IHFC READY Program
Deep-tech pre-seed incubation for final year students and recent graduates at IIT Delhi, offering up to ₹5L equity-free grant and lab access.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The IHFC READY Program is a pre-seed incubation initiative housed at IIT Delhi and backed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It specifically targets deep-tech fields such as cobotics, artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous systems, and allied areas. The program is run by the Innovation Hub for Cobotics (IHFC), which aims to become a world-class center for cobotics R&D and commercialization.
The core objective is to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready products. It provides financial and infrastructural support to early-stage deep-tech ventures, helping founders move from ideation to prototyping. Emphasis is placed on product feasibility, reliability, technical specifications, and cost-effectiveness to ensure commercial viability.
Selected participants receive up to ₹5,00,000 as an equity-free grant. The program runs for six months and includes mentorship, lab space at IIT Delhi, incubation support, peer learning opportunities, and assistance with intellectual property creation. Regular assessments ensure structured progress. The program leverages IIT Delhi's research ecosystem and industry connections to serve as a launchpad for deep-tech startups.
Highlights
- Equity-free grant of up to ₹5,00,000 from DST-supported IHFC at IIT Delhi.
- Six-month structured incubation with lab space, mentor access, and pitch sessions.
- Targets final-year students and recent graduates (G+1 & G+2) with a focus on deep tech.
- Applications accepted year-round; quarterly pitch rounds every February, May, August, and November.
- Support for IP creation and ownership, protecting your deep-tech innovations.
- Open to individual founders and academic teams; college affiliation required.
Who can apply
The program is open to Indian founders working on deep-tech innovations in fields like cobotics, AI, drones, and autonomous systems. The target audience is final-year students (onboarded in January and July) and recent graduates within one to two years of completing their degree (G+1 & G+2), who can join on a flexible schedule. Applicants must have affiliation with a college or university. Both individuals and teams can apply. The program strongly encourages creation and ownership of intellectual property to help startups build defensible market positions.
IHFC READY Program is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise and space drone defense. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as individual and academic.
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Individual, Academic
Deadline & timing
IHFC READY Program 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
- Up to ₹5,00,000 in equity-free funding for ideation, building, and prototyping your product.
- Six-month structured incubation program with ongoing mentoring sessions and workshops.
- Access to IIT Delhi's network – including faculty, industry experts, and the IHFC ecosystem.
- Essential lab space at IIT Delhi for building and testing prototypes.
- Full incubation support through IHFC, including guidance on IP creation and ownership.
- Peer learning opportunities and regular assessments to track your startup's progress.
- Help with commercialisation – market feasibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness validation.
About the provider
IHFC READY Program is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IHFC, IIT Delhi 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 accepted year-round via an online portal. The first step is an initial screening to check that the proposed deep-tech area matches IHFC’s mandate, has commercial potential, and aligns with the program’s goals. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an evaluation and pitch presentation session before a panel that includes IIT Delhi faculty, industry mentors, and IHFC leaders. These sessions happen quarterly: in February, May, August, and November.
Once selected, final-year student founders are onboarded in either January or July; graduates follow a flexible onboarding schedule. After onboarding, participants begin the six-month incubation process, which includes regular mentoring, peer workshops, lab access, and periodic assessments.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to IHFC READY Program, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as individual and academic
- 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
IHFC READY Program is best suited for idea and product-stage deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise and space drone defense 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 does the IHFC READY Program provide?
The program offers financial support of up to ₹5,00,000 (Indian rupees) as an equity-free grant for ideation, building, and prototyping.
Is the funding equity-free?
Yes, the ₹5,00,000 is a grant — no equity is taken from your startup.
Who can apply to this program?
The program is open to final-year college students and recent graduates (within one to two years post-graduation) who are working on deep-tech innovations in cobotics, AI, drones, autonomous systems, or allied fields. You must have a college or university affiliation.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No, the program does not mandate DPIIT or MSME registration.
What is the application deadline?
The application cycle is rolling — you can apply anytime through the year. However, screening and pitch presentation happen quarterly in February, May, August, and November.
What documents or information do I need to apply?
You must provide details about your deep-tech idea, its commercial potential, and your alignment with IHFC's mandate. Typically, you'll also submit a pitch deck for the evaluation session. The exact requirements are given on the online application portal.
How long does the program run?
The curation and support phase lasts for six months, though IP ownership and network access can continue long-term.
Can I apply as an individual or do I need a registered company?
You can apply as an individual, as long as you are a final-year student or recent graduate with college affiliation. You do not need a registered company at the time of application.
What kind of support will I get for intellectual property?
The program encourages and supports you to create and own your patentable IP, which helps build a competitive moat for your startup.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted through the IHFC online portal at https://ihfc.accubate.app/ext/survey/8656/apply. Submit the form and you'll be considered for the next available pitch round.
Who offers IHFC READY Program?
IHFC READY Program is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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