IITK FinTech Spark Program
FinTech program for IITK UG students, offering grants up to ₹6 lakh and mentorship.
- Funding amount
- ₹6L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (18 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The IITK FinTech Spark Program is run by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, a leading technology business incubator that has nurtured over 200 startups. The program targets undergraduate students of IIT Kanpur who have completed their 4th semester, offering them a chance to turn FinTech ideas into market-ready solutions. Focus areas include digital payments, lending, RegTech, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion. Participants receive a grant of up to ₹6 lakh as financial support, along with mentorship from domain experts and IIT Kanpur faculty, exposure to real-world FinTech problems, and a pathway to full incubation at SIIC. The program aims to foster innovative, scalable solutions that can revolutionize the financial landscape.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹6 lakh for IIT Kanpur UG students (post 4th semester).
- Focus on FinTech areas: digital payments, lending, RegTech, cybersecurity, financial inclusion.
- Structured mentorship from experts, faculty, and industry leaders.
- Pathway to full incubation at SIIC IIT Kanpur with infrastructure and IP support.
- Teams of 2-3 members; multidisciplinary background encouraged.
Who can apply
Only undergraduate (UG) students of IIT Kanpur who have successfully completed their 4th semester are eligible. Teams must consist of 2 to 3 members. Multidisciplinary teams (drawn from various academic departments of IIT Kanpur) are encouraged, as FinTech solutions benefit from diverse expertise in engineering, management, and design.
IITK FinTech Spark Program 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 IITK FinTech Spark Program closed on 18 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected teams receive a grant of up to ₹6 lakh as a grant-in-aid. Non-monetary support includes structured mentorship from domain experts and faculty, exposure to real-world FinTech problems, and a clear pathway to full incubation at SIIC IIT Kanpur. Full incubation offers infrastructure, resources, legal and IP support, networking opportunities, and ecosystem access.
About the provider
IITK FinTech Spark Program is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur 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
Interested teams submit an online application that includes team details and a preliminary pitch outlining their FinTech idea. Applications are reviewed by a panel from SIIC and the FinTech industry, who shortlist candidates based on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and team composition. Shortlisted teams are invited for an interview or detailed pitch presentation, where they elaborate on their idea and may demonstrate prototypes. Final selections are made after this round.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to IITK FinTech Spark 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
IITK FinTech Spark Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹6L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The program offers a grant-in-aid of up to ₹6 lakh per team.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is May 18, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Only undergraduate (UG) students of IIT Kanpur who have completed their 4th semester are eligible. Teams must have 2 to 3 members.
What stage of idea is expected?
The program is open to ideas at an early stage, from concept to prototype. Teams should have a preliminary pitch outlining their FinTech solution.
Is there any equity involvement?
No, the funding is provided as a grant-in-aid, so no equity is taken.
What documents are required to apply?
The application requires team member details, academic background, and a preliminary pitch. Additional documents like student ID proofs, team agreements, and a detailed project plan may be requested later.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the online portal at the provided URL (https://lnkd.in/gw_PhUBi) by the deadline.
Does the program require MSME or DPIIT registration?
No, the program does not require MSME or DPIIT registration.
What happens after selection?
Selected teams are notified and provided with next steps for onboarding and grant disbursement. They also receive mentorship and a pathway to full incubation at SIIC.
Who offers IITK FinTech Spark Program?
IITK FinTech Spark Program is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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