Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey
A national initiative by FITT IIT Delhi and NIESBUD to discover and support grassroots innovators with mentorship, incubation, and facilitated access to external funding.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- FITT, IIT Delhi (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Navachar Mantra is a national initiative organized by FITT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi) and NIESBUD (National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The program aims to discover and support India's most promising grassroots innovators by connecting them with the right guidance, resources, and platforms. It helps grassroots entrepreneurs grow by providing access to funding, mentorship, and incubation support. The program is sector-agnostic and welcomes innovators from a wide range of sectors including Agriculture & Allied Sectors, Water & Sanitation (WASH), Automation & Industry 4.0, Waste Management, MSME Enablement, Manufacturing & Hardware, Healthcare & Wellness, Food Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Education & Skills, Handicrafts & Artisans, Cybersecurity, Clean Energy, Financial Inclusion, Rural Commerce, Mobility & Logistics, Climate & Sustainability, and Civic Tech & E-Governance, among others.
Highlights
- Facilitated funding access up to ₹1 crore
- 6-month expert mentorship & training
- Premium facility access at IIT Delhi
- National visibility and networking
- IIT-D backed incubator certificate
- Open to unregistered entrepreneurs
Who can apply
Navachar Mantra is designed for micro and small entrepreneurs who are Resident Indian citizens between 18 and 55 years old, solving problems in key sectors. Eligible stages include idea validation, working prototype, or early-revenue stage. Unregistered entrepreneurs are welcome to apply, provided they commit to registering if selected. There is no entry fee to apply.
Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey 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 Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey closed on 5 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected participants receive facilitated access to funding from Exim Bank (₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore), SIDBI, BIRAC, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. The program also provides 6 months of expert mentorship, IP, legal & fundraising training, participation in the Microsoft Unnati AI 2.0 capacity building program, premium facility access at IIT Delhi campus, national visibility through connections with policymakers and investors, and an IIT-D backed incubator certificate.
About the provider
Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey is offered by FITT, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by FITT, IIT Delhi 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
Applicants are evaluated based on their answers to questions about the local problem they are solving, the uniqueness of their idea, and their current progress. Shortlisted applicants will be selected for the final program.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the amount of funding offered?
The program does not provide direct funding but facilitates access to external funding ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore from partners like Exim Bank, SIDBI, BIRAC, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is July 5, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Resident Indian citizens aged 18 to 55 who are micro or small entrepreneurs. Applicants can be at the idea, prototype, or early-revenue stage. Unregistered entrepreneurs may apply if they commit to registering if selected.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, neither DPIIT nor MSME registration is required to apply. Unregistered entrepreneurs are welcome, provided they commit to registering if selected.
Does the program take equity?
No, the program is a grant-based initiative and does not take equity from participants. Funding facilitated is also non-dilutive.
What sectors are supported?
The program is sector-agnostic and supports a wide range of sectors including Agriculture, Water & Sanitation, Automation, Waste Management, Healthcare, AI, Clean Energy, and many more.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the online form at the apply URL. The form takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your application is only considered upon submission.
What documents are needed?
No specific documents are mentioned. The application requires answers to questions about the problem you're solving, the uniqueness of your idea, and your progress.
Who offers Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey?
Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey is offered by FITT, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from FITT, IIT Delhi
FITT, IIT Delhi runs 6 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey
Not sure Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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