DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation
DISHA 2.0 by IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation funds deep-tech digital healthcare startups and academic projects with ₹25L–₹2Cr in exchange for equity. Apply by Oct 31, 2025.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L – ₹2Cr (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare is run by IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, a Section 8 company and Technology Translation & Research Park (TTRP) at IIT Indore. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of deep-tech innovations in digital healthcare. Building on the success of DISHA 1.0, the program identifies, funds, and mentors innovations to transform academic IP into market-ready products and successful startups. Financial support is provided as a non-negotiable amount determined by an external investment committee, ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore. Recipients also receive technical and business mentoring, IP filing assistance, high-value equipment procurement support (ownership vests with DRISHTI CPS), and connections for technology pilots. The support period is 1 year, extendable up to 6 months.
Highlights
- Equity funding from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore for digital healthcare deep-tech innovations
- Open to academic projects (TRL 3+) and DPIIT-registered startups
- Application deadline: October 31, 2025
- Includes mentoring, IP filing assistance, and equipment procurement support
- 1-year support period, extendable up to 6 months
- Funds disbursed milestone-based after EIC approval
Who can apply
The program targets two groups: faculty, researchers, and students from Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) across India who wish to commercialize their technology through spin-off startups, and existing DPIIT-registered deeptech startups working in digital healthcare. Technologies must be in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) within Digital Healthcare and have a market-ready product or early traction; higher TRL (Technology Readiness Level) or market-ready technologies are preferred. Startups must be registered with Startup India and hold a valid DPIIT registration before fund transfer. At least 51% of the company's shares must be held by Indian citizens (excluding PIO and OCI holders). Applicants must agree to an equity transfer (1% to 5%) and revenue-sharing/royalty agreements with IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation.
DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation 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 DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation closed on 31 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Financial Support (Non-negotiable, decided by External Investment Committee):
- Projects (Academia):
- TRL 3-5: up to ₹25 Lacs
- TRL 5-6: up to ₹50 Lacs
- TRL 6 and beyond: up to ₹100 Lacs
- Startups:
- Prototyping to validation: up to ₹25 Lacs
- MVP to Early Traction: up to ₹50 Lacs
- Revenue & Growth Stage: up to ₹200 Lacs
Non-Financial Benefits:
- Technical and business mentoring
- Assistance with IP filing
- High-value equipment procurement support (ownership vests with DRISHTI CPS)
- Connections for technology pilots
- Support period: 1 year, extendable up to 6 months
About the provider
DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is offered by IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation as a equity. 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
Phase 1: Proposal Submission – Submit a concept presentation/pitch deck detailing the problem, innovation, TRL, market, and commercialization strategy.
Phase 2 & 3: Presentations & Reviews – Initial presentation to internal reviewers, followed by a Technical Presentation to Internal and External Domain Experts.
Phase 4: External Investment Committee (EIC) Meeting – Final evaluation and presentation to the EIC, which decides the non-negotiable quantum of financial support.
Phase 5: Due Diligence & Documentation – Signing of agreements (Incubation cum Equity Agreement for startups, Sanction Letter for projects).
Phase 7: Fund Disbursement – Funds transferred on a milestone-based schedule to the Host Institute’s account (for projects) or directly to the startup’s bank account.
Reporting – Mandatory quarterly progress reports and participation in scheduled evaluations.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, 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
DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹25L – ₹2Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does DISHA 2.0 offer?
Funding ranges from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore, with the exact amount decided by the External Investment Committee based on the applicant type and stage. For academic projects: TRL 3-5 up to ₹25 lakh, TRL 5-6 up to ₹50 lakh, TRL 6+ up to ₹1 crore. For startups: prototyping to validation up to ₹25 lakh, MVP to early traction up to ₹50 lakh, revenue & growth stage up to ₹2 crore.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 31, 2025.
Who can apply?
Faculty, researchers, and students from Indian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) who want to commercialize technology by creating spin-off startups, or existing DPIIT-registered deeptech startups in the digital healthcare domain.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, startups must have a valid DPIIT registration before fund transfer.
Does the program take equity?
Yes. DISHA 2.0 provides equity funding. Recipients must transfer 1% to 5% equity to IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation and enter into a revenue-sharing/royalty agreement.
What technology areas are supported?
The program focuses on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) within Digital Healthcare. Technologies should have a market-ready product or early traction, with higher TRL preferred.
What is the support duration?
The support is for 1 year, extendable up to 6 months.
How are funds disbursed?
Funds are disbursed on a milestone-based schedule after signing agreements and due diligence. For projects, funds go to the Host Institute's account; for startups, directly to the startup's bank account.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to submit a concept presentation/pitch deck detailing the problem, innovation, TRL, market, and commercialization strategy via the application form.
How do I apply?
Submit your application through the official portal at https://incubator.drishticps.org/fa/68a5a5e459ce162df07f8c42. The process includes proposal submission, presentations, EIC evaluation, due diligence, and milestone-based disbursement.
Who offers DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation?
DISHA 2.0 Grand Challenge for Digital Healthcare at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is offered by IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
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