DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant

NITA-FIIE, the innovation arm of NIT Agartala, runs a DST-iTBI Incubation Centre that offers early-stage hardware and deeptech startups an equity-free Ignition Grant along with incubation support. The programme aims to help founders increase their Technology Readiness Level and attract subsequent funding. Applications for the current cycle are accepted from 15 May 2026 to 30 June 2026.

The focus is on ventures building tangible hardware, deep tech innovations, or other IP-driven products. Selected startups receive a grant between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh, with no equity taken, plus a minimum of six months of incubation. Beyond funding, incubated companies get co-working space, mentorship, training, access to NIT Agartala's labs and infrastructure, and fundraising assistance via the DST-iTBI network. Registered startups can continue to use incubation benefits for up to three years.

The programme is ideal for startups that have not yet built a working prototype. It excludes pure software, e-commerce, app-only, or service businesses, as well as proposals meant purely for academic research or student internships.

• Equity-free Ignition Grant of ₹2–5 lakh
• Up to 20 startups incubated; up to 10 receive ignition grants
• Co-working space, mentorship, training & infrastructure access
• Minimum 6-month incubation program (benefits extendable to 3 years)
• For startups <2 years old with turnover under ₹25 lakh
• Applications open 15 May – 30 June 2026

Startups must be incorporated less than two years before the application date and have an annual turnover below ₹25 lakh in every financial year since incorporation. The product must not have progressed beyond the prototype stage. The focus is on hardware, deeptech, and innovation-driven ventures. Excluded categories include: pure software development, e-commerce platforms, app-based solutions, service-only businesses, products already past prototype level, and proposals focused solely on research or student internships.

If any founder or co-founder has previously received a similar grant (e.g., NIDHI PRAYAS or NIDHI SSP), the incubation centre makes the final eligibility decision.

DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant closed on 30 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive an equity-free Ignition Grant between ₹2 lakh (minimum) and ₹5 lakh (maximum) to advance their product. In addition, incubated startups get:

• Co-working space
• Structured mentorship
• Training and capacity-building
• Access to NIT Agartala's labs and infrastructure
• Fundraising support and investor connects through DST-iTBI Registered startups can access incubation benefits for up to three years.

The grant cannot be used for: paying the grantee or relatives, repaying existing loans/commitments, paying rent, constructing movable or permanent infrastructure, funding pure research or student internships, or serving as stop-gap funding for other professional pursuits.

DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant is offered by NITA-FIIE, NIT Agartala, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by NITA-FIIE, NIT Agartala as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Selection happens in three stages:

• Primary Screening: All applications undergo initial screening.
• Incubation Admission: Up to 20 qualified startables are admitted to a minimum six-month incubation program.
• Grant Selection: Approximately three months into incubation, up to 10 of the incubated startups are awarded the ignition grant based on merit and satisfactory progress.

Applications are accepted online. For details, visit the apply link.

Before you apply to DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant, 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.

DST-iTBI NIT Agartala Call for Incubation & Ignition Grant is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2L – ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.