CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad

The CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad is a collaborative initiative designed to accelerate innovation across the construction value chain, with a strong focus on sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing solutions. It is jointly run by Habitat for Humanity's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) and the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), with IIT Palakkad's Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) as the implementation partner. The program provides early-stage innovators with a monthly subsistence grant and support for up to 18 months, helping them turn their ideas into viable, scalable startups. It is ideal for first-generation entrepreneurs who are committed to full-time work on tech-driven ideas in sustainable housing.

• Monthly subsistence grant provided to selected entrepreneurs.
• Support duration of up to 18 months.
• Focus on sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing innovations.
• Collaboration between Habitat for Humanity TCIS, Kerala Startup Mission, and IIT Palakkad IPTIF.
• Open to first-generation entrepreneurs at ideation, validation, or early startup stage.

To apply, you must be a first-generation entrepreneur (not a final-year student) and at least 18 years old, committed to working full-time on your idea. Your venture should be at the ideation, validation, or early startup stage and must not have raised major external funding. Your idea must be original, tech-driven, and focused on sustainable and affordable housing, particularly innovations in materials, alternate building materials, or local indigenous practices. You cannot currently be receiving NIDHI EIR/PRAYAS support for the same project. You must also be able to present a clear business plan and grant utilization strategy.

CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad closed on 12 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected entrepreneurs receive a monthly subsistence grant to cover living expenses while they develop their idea. The program offers support for up to 18 months, including mentoring, access to resources, and a structured environment to validate and scale their innovation. No equity is taken in exchange for the grant.

CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad is offered by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to CIH Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program at IIT Palakkad, 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.