500,000 (approx ₹4 Crore) – no equity is taken. Beyond capital, participants benefit from structured mentorship provided by Venture Catalysts++ network, institutional incubation support via DPIIT and Startup India, and a live Demo Day in front of investors and experts. The program also includes an online masterclass focused on business fundamentals and investor readiness, plus virtual discussions with mentors and ecosystem experts.
About the provider
BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program is offered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. 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
The selection process begins with an online submission of the startup application, which must include a mandatory pitch deck outlining the problem, solution, market, and vision. Optionally, founders may submit a 90-second video for additional context. Applications then go through an initial screening based on clarity, scalability, and founder conviction. Shortlisted founders are invited to participate in an online masterclass focused on business fundamentals and investor readiness. Subsequently, there are structured virtual discussions with mentors and ecosystem experts. The process culminates in a final live pitch on campus during Demo Day before an expert panel of investors.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have an incorporated company to apply?
No, you can apply even before incorporation. However, to receive funding, your startup must be incorporated (or be in the process of incorporating, or willing to incorporate) as a Private Limited Company within the last 10 years.
What is the funding amount and does BluePrint take equity?
The program has a pledged funding pool of up to USD 500,000 (approximately ₹4 Crore). It is a grant, so no equity is taken – it is non-dilutive funding.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students, working professionals, independent founders, researchers, and startup teams from any Indian state or Union Territory, with no age limit. Prior fundraising experience is not necessary.
What stages does the program cover?
BluePrint covers startups from the Ideation stage all the way up to Series A readiness.
Is DPIIT recognition required?
Yes, to be considered for funding, your startup must have valid DPIIT recognition or be willing to obtain it before the funding is disbursed.
Are there any sector restrictions?
Yes, startups operating in prohibited or restricted sectors such as alcohol, non-vegetarian food products, leather goods, gambling, or betting are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.
How do I apply?
Submit your application online through the platform linked via apna.co, including a mandatory pitch deck (problem, solution, market, vision) and optionally a 90-second video. Apply at: https://apna.co/contests/nldalmia-blueprint2025?utm_source=startupgrantsindia.com&ref=startupgrantsindia.com
Is there a participation or selection fee?
The provided facts do not mention any fee. The program likely does not charge an application fee, but you should check the official page for any costs.
What does the selection process involve?
After submission, there is an initial screening based on clarity, scalability, and founder conviction. Shortlisted founders attend an online masterclass, followed by structured virtual discussions with mentors. Shortlisted teams then present live to investors during Demo Day.
Who offers BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program?
BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program is offered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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Alternatives to BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program
Not sure BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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