Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)
BITS BioCyTiH Foundation's FIST program provides up to ₹75 lakh in grants and equity to faculty and scientists for translating TRL 7+ technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and environment into commercial products.
- Funding amount
- ₹75L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- BITS BioCyTiH Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closes in 5d (20 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) program, run by BITS BioCyTiH Foundation (BBF) — a Section 8 company established by BITS Pilani under the DST-funded NM-ICPS initiative — is designed to accelerate faculty-led translational research into market-ready products. Targeting technologies at or above TRL 7, FIST supports innovations in healthcare, agriculture, water, and environment, with a focus on Bio-Cyber Physical Systems (Bio-CPS). This interdisciplinary field combines biology, electronics, computer science, and uses IoT, ML, AI, AR, and smart sensors. The program funds product refinement up through Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and spin-off creation, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between lab discovery and market deployment. Industry collaboration is strongly preferred to ensure commercial relevance.
The program offers up to ₹75 lakh in a blend of grants and equity. Grants cover core research and development, while equity investment fuels market traction and long-term startup growth. Additional incubation support, mentorship, lab access, IP management (shared ownership), and technology transfer assistance further enhance the offering. Tech transfers require a mutually agreed fee or royalty, and startups must offer equity to BBF. The program runs for 6 months and may be extended.
Highlights
- Funding up to ₹75 lakh
- Combined Grants & Equity investment
- Open to faculty and scientists
- Focus on TRL 7+ technologies
- Key sectors: Healthcare, Agriculture, Environment, Water
- Industry collaboration preferred
Who can apply
Applicants must be regular faculty or scientists from UGC-recognized academic institutions or government research establishments who have lab access to conduct translational research. The proposed technology must be at or above TRL 7, demonstrable, and show market feasibility. Projects should revolve around Bio-CPS or include a Bio-CPS component. Industry collaboration is a strong preference; collaborative proposals between universities, research bodies, and industry are encouraged. Regulatory approvals for the technology are desirable but not mandatory.
Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) 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
Applications for Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) are open and the current deadline is Closes in 5d (20 Jul 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
- Up to ₹75 lakh in combined grants and equity investment.
- Grants fund R&D for prototype refinement and technology readiness; equity investment supports startup growth and traction.
- Comprehensive incubation support includes mentorship, lab facilities for testing and fabrication, and strategic networking.
- IP ownership shared with BBF; technology transfer facilitated with mutually agreed fee/royalty.
- Assistance with regulatory approvals and creating spin-off companies, which must offer equity to BBF.
- Networking with industry, academia, and investors through BBF's ecosystem.
About the provider
Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) is offered by BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by BITS BioCyTiH Foundation 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
Selection is competitive and multi-stage. The first step screens proposals for technical merit, commercial potential, and alignment with FIST objectives. Shortlisted applicants are invited for an online presentation to a selection committee (comprising BBF, BITS Pilani, and possibly external experts), where they discuss their project vision, progress, and commercialization strategy. Following the presentation, due diligence is conducted, which may verify documents, assess lab resources, and discuss IP and technology transfer. Final selection is holistic, based on all evaluation criteria.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST), 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
Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹75L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does FIST provide, and what is the funding structure?
The program provides up to ₹75 lakh as a combination of grants and equity. Grants support research and development activities, while the equity portion (in the form of investment into a newly created startup) drives long-term growth and commercialization.
What is the application deadline for FIST?
The deadline is 20 July 2026. All applications must be submitted via the specified Google Form link on or before that date.
Who is eligible to apply for FIST?
Eligible applicants are regular faculty members or scientists at UGC-recognized academic institutes or government research establishments. The PI must have lab access and the technology must be at TRL 7 or higher, demonstrable, and market-feasible.
Are there any sector or technology restrictions?
Projects must address healthcare, agriculture, water, or environment, and should relate to Bio-Cyber Physical Systems (Bio-CPS) (biological, computational, and electronic disciplines). Technologies can be standalone Bio-CPS or incorporate a Bio-CPS component to add value.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for applying. However, if a startup emerges from the project, it would need to be incorporated separately (BFF guidance given).
Does FIST take equity? If yes, what percentage?
FIST provides a portion of its funding as equity investment (not a loan or grant alone). In the event a startup is created from the project, BBF must be offered equity, and BBF’s incubation services should be engaged. The specific equity percentage is not fixed in the available information and is determined during due diligence and negotiations.
What are the required documents for application?
You will need an image of the proof-of-concept / prototype / product; Annexure 1 listing milestones and budget; proof of regular employment for the PI; a declaration; and optionally, existing partnership proof (e.g. MoU), clinical trial evidence, product certifications, or licensing deals. Each file must be at most 10 MB.
How do I apply, and who do I contact?
Submit all documents via the Google Form link at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9c-mUB-OcxRylj5h8VylDR5P0LWN3xnthsKR1tiA7COhlwg/viewform. For queries, email sso@biocytih.co.in with subject line "FIST Application <name of project> <name of PI>".
What is the typical selection process after applying?
Proposals are first screened for quality and project fit. Shortlisted applicants then give a live online presentation to the FIST committee. Subsequently, due diligence (including documents and IP ownership) is performed. Successful applicants are offered funding and incubation support.
Can I apply if my technology is not TRL 7 but close?
No. A confirmed TRL of 7 or greater is a mandatory eligibility requirement, as FIST targets only mature technologies ready for target-market validation and refinement toward an MVP.
Who offers Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)?
Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) is offered by BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST)
Not sure Faculty Innovation & Startup Traction (FIST) is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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