IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation
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IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026

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Quick answer

Funding up to ₹1 Crore for deep tech projects advancing from TRL 2-4 to TRL 5-6.

Funding amount
₹1Cr (grant)
Funding type
Grant
Provider
IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (Academic)
Application deadline
Closed (9 Mar 2026)
Eligible stage
Any stage
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Overview

The IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is a national initiative focused on funding translational research. It is managed by the IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), which oversees the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) for Positioning & Precision Technologies under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) of the Department of Science & Technology.

This program aims to propel deep-tech innovations from their initial validation stages (Technology Readiness Level TRL 2–4) to a more advanced state of prototype validation and readiness for deployment (TRL 5–6). Projects are expected to be completed within a strict timeline of 12 to 18 months. The core objective is to achieve tangible translational outcomes, including the development of validated prototypes, demonstrable progress in TRL, generation of intellectual property, and clear strategies for deployment that align with India's national strategic priorities.

Financial support of up to ₹1 Crore is available per project, disbursed through a milestone-based release system. While industry and startup contributions are encouraged to enhance commercialization potential and relevance, proposals must be led by a Principal Investigator from a recognized Indian academic or research institution. Submissions exclusively from startups are not accepted. The program focuses on strategic areas such as Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; and Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence.

Highlights

  • Grant funding of up to ₹1 Crore per project.
  • Focus on advancing deep tech from TRL 2-4 to TRL 5-6.
  • Principal Investigator must be from an Indian academic or research institution.
  • Encourages collaboration between academia, industry, and startups.
  • Projects must align with national strategic domains.
  • Project duration is set for 12 to 18 months.

Who can apply

This program is open exclusively to Indian nationals. The Principal Investigator (PI) for any proposed project must be affiliated with a recognized Indian academic or research institution.

While proposals from startups alone are not permitted, the program strongly encourages collaborative submissions involving academia, industry, and startups. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear path to advance deep-tech innovations from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of TRL 2–4 to a more mature stage of TRL 5–6. This includes deeptech academic teams and private limited startups that possess technology at TRL 2 or higher and are at a product development stage.

IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 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 IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 closed on 9 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

What the funding covers

The program provides significant financial support, offering a grant of up to ₹1 Crore per project. This funding is disbursed in a structured manner, tied to the achievement of pre-defined project milestones.

About the provider

IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is offered by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Documents you’ll need

Before you apply to IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026, 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

IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 program?

This is a national translational research funding initiative by the IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation to advance deep-tech innovations from early validation (TRL 2-4) to prototype-level validation and deployment readiness (TRL 5-6).

How much funding can a project receive?

Each selected project can receive grant funding of up to ₹1 Crore.

What type of funding is offered?

The program offers grant funding, which means no equity stake is taken from the participating entities.

What is the application deadline for this program?

The deadline to submit applications for the IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is March 9, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

The program is open to Indian nationals. The Principal Investigator must be from a recognized Indian academic or research institution. While startup-only proposals are not allowed, collaborative proposals involving academia, industry, and startups are strongly encouraged.

What Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) should projects target?

Projects must aim to advance deep-tech innovations from TRL 2-4 to TRL 5-6 within a 12-18 month timeframe.

What are the key strategic domains for projects?

The program prioritizes projects in Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; and Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence.

What is the expected duration for projects funded under this program?

Projects funded through this program are expected to be completed within a strict timeframe of 12 to 18 months.

Where can I find the application form?
Does IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 take equity?

No. IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.

Is DPIIT recognition required for IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026?

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Who offers IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026?

IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is offered by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

How do I apply for IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026?

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.

Alternatives to IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026

Not sure IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.

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