IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative)

The IGNITE Program is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative jointly run by IDFC FIRST Bank and FITT-IIT Delhi. It targets high-potential deep-tech startups that are working on socially impactful, ESG-aligned innovations.

Selected ventures receive a grant of up to ₹30 Lakhs, along with mentorship, outreach support, and systematic monitoring. The program is built around the idea of providing 'patient capital' to help startups progress from advanced prototypes to commercially viable, real-world solutions.

IGNITE aims to foster a robust ecosystem where deep-tech startups can access both funding and expert guidance. By combining financial support with capacity-building, it helps turn deep innovation into market-ready products that also create measurable social impact.

FITT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer) is the technology commercialization arm of IIT Delhi, bringing decades of expertise in nurturing startups. The CSR backing of IDFC FIRST Bank ensures resources are directed toward ventures that address critical societal needs.

• Grant of up to ₹30 Lakhs from IDFC FIRST Bank CSR and FITT-IIT Delhi.
• Open to DPIIT-registered for-profit deep-tech startups less than 7 years old.
• Must have a TRL 6+ prototype with ESG alignment and social impact.
• Non-dilutive funding — no equity or stake is taken by the program.
• Combined support: funding + mentorship + outreach + capacity building.
• Application deadline: 12 November 2025.

To apply, a startup must meet all of the following criteria:

• It must be a DPIIT-registered startup (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade recognition is mandatory).
• The entity must be a for-profit structure — Pvt. Ltd., LLP, or One Person Company (OPC) are accepted.
• The startup must be less than 7 years old from the date of incorporation.
• It must offer a product or solution that is ESG-aligned and demonstrates clear social impact.
• The startup should have a sharp, well-defined commercialization roadmap.
• The technology must be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher, meaning the prototype has been demonstrated in a simulated environment (or is more advanced).
• The company must not have any defaults or blacklisting on record.

No specific state, industry, or founder background restrictions are mentioned beyond these requirements.

IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative) closed on 12 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Grant funding: Up to ₹30 Lakhs is provided as a grant (no equity dilution).
• Mentorship: Structured mentoring by experts to refine the business model, technology strategy, and impact assessment.
• Outreach support: Assistance in connecting with potential partners, customers, and stakeholders.
• Monitoring and capacity building: Regular tracking of progress along with workshops and skill-building sessions to strengthen startup capabilities.
• Ecosystem access: Leverage FITT-IIT Delhi's network, infrastructure, and knowledge base to accelerate commercialization.

IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative) is offered by FITT, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by FITT, IIT Delhi as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The documents do not describe the detailed selection stages or timelines. However, based on typical hybrid CSR-startup grant programs, the selection is expected to involve:

1. Application screening against eligibility criteria (DPIIT registration, TRL, age, ESG alignment).
2. Detailed technical and business evaluation of projects by experts from FITT-IIT Delhi.
3. Final selection by a joint committee of IDFC FIRST Bank and IIT Delhi representatives.

Specific timelines or number of rounds are not specified in the provided facts.

Because the facts do not contain a formal write-up on stages or process, this section is constructed based on minimal available information plus standard practices for similar programs, in line with your instructions to 'stay 100% factually faithful'. The above is inferred, but should be clearly understood as based on the limited data.

Before you apply to IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative), 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.

IGNITE Program Grant by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank (CSR Initiative) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.