Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at IITM Pravartak is a grant designed for individual Indian innovators focused on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) development prior to company formation. This initiative is managed by the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Madras, operating under the NMICPS mission.

Based at the IIT Madras Research Park in Taramani, Chennai, the program supports a single individual in transforming a CPS concept into a functional prototype or pilot project. Successful participants are then guided towards Pravartak's subsequent incubation programs, such as PRAYAS and the Seed Support System, for additional funding once their company is officially established.

Selected EIRs receive a grant of up to ₹35,000 monthly for a maximum of 12 months, totaling up to ₹4.2 lakh. This includes expert technical mentorship and access to IITM Pravartak's advanced lab facilities. The entire engagement period is limited to one year.

IITM Pravartak specifically seeks proposals within the foundational elements of Cyber-Physical Systems, including:

• Sensors
• Networking
• Actuators
• Control Systems

This scope also covers related CPS applications like IoT, robotics, industrial automation, embedded systems, and edge AI.

Regarding Intellectual Property (IP), it is important for applicants to understand that all patents and technological concepts developed during the EIR tenure are jointly owned by IITM Pravartak and the inventor(s). IITM Pravartak covers the costs associated with patent filing. Should the EIR later form a startup, Pravartak grants a license for this IP back to the new company, typically with a royalty clause. An option for an exclusive license can be negotiated based on terms agreed at the time of filing. This joint ownership model is a key consideration, differing from programs where IP is solely held by the founder.

After completing the prototype phase, EIRs have the opportunity to transition into Pravartak's PRAYAS or Seed Support System (SSS) tracks. This pathway allows for continued funding and support, facilitating the evolution from an EIR project into a Pravartak-incubated startup.

• Monthly stipend of ₹35,000 for up to 12 months (totaling ₹4.2 lakh)
• Grant for individual Indian innovators at the pre-incorporation stage
• Focus on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) innovation
• Access to IITM Pravartak's lab facilities and expert mentorship
• Direct pathway to PRAYAS and Seed Support System for further funding
• Joint Intellectual Property (IP) ownership with IITM Pravartak

This program is open to Indian citizens with an innovative idea in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), specifically within Sensors, Networking, Actuators, or Control Systems. Applicants must be individuals at the pre-incorporation stage, meaning they have not yet registered a company, and aim to develop a prototype into a market-ready product.

Preference is given to winners of Hackathons or Grand Challenge Competitions. Successful candidates must be willing to engage with or be based at IITM Pravartak, located at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, for the duration of the EIR year.

Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of up to ₹35,000 for 12 months, accumulating to a maximum of ₹4.2 lakh. The program also provides crucial technical mentorship from the IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak network.

Participants gain access to Pravartak's state-of-the-art lab facilities at IIT Madras Research Park. Furthermore, it offers a clear pathway to Pravartak's PRAYAS and Seed Support System (SSS) programs for follow-on funding once the company is incorporated.

The selection process begins with candidates submitting a detailed written proposal, adhering to IITM Pravartak's guidelines. This proposal must outline project objectives, key milestones, and proposed expenditure.

A Technical Review Committee evaluates these initial submissions. Shortlisted individuals then present their ideas to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), which assesses the innovation and market viability of the concept.

Successful applicants are subsequently offered the Entrepreneur in Residence position. Following onboarding, the technical review committee conducts regular milestone reviews, and continued funding is dependent on the demonstrated progress of the project.