SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay
A scale-up grant initiative by SINE IIT Bombay and HDFC Bank Parivartan for early-revenue, deep-tech startups at TRL 5+, offering up to ₹50L milestone-linked support.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SINE, IIT Bombay (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
SPARK Program is a high-impact scale-up initiative launched by Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan. The program focuses on technology-driven startups that have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or above and already generate early revenue. It aims to help these startups bridge the critical scale-up gap and accelerate commercialization.
The program targets startups operating in deep-tech and advanced technology domains, with the potential to deliver national impact and global competitiveness. Selected startups receive milestone-linked grant support, structured mentorship, ecosystem access, and opportunities for visibility and collaboration within the IIT Bombay innovation ecosystem.
Startups that become part of SPARK benefit from the strong network and expertise of one of India's premier academic-incubation ecosystems, making it a valuable springboard for high-growth ventures.
Highlights
- Program by SINE (IIT Bombay) in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan.
- Grants up to ₹50L, provided in milestone-linked tranches (no equity taken).
- Open to DPIIT-recognized Indian startups at TRL 5+ with early revenue.
- Targets deep-tech and advanced technology startups with national/global impact potential.
- Includes mentorship, ecosystem access, and collaboration opportunities with IIT Bombay.
Who can apply
To apply for SPARK Program, your startup must be:
- DPIIT-recognized Indian startup – registration with DPIIT is mandatory.
- Operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or above – i.e., your technology is validated in a relevant environment and ready for scale-up.
- Early-revenue – the startup should have started generating some commercial traction.
- Technology-driven – the core solution must be based on proprietary or advanced technology.
- Involved in deep-tech or advanced technology domains (e.g., AI/ML, IoT, robotics, clean energy, etc.).
- Committed to scaling commercialization and demonstrating national or global impact.
The program does not specify restrictions on industry vertical, state of registration, or entity type (e.g., private limited, LLP) beyond DPIIT recognition. It also does not require MSME registration or particular founder background.
SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay 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 SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay closed on 20 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive the following:
- Milestone-linked grant support of up to ₹50L – disbursed in tranches as startups meet agreed-upon milestones.
- Structured mentorship from experienced industry experts, entrepreneurs, and SINE’s network.
- Access to IIT Bombay’s innovation ecosystem – including labs, faculty researchers, and industry partnerships.
- Visibility and collaboration opportunities with potential customers, investors, and partners.
The funding is a grant, meaning no equity is taken from the startup.
About the provider
SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay is offered by SINE, IIT Bombay, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SINE, IIT Bombay 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
The selection process for SPARK Program is not disclosed in detail. However, startups that meet eligibility criteria can apply by filling out the application form via the provided URL. The evaluation likely assesses technology readiness, market potential, team capability, and scalability. No application stages or durations have been published.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay, 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
SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay 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 is provided under the SPARK Program?
Selected startups can receive a milestone-linked grant of up to ₹50 lakh.
What is the application deadline for the SPARK Program?
The current deadline is 20 January 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the SPARK Program?
Any DPIIT-recognized Indian startup that is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or above, early-revenue, technology-driven, and working in deep-tech or advanced technology domains. The startup must be committed to scaling commercialization and creating a national or global impact.
Does the SPARK Program require DPIIT or MSME certification?
Yes, it requires DPIIT recognition for the startup. There is no mention of MSME registration being mandatory.
Does the SPARK Program take equity in the startup?
No, the SPARK Program provides a grant, which is non-dilutive, meaning it does not take any equity.
How is the funding disbursed?
The grant is milestone-linked, meaning it is disbursed in stages as the startup achieves specific pre-agreed milestones.
What documents are needed to apply for the SPARK Program?
The specific document list is not available. You will likely need to provide details of your startup's technology, business model, revenue, team, and DPIIT registration. Follow the application link for the exact submission format.
How do I apply for the SPARK Program?
You can apply online through the Accubate application form at: https://parivartan.accubate.app/ext/form/13796/1/apply?source=startupgrantsindia.com&ref=startupgrantsindia.com
Can my startup apply if it is not based near IIT Bombay?
The eligibility does not mention any location restriction, so startups from anywhere in India that are DPIIT-recognized should be eligible to apply.
What kind of mentorship is offered to selected startups?
The program provides structured mentorship from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and access to SINE’s network of faculty and partners.
Who offers SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay?
SPARK Program at SINE, IIT Bombay is offered by SINE, IIT Bombay, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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