Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF
IIT Palakkad's 12-month fellowship for social innovators with ₹2.5L prototyping grant and monthly stipend.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation is a 12-month intensive fellowship designed for early-stage founders and innovators creating technology-enabled solutions for Tier 3/4 cities, rural areas, and underserved communities. This program is run by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) in partnership with Buimerc India Foundation.
Fellows receive a monthly fellowship stipend plus a prototyping grant of up to ₹2.5 Lakhs. The program offers hands-on support, expert mentorship, access to advanced prototyping facilities, and connections with investors and partners to accelerate ventures from concept to sustainable social impact.
Highlights
- 12-month intensive fellowship with monthly stipend plus ₹2.5 Lakh prototyping grant
- Run by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) in partnership with Buimerc India Foundation
- Focus on technology-enabled solutions for Tier 3/4 cities, rural areas, and underserved communities
- Open to early-stage startups (<1 year old) at idea or proof-of-concept stage
- Priority sectors: Health, Education, Environment/Climate, Agriculture, Assistive Technologies
- Cohort announced by November 2025; program begins December 2025
Who can apply
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and be a researcher, professional, or social innovator with a strong commitment to developing technology-enabled social solutions. Startups must be less than 1 year old and legally registered (Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, or NGO/Social Enterprise). The venture should be at the idea or proof-of-concept stage with no significant revenues or institutional funding. It must be founder-led and actively worked on by the applicant. The solution should address a clear social problem in focus areas like Health, Education, Environment/Climate, Agriculture/Rural livelihoods, Assistive/Gender-Inclusive Technologies, etc., with emphasis on inclusivity and benefit to underserved communities. Technology (IoT, AI, automation, low-cost engineering, digital tools) must be a differentiator. Applicants must commit to the full 12-month program including mentoring, workshops, and demo events. They should not be enrolled in another full-time incubation/acceleration program during the EiR period (unless formally approved) and must not have received any other funding for the same project.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF 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 Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF closed on 20 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Monthly fellowship stipend for the 12-month duration.
- Prototyping grant of up to ₹2.5 Lakhs.
- Hands-on support and expert mentorship.
- Access to cutting-edge prototyping facilities at IPTIF.
- Connections with investors and partners to accelerate growth.
About the provider
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted online, then evaluated based on impact orientation, technology differentiation, and feasibility. The selected cohort is announced by the last week of November 2025. The program starts in December 2025.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF, 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
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the EiR program provide?
Fellows receive a monthly fellowship stipend plus a prototyping grant of up to ₹2.5 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is October 20, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals aged 21+ who are researchers, professionals, or social innovators with a technology-enabled social solution. The startup must be less than 1 year old, legally registered (Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, or NGO/Social Enterprise), at idea or proof-of-concept stage, and founder-led. No prior institutional funding or revenue is expected.
Which sectors are supported?
Focus areas include Health, Education, Environment/Climate, Agriculture/Rural livelihoods, Assistive/Gender-Inclusive Technologies, and similar fields that benefit underserved communities.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, the eligibility criteria do not require DPIIT or MSME registration.
Does the program take equity?
No, the program offers a grant and fellowship stipend, which are non-dilutive. No equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
The application is submitted online via the provided form. Specific documents are not listed, but you will likely need details about your venture, team, and the social problem you are addressing.
How long is the program?
The EiR is a 12-month fellowship.
When does the program start?
The program begins in December 2025, after the cohort is announced in late November 2025.
Can I be in another incubator while in this program?
No, you should not be enrolled in another full-time incubation or acceleration program during the EiR period unless formally approved.
Who offers Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF?
Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF is offered by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) on Social Innovation at IPTIF?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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