Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF)

The Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF) is an equity-based early-stage investment initiative led by PIEDS (Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society), the Technology Business Incubator of BITS Pilani. The fund is made possible by a generous endowment from Mr. Sid Mookerji, an alumnus and successful global tech entrepreneur. MIF aims to empower BITSian founders by providing crucial early-stage capital, expert mentorship, and a supportive community to launch and grow scalable ventures.

MIF offers equity investments ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Founders can receive up to ₹50 lakh if they secure co-investment from another investor, or up to ₹20 lakh without a co-investment partner. For the ₹20 lakh tier, startups must not have received prior funding from PIEDS. The equity structure aligns MIF's interests with the founders, fostering a genuine partnership for long-term success.

Beyond capital, MIF provides extensive non-monetary support. Founders receive specialized coaching and mentorship from seasoned professionals at Silicon Road Ventures, PIEDS, and partner organisations. They also gain access to an active community of BITSian builders and entrepreneurs, fostering peer learning and networking. Select companies may benefit from a strategic bridge to the US market via Silicon Road Ventures, alongside opportunities for institutional VC access with potential follow-on cheques ranging from $250K to $5 million.

MIF is exclusively for BITSian-led ventures. Eligible startups must have at least one BITSian co-founder who is either a current student at any of the four BITS Pilani campuses (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, or Dubai) or an alumnus who graduated within the last five years. Startups must be incorporated as a Private Limited company and be at the MVP or pre-revenue stage, though revenue-generating startups are preferred. DeepTech, women-led, student-led, and high-risk moonshot themes are prioritised.

Applications are submitted via the PIEDS Accubate form. The PIEDS team and Silicon Road Ventures evaluate submissions, prioritising the above criteria. Selected startups undergo due diligence, after which an investment agreement is formalised and funds are disbursed.

• Equity investment from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh — up to ₹50 lakh with co-investment, ₹20 lakh without.
• Exclusively for BITSian founders (current students or alumni within 5 years).
• Startups must be Private Limited companies at MVP or pre-revenue stage.
• Preference for DeepTech, women-led, student-led, and high-risk moonshot ventures.
• Mentorship from Silicon Road Ventures, PIEDS, and partner organisations.
• Follow-on funding potential of $250K to $5M from Silicon Road Ventures.

The Mookerji Innovation Fund is exclusively for BITSian-led ventures. At least one co-founder must be a BITSian — either a current student enrolled at any of the four BITS Pilani campuses (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, or Dubai), or an alumnus who graduated from BITS Pilani within the last five years. The startup must be incorporated as a Private Limited company; other entity types such as LLP, partnership, or proprietorship are not eligible. Ventures should be at the MVP or pre-revenue stage, though revenue-generating startups are preferred. For the ₹20 lakh funding tier (without co-investment), startups must not have received prior funding from PIEDS. Startups previously funded by PIEDS may still apply for the ₹50 lakh tier with external co-investment. The program gives preference to DeepTech, women-led, student-led, and high-risk moonshot themes.

Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF) closed on 5 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Equity investment ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh — up to ₹50 lakh with co-investment from another investor, and up to ₹20 lakh without co-investment. Beyond capital, founders receive coaching and mentorship from Silicon Road Ventures, PIEDS, and partner organisations, access to a community of BITSian builders, and a bridge to the US market for select companies. Standout ventures are eligible for follow-on institutional cheques of $250K to $5M from Silicon Road Ventures.

Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF) is offered by PIEDS, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by PIEDS as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via the PIEDS Accubate form. The PIEDS team and Silicon Road Ventures evaluate submissions, prioritising MVP and pre-revenue startups with at least one BITSian co-founder. Preference is given to revenue-generating ventures and startups in DeepTech, women-led, student-led, and high-risk moonshot themes. Selected startups receive equity investment between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh, with the higher band typically requiring co-investment from another investor.

Before you apply to Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF), 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.

Mookerji Innovation Fund (MIF) is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹5L – ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.