IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators

The IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators is a dedicated initiative by IIT Mandi Catalyst aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the Scheduled Tribe community. This program offers crucial equity-based financial support to early-stage startups, allowing founders to focus on developing their products and validating market fit without the immediate pressure of loan repayments.

This scheme is designed to empower young innovators, students, and budding entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Tribe community, helping them transform their innovative concepts into sustainable and scalable business ventures. It specifically targets technology-driven ideas with strong commercial potential.

Beyond financial assistance, selected startups receive comprehensive incubation support, valuable mentorship, access to networking opportunities, and guidance in future fundraising efforts. The program is structured to guide ventures from their initial ideation or prototype stages towards building robust, commercially viable businesses that can generate significant social and economic impact.

• Equity funding up to ₹30 lakhs for Scheduled Tribe innovators.
• Open to ideation, prototype, or pre-revenue stage startups.
• Lead founder must be Scheduled Tribe with 51% minimum shareholding.
• Offers incubation, mentorship, networking, and fundraising assistance.
• Program managed by IIT Mandi Catalyst.
• Application deadline: 2026-02-12.

This program is open to startups that meet specific criteria designed to support Scheduled Tribe innovators:

• The startup must be in the ideation, prototype, or pre-revenue stage of its development.
• It must be a registered legal entity, specifically a Private Limited company.
• The lead founder is required to belong to the Scheduled Tribe category and must hold a minimum of 51% shareholding in the company.
• Startups that are supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or are incubated at recognized Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) may also be considered.
• The scheme welcomes applications from students or young individuals who have innovative, commercially viable, and technology-driven business ideas.

IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators closed on 12 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators receive substantial support designed to accelerate their growth:

• Equity-based funding: Selected startups can receive up to ₹30 lakhs in equity investment, providing capital without the burden of immediate repayment.
• Incubation support: Comprehensive assistance is provided to help nurture the startup's development.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors who can guide founders through critical business challenges.
• Networking opportunities: Connections with industry experts, potential partners, and investors.
• Fundraising assistance: Support and guidance for future fundraising rounds to secure additional capital.

IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators is offered by IIT Mandi Catalyst, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Mandi Catalyst as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators involves several key stages:

1. Application Submission: Applicants are required to complete and submit an online application form by the specified deadline.
2. Initial Review: Submitted applications undergo a thorough review to assess their eligibility, the innovation potential of the idea, and its commercial viability.
3. Further Evaluation: Startups that are shortlisted from the initial review stage may be invited for additional evaluations, discussions, or presentations to elaborate on their proposals.
4. Final Selection: The ultimate selection of startups is based on a comprehensive assessment conducted by the program partners and a panel of experts.
5. Onboarding: Successfully selected startups are then onboarded into the program to receive the allocated funding and incubation support.

Before you apply to IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators, 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.

IFCI Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Innovators is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹30L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.