IHFC Startup Incubation Program
IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics) incubation program for Indian deep tech startups in CPS, Robotics, IoT, and AI, hosted at IIT Delhi, providing funding, mentorship, lab access, and more.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IHFC, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is an initiative by the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), a Section 8 company operating under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS) and hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi). Its goal is to strengthen India's deep tech ecosystem by supporting startups focused on Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The program provides grant funding to selected startups, though the exact amount is not publicly disclosed and is decided after expert evaluation. Beyond financial support, startups gain access to co-working and co-location spaces, business support services, soft credits from corporate partners, technical assistance, research engagement opportunities, skill-building workshops, showcasing events, fundraising guidance, direct market access, and dedicated mentorship from IIT Delhi experts and academics. There are also opportunities to work on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, linking innovation with social impact.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline—startups can apply at any time.
Highlights
- Exclusive deeptech focus: CPS, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, IoT, AI.
- Hosted at IIT Delhi — access to top-notch infrastructure.
- Grant funding for R&D and market expansion (amount undisclosed).
- Corporate soft credits and CSR project opportunities.
- Rolling applications — apply any time.
- Comprehensive support: mentorship, lab access, fundraising guidance, networking.
Who can apply
To apply, startups must be working on innovative solutions in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Robotics, Autonomous Systems, IoT, or AI. The program accepts startups at seed, early, growth, and expansion stages. There are no restrictions on state, entity type, or DPIIT/MSME registration. All Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
IHFC Startup Incubation Program is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in deeptech electronics robotics and ai saas enterprise. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
IHFC Startup Incubation 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
Selected startups receive grant funding (amount not disclosed) to support technological development, R&D, and market expansion. Additional benefits include:
- Access to co-working and co-location spaces
- Business support services
- Soft credits from corporate partners
- Technical assistance
- Research engagement and upskilling workshops
- High-impact showcasing and networking events
- Fundraising guidance
- Direct market access
- Dedicated mentorship from IIT Delhi experts and academics
- Opportunities to participate in CSR projects
About the provider
IHFC Startup Incubation 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
The selection process follows these steps:
- Call for Proposals: IHFC announces an open call inviting eligible startups to submit proposals.
- Initial Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed against eligibility criteria and focus areas.
- Expert Evaluation: Shortlisted startups are evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts who assess technical feasibility, market potential, and innovation.
- Board Review: The IHFC Board of Directors reviews the evaluations and makes final selections.
- Formalization and Onboarding: Selected startups sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), after which funding is allocated and they are onboarded.
Rolling applications mean there's no fixed deadline; assessments are conducted at regular intervals.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to IHFC Startup Incubation Program, 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
IHFC Startup Incubation Program is best suited for product and revenue-stage deeptech electronics robotics and ai saas enterprise startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the IHFC Startup Incubation Program?
The program is run by IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics), a Section 8 company established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS) and hosted at IIT Delhi.
How much funding does IHFC provide?
The funding amount is not publicly disclosed. It is determined based on the startup's needs and potential after a rigorous selection process.
Is the funding a grant or equity?
The program offers grant funding, so no equity is taken from the startup.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time.
What stages of startups are eligible?
Startups at seed, early, growth, and expansion stages are eligible to apply.
Which industries or sectors does IHFC focus on?
IHFC focuses exclusively on deep tech areas: Cyber Physical Systems, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, IoT, and AI.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No, the program does not require DPIIT or MSME registration.
What kind of support beyond funding is offered?
Startups get co-working spaces, business support, soft credits from corporate partners, technical assistance, research engagement, upskilling workshops, showcasing events, networking, fundraising guidance, market access, mentorship, and opportunities to work on CSR projects.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the official IHFC application portal at https://ihfc.accubate.app/ext/survey/8590/apply.
Is there any guarantee of funding if selected?
Funding is not guaranteed for all selected startups; it is allocated based on expert evaluation and Board approval during the selection process.
Who is eligible to apply for IHFC Startup Incubation Program?
IHFC Startup Incubation Program is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in deeptech electronics robotics and ai saas enterprise. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
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