5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur
Grant program for 5G/6G startups in Uttar Pradesh, offering EiR fellowship up to ₹4L and MVP grant up to ₹6L.
- Funding amount
- ₹6L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Sept 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The 5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Kanpur is a flagship initiative supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under its Startup Policy 2020. The program aims to foster indigenous development of 5G and beyond technologies. It offers structured support through two distinct tracks: the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Fellowship, providing funding up to ₹4 lakhs, and the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Grant, offering up to ₹6 lakhs. Both tracks serve startups at different maturity levels, with the EiR focusing on early concept-stage ventures and the MVP grant supporting those with a working prototype. The program is sector-agnostic within 5G/6G technologies and is open to startups or MSMEs in ideation, prototype, or MVP stages. A key requirement is incorporation in Uttar Pradesh within 60 days of funding for EiR fellows, while MVP grant recipients must already be incorporated in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative strengthens the state's startup ecosystem by providing financial support and mentorship to next-generation telecom innovators.
Highlights
- Supported by Government of Uttar Pradesh under Startup Policy 2020
- Two funding tracks: EiR Fellowship (up to ₹4L) and MVP Grant (up to ₹6L)
- Open to startups/MSMEs in ideation, prototype, or MVP stage focusing on 5G/6G
- Company incorporation required in Uttar Pradesh
Who can apply
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Fellowship requires a basic concept note and selected fellows must register their company in Uttar Pradesh within 60 days of the fund sanction. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Grant requires a working prototype, and incorporated startups must be incorporated in Uttar Pradesh. Common eligibility: any startup or MSME working in the ideation, prototype, or MVP stage, focused on 5G/6G technologies, is eligible. Applicants must meet the above criteria.
5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur 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 5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur closed on 5 Sept 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- EiR Fellowship: Up to ₹4 lakhs funding for concept-stage ventures.
- MVP Grant: Up to ₹6 lakhs funding for ventures with a working prototype.
- Both tracks are grant-based, meaning no equity dilution.
- Support from the 5G/6G Centre of Excellence ecosystem including mentorship and access to facilities at IIT Kanpur.
About the provider
5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur 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
The program selection process includes assessment of the concept note (for EiR) or working prototype (for MVP) and eligibility verification. No application stages were provided. Applicants apply online.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to 5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur, 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
5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹6L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the funding amount offered by this program?
The EiR Fellowship offers up to ₹4 lakhs, and the MVP Grant offers up to ₹6 lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 5, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any startup or MSME working in the ideation, prototype, or MVP stage, focused on 5G/6G technologies, is eligible. Additionally, for the EiR Fellowship, a basic concept note is needed. For the MVP Grant, a working prototype is mandatory.
Is there any location requirement for applicants?
Yes, for the EiR Fellowship, selected fellows must register their company in Uttar Pradesh within 60 days of fund sanction. For the MVP Grant, incorporated startups must be incorporated in Uttar Pradesh.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
The program does not explicitly require DPIIT or MSME registration, but you must be a startup or MSME working on 5G/6G technologies.
Is the funding a grant or does it require equity?
The funding is a grant, meaning no equity is taken; it is non-dilutive.
What documents are typically needed for application?
Required documents include a concept note for the EiR Fellowship and a working prototype for the MVP Grant. Additional documents may be requested during the application process.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the program's application page.
How are applicants selected?
The selection process reviews the concept note or prototype based on eligibility criteria. Specific evaluation details were not provided.
Who offers 5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur?
5G/6G Centre of Excellence (CoE) Program at IIT Kanpur is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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