Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar
Up to ₹5L innovation grant for registered startups/MSMEs with SC founder/co-founder, under NM-ICPS at IIT Ropar.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AWaDH, IIT Ropar (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Ideathon 2.0 is an innovation grant program run by iHub - AWaDH at IIT Ropar, operating under the NM-ICPS scheme. It is specifically designed to support registered startups and MSMEs that have a founder or co-founder from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. The program provides grant funding of up to ₹5 lakh per startup, along with mentorship, market linkages, and access to the IIT Ropar ecosystem. The goal is to help scale technology-driven solutions in key focus areas such as climate-smart agriculture, water and soil systems, agri-waste and circular economy, digital agri-health and rural tech, and inclusive skilling. By targeting inclusive innovation, the program aims to strengthen the overall technology ecosystem for underserved communities.
Highlights
- Innovation grant of up to ₹5 lakh per startup, fully non-dilutive.
- Mandatory SC founder/co-founder requirement for inclusivity.
- Focus on tech-driven solutions in agriculture, water, waste, digital health, and rural tech.
- Mentorship, market linkages, and access to IIT Ropar ecosystem provided.
- Operates under the Government's NM-ICPS scheme.
Who can apply
Only registered companies, startups, and MSMEs are eligible to apply. The applicant must be developing a technological solution related to the program's focus areas: Climate-Smart Agriculture, Water & Soil Systems, Agri-Waste & Circular Economy, Digital Agri-Health and Rural Tech, or Inclusive Skilling. A key mandatory requirement is that the startup or company must have a founder or co-founder who belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. The program is open to entities across India, with no state restrictions specified. DPIIT or MSME registration is not explicitly required, but the applicant must be a registered entity.
Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar 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 Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar closed on 25 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive an innovation grant of up to ₹5 lakh. In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to mentorship from experts, market linkages to help scale their product or service, and integration into the IIT Ropar ecosystem, which includes lab facilities and networking opportunities. The grant is non-dilutive (no equity taken) and is provided under the NM-ICPS scheme.
About the provider
Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar is offered by AWaDH, IIT Ropar, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AWaDH, IIT Ropar 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
Applications are submitted online via a Google Form. The process involves: 1) Initial screening and internal evaluation of the application based on project information (problem statement, technology description, stage of development, budget sought). 2) Shortlisted candidates present their project before an expert committee. 3) Selected startups receive the grant disbursal and follow-up support, including mentorship and market linkages.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar, 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
Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The program offers an innovation grant of up to ₹5 lakh per startup. The exact amount depends on the project proposal and budget sought.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is November 25, 2025.
Who can apply?
Only registered companies, startups, and MSMEs are eligible. Additionally, the startup must have a founder or co-founder belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
What are the focus areas?
The program supports technological solutions in these areas: Climate-Smart Agriculture, Water & Soil Systems, Agri-Waste & Circular Economy, Digital Agri-Health and Rural Tech, and Inclusive Skilling.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
While the applicant must be a registered company/startup/MSME, the program does not explicitly require DPIIT or MSME registration. However, being registered as a startup with DPIIT or as an MSME may strengthen your application.
Does the program take equity?
No. The grant is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken in exchange for the funding.
What documents are needed to apply?
The application is submitted via a Google Form and requires project information including problem statement, technology description, stage of development, and the budget sought. No specific documents are listed, but you may need to upload relevant supporting materials.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Google Form link provided on the official program page. The link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexuCoLSc486kEzupr6Z7vMovFlKFJIEZtNUi9yW97y-1ecbQ/viewform
What support is provided besides the grant?
Selected startups receive mentorship, market linkages, and access to the IIT Ropar ecosystem, which includes lab facilities, expert guidance, and networking opportunities.
Can startups from outside Punjab apply?
Yes, the program is open to startups across India. No state restrictions have been mentioned.
Who offers Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar?
Ideathon 2.0 - Startup & MSME Innovation Grant at iHub - AWaDH @ IIT Ropar is offered by AWaDH, IIT Ropar, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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