GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play)

This flagship incubation program is run by GIFT IFIH in collaboration with Plug and Play Tech Center. It is designed for early-stage fintech founders who want to build innovative financial solutions within India's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City. The program focuses on key areas like cross-border finance, AI-driven finance, RegTech, GovTech, Web3 & blockchain infrastructure, and security, risk & compliance. The aim is to help startups go from idea to MVP by providing structured mentorship, product development support, and unparalleled regulatory exposure in the IFSC ecosystem.

The program is completely equity-free and lasts 6 months: the first 3 months are an intensive onsite residential sprint at GIFT City, followed by 3 months of virtual support. Participants get access to a network of industry leaders, investors, and domain experts. The program also offers regulatory immersion, co-working space, and lifelong access to Plug and Play's global network. By focusing on solutions that enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory effectiveness, GIFT IFIH aims to foster the next generation of fintech innovators who can address global financial challenges.

• Up to ₹1.5 lakh milestone-linked stipend
• 6-month incubation program (3 months onsite + 3 months virtual)
• Fully equity-free support
• Residential program at GIFT City, IFSC
• Access to regulatory sandboxes and financial ecosystem
• Global Plug and Play network access

This program targets early-stage fintech founders whose startups are at the idea or MVP stage. Applicants must be committed to building their solutions within the GIFT IFSC ecosystem at GIFT City. The program is ideal for startups focusing on innovative financial services and technologies aligned with the themed areas: cross-border finance, GovTech & RegTech, Web3 & blockchain infrastructure, and security, risk & compliance. Founders should be prepared for an intensive onsite residential experience to accelerate product development and market validation. Specific entity type, DPIIT, or MSME registration is not required, but startups must demonstrate strong alignment with the IFSC framework.

GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play) closed on 5 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive financial support of up to ₹1,50,000 per team, disbursed upon completion of predefined milestones. In addition to the stipend, benefits include:

• 12-week onsite residential sprint at GIFT City for hyper-accelerated product development and ecosystem immersion.
• Complimentary co-working space at GIFT IFIH.
• Regulatory immersion within the GIFT IFSC, giving startups direct exposure to the regulatory sandbox and financial ecosystem.
• Specialized fintech mentorship from industry leaders, seasoned investors, and domain experts.
• Investor and ecosystem exposure, including access to a vibrant founder community.
• Lifelong access to Plug and Play's global network for continued growth opportunities.
• Other offerings include fundraising support, training workshops, and legal/IP support.

GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play) is offered by Plug and Play Tech Center, a startup accelerator. It is delivered directly by Plug and Play Tech Center as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process involves a multi-stage evaluation:

1. Application Review: After submitting the online application, the GIFT IFIH team screens all applications to assess eligibility, innovation potential, and strategic fit with the program's themes.
2. Shortlisting: Startups that align well with the program's thematic areas and demonstrate a clear vision are shortlisted.
3. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for virtual or in-person interviews and presentations before a diverse selection committee. The committee includes representatives from GIFT IFIH, fintech investors, industry veterans, and regulatory experts.
4. Final Selection: The committee selects startups based on team strength, technological innovation, market potential, and feasibility of building within the IFSC framework.
5. Batch Announcement: Final selections are announced on 17 July 2026. Selected startups must relocate to GIFT City between 17 July and 3 August 2026. The program orientation week runs from 4 August to 7 August 2026.

Before you apply to GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play), 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.

GIFT IFIH Residential Program Batch 2 (Plug and Play) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.