Innovation Voucher Program

The Innovation Voucher Program (IVP) is a grant initiative supported by the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute of Tamil Nadu (EDII-TN) and facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub). It aims to help startups and MSMEs in Tamil Nadu transition hardware innovations from idea to prototype and then to a commercially viable product. The program provides financial support for R&D, specialized equipment procurement, patenting, market research, and pilot projects. A key feature is the co-financing requirement: applicants must match a portion of the investment (through cash, in-kind contributions, or verified existing investments) per program norms. There are no upfront charges; a 10% success fee is charged only after EDII-TN successfully disburses the grant. Along with funding, iTNT Hub offers expert guidance and mentorship to strengthen proposals and business models. The program focuses on hardware-based technology sectors to bolster Tamil Nadu's manufacturing expertise and deep-tech innovation.

• Grant-for-prototype support for hardware-based startups and MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.
• Co-financing requirement with no upfront charges; only a 10% success fee on grant disbursal.
• Funds can be used for R&D, equipment, patenting, market research, and pilot projects.
• Expert mentorship from iTNT Hub to strengthen proposals and business models.
• Open to ventures at idea, product, or revenue stage running as private limited, LLP, partnership, or proprietorship.
• Rolling deadline – always open for applications.

To apply, your startup or MSME must be officially registered and operating within Tamil Nadu. You must be working in a hardware-based technology sector. You must be willing to co-finance a portion of the investment as per program norms (via cash, in-kind, or existing investments). Eligible entity types include private limited companies, LLPs, partnerships, and proprietorships. DPIIT or MSME registration is not required. The program accepts ventures at the idea, product, or revenue stage.

Innovation Voucher Program is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage working in deeptech electronics robotics and manufacturing industrial. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Tamil Nadu. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.

Innovation Voucher 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.

• Financial grants covering R&D expenses, equipment procurement, patenting, market research, and pilot project implementation.
• Expert guidance and mentorship from iTNT Hub to strengthen proposals, refine business models, and improve funding readiness.
• No upfront charges; a 10% success fee is incurred only upon successful grant disbursal by EDII-TN.

Innovation Voucher Program is offered by Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub), a government body. As a government-backed subsidy, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted through the program's online portal with details about the startup and innovation. The application undergoes evaluation by the program team for innovation merit and stage eligibility. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for presentations or interviews. Successful applicants then go through a due diligence phase, leading to a formal grant agreement and milestone-based fund disbursal based on project progress.

Before you apply to Innovation Voucher Program, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

Innovation Voucher Program is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage deeptech electronics robotics and manufacturing industrial startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.