IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF
Deep-tech acceleration program for Cyber-Physical Systems startups offering up to ₹50L in equity-based funding with structured support from TRL 2 to 8.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (21 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
IMPACT 3.0 is the flagship Innovation-to-Market Product Acceleration Program of IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The program is specifically designed to accelerate deep-tech innovations in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Intelligent Collaborative Systems (ICS) from early translational research up to pilot-scale pre-commercialization. It covers the full technology development pipeline, including idea validation, prototype development, MVP-to-product market fit, certification, pilot manufacturing, and field trials.
IMPACT 3.0 offers equity-based funding along with structured acceleration support across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2 to 8. The program fosters academia–industry collaboration and research-to-startup transitions. Target application domains include Energy, Safety, Healthcare, Automotive, Agriculture, Defense, and other areas of national importance. The maximum funding support is up to ₹50 Lakhs per project, varying by category and stage. Projects can have a total duration of up to 18 months.
Highlights
- Flagship acceleration program by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation under NM-ICPS, supported by DST, Government of India.
- Focuses on deep-tech innovations in Cyber-Physical Systems and Intelligent Collaborative Systems.
- Covers TRL levels 2 to 8: from idea validation to pilot-scale commercialization.
- Funding up to ₹50 Lakhs per project, with equity-based models.
- Open to faculties, DPIIT-recognized startups, and MSMEs across domains like Energy, Safety, Healthcare, Automotive, Agriculture, and Defense.
- Project duration up to 18 months with structured acceleration support.
Who can apply
IMPACT 3.0 is open to Indian innovators and organizations working on Cyber-Physical Technologies and Intelligent Collaborative Systems. Eligible applicants fall into four categories:
- Category 1a: Faculties from Academic and Research Institutions who plan to register a startup within 3 to 6 months.
- Category 1b: Faculties with filed or granted patents, who have an industry or startup partner for co-development and technology transfer.
- Category 2: DPIIT-recognized startups with a minimum viable prototype aiming for product-market fit.
- Category 3: Mid-stage startups and MSMEs with customer-ready products seeking pilot-scale manufacturing and field trials.
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Startups must be registered in India with valid DPIIT recognition.
- At least 51% ownership must be held by Indian citizens.
- Applicants must meet defined entry and exit TRL requirements for their respective category.
- Equity, royalty, or revenue-sharing models apply depending on the category.
IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF 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 IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF closed on 21 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
IMPACT 3.0 provides equity-based funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs per project, depending on the category and stage. Along with financial support, the program offers structured acceleration including mentorship, industry connections, and guidance through the technology development pipeline from TRL 2 to 8. Specific benefits include support for idea validation, prototype development, MVP-to-product market fit, certification, pilot manufacturing, and field trials. The program also facilitates academia–industry collaboration and research-to-startup transitions.
About the provider
IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF is offered by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) 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 submitted online under the appropriate category (1a, 1b, 2, or 3). The process includes:
- Completing the prescribed application and proposal formats.
- Uploading mandatory documents: KYC, company documents, CVs, proposal PPT, and supporting TRL evidence.
- Additional declarations, Letter of Intent, or no-conflict certificates where applicable.
Proposals then undergo screening, evaluation by an expert committee, presentations, due diligence, and negotiation. Final selection is followed by funding approval. The total project duration can be up to 18 months.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF, 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
IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does IMPACT 3.0 provide?
The program offers up to ₹50 Lakhs per project, depending on the category and stage.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is January 21, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include faculties from academic and research institutions (planning to register a startup or with patents), DPIIT-recognized startups with an MVP, and mid-stage startups or MSMEs with customer-ready products. All startups must be registered in India with at least 51% Indian ownership.
Does IMPACT 3.0 take equity?
Yes, the funding is equity-based, and the specific equity, royalty, or revenue-sharing model depends on the applicant's category.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, DPIIT recognition is mandatory for startups applying under Category 2 and is generally required for all startup categories.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need KYC documents, company registration documents, CVs of key team members, a proposal presentation (PPT), and supporting evidence of your current TRL level. Additional declarations, letter of intent, or no-conflict certificates may be required depending on the category.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the IPTIF Accubate portal. You must select the appropriate category (1a, 1b, 2, or 3), download the prescribed formats, and upload the required documents. Links for each category are provided on the program page.
What is the selection process?
Proposals undergo screening, evaluation by an expert committee, presentations, due diligence, and negotiation before final selection and funding approval.
What is the project duration?
The total project duration can be up to 18 months.
In which technology areas can I apply?
The program targets Cyber-Physical Systems and Intelligent Collaborative Systems, with applications in Energy, Safety, Healthcare, Automotive, Agriculture, Defense, and other domains of national importance.
Who offers IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF?
IMPACT 3.0 Program at IPTIF is offered by IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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