IIT Tirupati TIH Deep Tech Technology Development Projects (TDP) – 2026
IIT Tirupati-TIH deeptech grant: up to ₹1Cr for advancing TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6 within 12–18 months.
- 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 grant programme run by the IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF). It operates under the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) on Positioning & Precision Technologies, which is part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) funded by the Department of Science & Technology.
This call is aimed at advancing deep-tech innovations from early validation stages (TRL 2–4) to prototype-level validation and deployment readiness (TRL 5–6). Projects must be completed within a strict 12–18 month timeframe. The programme emphasises translational outcomes such as validated prototypes, measurable TRL progression, intellectual property generation, and clear deployment pathways aligned with national strategic priorities.
Each project can receive up to ₹1 Crore in grant funding, released in tranches based on milestone achievement. Industry or startup co-contribution is encouraged to strengthen the commercial pathway. While startups are strongly advised to participate, pure startup-only proposals are not allowed — each project must have a Principal Investigator from a recognised Indian academic or research institution. IIT Tirupati faculty may serve as Co-PI or Technical Mentor as needed.
The focus areas are: Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; and Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence. Proposals must contain a clear TRL entry and exit plan, prototype roadmap, validation strategy, IP filing plan, deployment pathway, and quarterly milestones.
Evaluation is done by an expert committee review and technical presentation. Selected projects are monitored through milestone check-ins. The goal is to boost India's deep-tech ecosystem by connecting academia, industry, and startups for accelerating indigenous and nationally relevant technology development.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹1 Crore per project, no equity taken.
- Projects targeted from TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6 readiness within 12–18 months.
- Strategic domains: PNT, Earth Observation, Digital Twins, Subsurface Intelligence.
- Academic PI mandatory; startup co-participation strongly recommended.
- Milestone-based funding with expert committee evaluation.
- Deadline: 9 March 2026.
Who can apply
Only Indian nationals can apply. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be affiliated with a recognised Indian academic or research institution. Collaborative proposals involving academia, industry, and startups are encouraged. Startup involvement is strongly recommended, but startup-only proposals are not allowed. Projects must advance technology from TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6 and lie within one of the specified strategic domains: Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; or Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence. The project duration must be between 12 and 18 months (strict limit). All applicants must comply with IITTNiF intellectual property and institutional norms.
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
Grants of up to ₹1 Crore per project are provided. Funding is released in milestone-based tranches. Programme expects industry or startup co-contribution to enhance commercial viability. Support covers technology development from TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6, prioritising validated prototypes, TRL advancement, IP generation, and clear deployment routes aligned with national priorities.
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.
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 first screened for eligibility. Shortlisted proposals then undergo an expert committee review followed by a technical presentation. Successful projects are selected and funded on a milestone-based schedule, with quarterly performance reviews to monitor progress and ensure deliverables meet the prototype and deployment targets.
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
How much funding can I get from this programme?
Each selected project can receive a grant of up to ₹1 Crore.
What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 9 March 2026.
What stage of technology does this programme fund?
It supports projects advancing from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–4 to TRL 5–6. Your technology should already be at a validated concept or early prototype stage and demonstrate a pathway to a functional prototype.
Who is eligible to be the Primary Investigator?
The PI must be an Indian national and faculty or researcher at a recognised Indian academic or research institution. Startup founders cannot lead the proposal as sole applicants.
Can startups apply directly?
No, startup-only proposals are not permitted. However, startups are strongly encouraged to join as collaborator or industry partner alongside an academic PI.
In which technology domains are proposals accepted?
You must choose one of: Positioning, Navigation & Timing; Emerging Earth Observation & Bharat Model; Digital Twin & Cyber-Physical Systems; or Subsurface & Non-Invasive Intelligence.
How long should the project duration be?
Projects must be completed between 12 and 18 months. The programme imposes a strict cap on this project duration.
Does the programme take equity in my company?
No, this is a grant programme (non-dilutive funding). The funding provider does not take any ownership stake.
What are the key deliverables expected?
Proposals must include clear TRL entry/exit definitions, a prototype roadmap, validation plan, IP filing strategy, deployment pathway, and quarterly milestones. Outcomes include validated prototypes and measurable TRL progression.
How do I apply and what documents are typical needed?
Applications are made via an online form at the link provided in the programme source. You will need to submit a structured proposal covering technical details, TRL justification, team profile, and milestone plan. Visit the application URL for full instructions.
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.
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