FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi
The FITT–Circulus Initiative is an equity investment pathway for climate tech and deeptech startups incubated at FITT, IIT Delhi, offering up to ₹8Cr.
- Funding amount
- ₹8Cr (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- FITT, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The FITT–Circulus Initiative is a structured programme launched by Circulus Capital in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi. It creates a predictable and time-bound pipeline for sourcing, evaluating, and preparing climate tech, cleantech, and deeptech startups for investment. The initiative focuses on circular economy solutions, sustainable materials, advanced recycling technologies, energy efficiency, mobility, and industrial decarbonisation.
Selected startups go through systematic screening, techno-commercial evaluation, and pitch readiness support before being presented to the Circulus Investment Committee. Transformative ventures identified through this pipeline may receive equity investment up to ₹8Cr, along with active growth and scale-up support.
Highlights
- Equity investment of up to ₹8Cr for climate tech, cleantech, and deeptech startups.
- Minimum TRL 4 required; TRL 7+ strongly preferred.
- Open only to startups incubated by or formally supported by FITT – IIT Delhi or its ecosystem.
- Focus on circular economy, sustainable materials, advanced recycling, energy efficiency, mobility, and industrial decarbonisation.
- Systematic pipeline: screening → techno-commercial evaluation → pitch readiness → Investment Committee.
- Active growth and scale-up support post-investment.
Who can apply
This programme is open to startups that are incubated by, or formally supported by, FITT – IIT Delhi or its partner ecosystem. The venture must operate in climate tech, cleantech, circular economy, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, mobility, or industrial decarbonisation. The technology should be at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, with a strong preference for TRL 7 or above. Startups should be at an early commercial, growth, or scale-up stage with commercially deployable and scalable technologies.
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi 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
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups may receive equity investment up to ₹8Cr from Circulus Capital. Beyond the investment, founders get active growth and scale-up support, including structured pitch readiness support, techno-commercial evaluation, and access to the Cirulus Investment Committee. The initiative provides a clear pathway from sourcing to investment in a time-bound manner.
About the provider
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi is offered by FITT, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by FITT, IIT Delhi 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
The selection follows structured stages:
- Screening: Applications are reviewed to check alignment with climate, cleantech, and circular economy focus areas.
- Techno-commercial evaluation and pitch readiness: Shortlisted startups undergo detailed technical and commercial assessment, along with preparation for investor pitches.
- Investment Committee presentation: The final shortlisted ventures present to the Circulus Investment Committee for a potential equity investment decision.
- Growth partnership: Invested ventures receive ongoing scale-up support.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi, 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
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹8Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum investment offered?
Selected startups may receive equity investment up to ₹8Cr from Circulus Capital.
What is the application deadline?
The programme has not specified a fixed deadline; applications are likely reviewed on a rolling basis. Check the official apply page for current status.
Which startups are eligible to apply?
Startups must be incubated by or formally supported by FITT – IIT Delhi or its partner ecosystem. They should work in climate tech, cleantech, circular economy, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, mobility, or industrial decarbonisation, and have a technology at TRL 4 minimum (TRL 7+ preferred).
Does the programme take equity?
Yes, the funding type is equity. Circulus Capital invests in selected startups in exchange for a stake in the company.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The eligibility criteria do not explicitly require DPIIT or MSME registration, but being incubated at FITT – IIT Delhi implies familiarity with such requirements.
What documents are needed to apply?
The programme does not list specific documents. Typically, applications require details about the startup, technology, team, business model, and TRL level.
How and where do I apply?
Apply through the designated online form. Interested founders can use this link: https://accubate.fitt-iitd.in/ext/form/17255/1/apply.
What selection stages are involved?
Applications are screened, shortlisted startups undergo techno-commercial evaluation and pitch readiness support, and final ventures appear before the Circulus Investment Committee for an equity decision.
How much funding does FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi provide?
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi provides ₹8Cr (up to) as equity. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Who offers FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi?
FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi is offered by FITT, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as an investment.
How do I apply for FITT–Circulus Initiative at FITT, IIT Delhi?
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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