Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD
A nine-month MedTech incubation cohort run by the IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center, offering grants of up to ₹15 lakhs along with prototyping labs, clinical validation and investor access.
- Funding amount
- ₹15L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Horizon HealthTech 2026 is a cohort-based, nine-month incubation track run by the IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center (IIITD-IC) at IIIT Delhi. It is built for early-stage MedTech teams that have moved past the drawing-board stage and now need laboratory time, clinical feedback and regulatory direction to convert a validated concept into a working prototype.
The programme sits inside a BIRAC-aligned ecosystem, giving participating teams a government-recognised institutional backdrop while they build. Four technology areas form its core: medical devices, diagnostics, surgical and interventional technology, and remote monitoring.
What sets the cohort apart is the way technical and clinical resources are paired. Teams work with subject-matter experts and get clinical validation exposure through Max Healthcare, so a device or diagnostic is tested under real-world conditions rather than assumptions. Alongside that, the programme arranges investor introductions — YourNest Venture Capital and Auxano Capital are named among the connected funds — and backs teams on IP filing.
By the close of the nine months, the goal is for a startup to hold a functional prototype, a clearer view of its regulatory pathway, evidence of market validation, and a defined route towards follow-on funding and commercialisation. The programme positions itself squarely at the gap between an early concept and a market-ready solution.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed cut-off date to plan around.
Highlights
- Grants of up to ₹15 lakhs for selected MedTech startups
- Nine-month incubation run by IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center
- Prototyping labs, equipment and clinical validation via Max Healthcare
- Mentorship plus CDSCO regulatory guidance and IP filing support
- Investor connect with funds including YourNest Venture Capital and Auxano Capital
- BIRAC-aligned ecosystem with workspace, cloud and software credits
Who can apply
Entry is aimed at early-stage MedTech teams whose idea has already been validated. The programme expects a proof of concept at TRL 3 or beyond — not a raw, untested concept.
- Technology focus: the work must fall within medical devices, diagnostics, surgical or interventional technology, or remote monitoring solutions.
- Intellectual property: the team should already hold IP or be in a position to generate it.
- Company status: a registered company is not mandatory at the application stage. Pre-incorporation teams can apply, and incorporated entities are equally welcome.
- Stage: early-stage ventures building towards a functional prototype.
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD 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
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD 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
The financial core of the programme is a grant of up to ₹15 lakhs, which selected teams can direct towards product development and operational running costs. Because it is structured as a grant, the funding is non-dilutive — no equity is taken in exchange.
Beyond the cash, the cohort comes with a substantial support package:
- Prototyping infrastructure: access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment, enabling rapid iteration and testing.
- Clinical validation: real-world testing and feedback through the Max Healthcare partnership.
- Mentorship: structured guidance from subject-matter experts throughout the programme.
- Regulatory support: assistance with CDSCO compliance requirements.
- Investor access: connections to venture funds including YourNest Venture Capital and Auxano Capital, plus demo day exposure.
- IP filing support for protecting the technology.
- Workspace and infrastructure for the duration of the incubation.
- Cloud credits and software tools to support development work.
- Networking within the IIITD-IC and BIRAC-linked ecosystem.
About the provider
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD is offered by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center 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 . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Assessment happens in clearly defined stages, beginning with an online submission.
- Application screening: every application is reviewed by the IIITD-IC team for alignment with the programme's objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Pitch presentation: teams that clear screening are invited to present their MedTech solution before a panel of experts.
- Jury review: a jury panel evaluates the pitches and decides which teams make the final cohort.
- Onboarding: selected teams sign a formal incubation agreement, which activates programme access and starts the nine-month incubation journey.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD, 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
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹15L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Horizon HealthTech 2026 provide?
Selected startups receive grants of up to ₹15 lakhs, which can be used for product development and operational costs. The amount is a grant rather than an investment.
What is the application deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any point and the programme is effectively always open.
Is a registered company required to apply?
No. A registered company is not necessary at the application stage, and pre-incorporation teams are eligible. Teams that have already incorporated are also welcome to apply.
What stage should my startup be at?
Your idea should be validated and at TRL 3 (proof of concept) or beyond. The programme is designed to take a validated concept forward into a functional prototype, so raw, untested ideas are not the right fit.
Which technologies and sectors does the programme support?
The focus is MedTech. Specifically, it covers medical devices, diagnostics, surgical and interventional technology, and remote monitoring solutions. Your team should also hold IP or have the potential to generate it.
Does the programme take equity in my startup?
No. The support comes in the form of a grant of up to ₹15 lakhs, which is non-dilutive, so no equity stake is taken in return for the funding.
How long is the incubation programme?
It runs for nine months. Over that period the aim is to move from a validated concept to a functional prototype that has been tested and validated.
What happens during the selection process?
Applications first go through a screening round by the IIITD-IC team. Shortlisted teams are then invited to a pitch presentation before a panel of experts, followed by a jury review that decides the final cohort. Selected teams are onboarded after signing a formal agreement.
What do I get apart from the grant money?
Participants get access to prototyping labs and equipment, clinical validation through Max Healthcare, expert mentorship, CDSCO regulatory guidance, investor connect and demo day exposure, IP filing support, workspace and infrastructure, cloud credits and software tools, and networking within a BIRAC-aligned ecosystem.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the programme's online portal, which you can reach at https://connect.iiitdic.in/programs/apply/hor3935/horizon-healthtech-2026.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD?
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD?
Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD is offered by IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Horizon HealthTech 2026 — ₹15L MedTech Incubation at IIITD
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