I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Grants up to ₹1 Cr + IIT BHU incubation for AI, IoT, robotics, and DAPT startups across India.
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- I-DAPT HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
I-DAPT HUB Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, operates as a Section 8 company under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) of the Government of India, supported by the Department of Science & Technology. Its core thematic focus is Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies (DAPT), and it supports early-stage Indian startups working on AI, data analytics, IoT, cyber-physical systems, robotics, and AR/VR.
Cohort 3 funds up to 10 companies per year with non-dilutive grants of up to ₹1 crore. Selected startups also receive mentorship from IIT BHU faculty and industry experts, access to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure, and connections to industry and government networks. Additional support includes office space, technical support, market access, legal guidance, and structured pathways to follow-on funding.
Applications close on 31 May 2026.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grants of up to ₹1 crore per startup.
- Incubation at IIT (BHU) Varanasi with office space, lab access, and mentorship.
- Open to startups from idea stage to paying-customer stage (pre-seed, seed, Series A).
- DPIIT recognition mandatory; sector-agnostic with DAPT core focus.
- Applications close on 31 May 2026.
- Up to 10 startups funded per cohort.
Who can apply
Startups must be incorporated in India and hold DPIIT (DIPP) recognition. At least one founder must be working full-time and at least one founder must hold 51% equity. The program is open to startups at idea, prototype, users, or paying-users stage, targeting pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding rounds. Sector-agnostic, with a core thematic focus on Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies (DAPT). Prior funding and existing revenue are both acceptable.
I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi 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 I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi closed on 31 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive grants of up to ₹1 crore, along with office space at IIT BHU's I-DAPT HUB, mentorship from IIT BHU faculty and industry experts, technical support, legal guidance, and access to cutting-edge labs and infrastructure. The program also provides market access pathways and direct connections to industry and government networks for follow-on funding. Up to 10 companies are funded per year.
About the provider
I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi is offered by I-DAPT HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by I-DAPT HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
- 1Online Application
- 2Review
- 3Shortlisting
- 4Pitch & Interview
- 5Final Selection, Agreement & Grant Disbursal
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted via the F6S portal with founder, company, and product details, along with mandatory documents: incorporation certificate, DPIIT certificate, equity structure, business plan, and technology/product documentation. The I-DAPT HUB team screens for incorporation, DPIIT, founder equity, and DAPT alignment. Shortlisted startups are evaluated on technical merit, market potential, and team strength. Selected startups are onboarded into the cohort with grant disbursement and incubation access at IIT BHU.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi, 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
I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much grant funding does the program offer?
Selected startups receive non-dilutive grants of up to ₹1 crore.
Who can apply to I-DAPT HUB Cohort 3?
Indian-incorporated, DPIIT-recognised startups with at least one full-time founder and at least one founder holding 51% equity. The program is sector-agnostic but has a core thematic focus on Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies (DAPT).
What stages of startups are eligible?
Startups at idea, prototype, users, or paying-users stage are eligible, targeting pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding rounds.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, startups must hold DPIIT (DIPP) recognition to apply.
What sectors does I-DAPT HUB focus on?
The program is sector-agnostic but has a core thematic focus on DAPT (Data Analytics & Predictive Technologies). Startups in AI, ML, data analytics, IoT, cyber-physical systems, robotics, AR/VR, cleantech, agritech, edtech, healthtech, smart mobility, and Industry 4.0 are encouraged to apply.
How many startups are funded per cohort?
Up to 10 companies are funded per year.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for Cohort 3 close on 31 May 2026.
Does the program take equity?
No, the grant is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
Mandatory documents include incorporation certificate, DPIIT certificate, equity structure, business plan, and technology/product documentation.
How do I apply?
Submit your application via the F6S portal with details about your founder, company, and product.
Who offers I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi?
I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi is offered by I-DAPT HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Not sure I-DAPT HUB Incubation Cohort 3 , IIT (BHU) Varanasi is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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