SwasthyaTech Synapse 2026 — Up to ₹5 Cr MedTech Grant by IHFC, IIT Delhi — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a call for proposals from IHFC, the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics, which is the Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Delhi. The programme runs under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It backs deep-tech MedTech projects that already have a working prototype, pairing grant funding with mentorship and industry collaboration.

A single entity can apply for up to ₹2 Crore, while a consortium can seek up to ₹5 Crore. The support comes as a non-repayable grant, so no equity or stake is taken in your venture in return.

Academic and research institutions, medical colleges and hospitals, faculty-led startups, healthcare startups, medical device and MedTech companies, and industry-academia consortia are all eligible. Alongside your entity type, your technology must be at TRL 4 or above and must address a real MedTech problem with potential to scale and commercialise.

You need a working prototype or a proof of concept — that is, TRL 4 or higher. Early-stage ideas that exist only on paper do not meet the bar, and the proposal should show both clinical relevance and a route to market.

The programme looks at surgical and medical robotics, smart medical devices with intelligent sensing, assistive technologies for inclusive healthcare, medical imaging along with diagnostics and precision medicine, and nanomedicine including nanorobotics.

Yes, consortia are eligible and can access the higher funding ceiling; they should ideally bring together more than one entity, such as an academic institution with a startup or an industry player. If you have more than one patent, product or technology, each must go in as a separate proposal.

The last date to apply is 08 October 2026, 11:59:59 PM IST.

Begin by reading the Concept Note and downloading the proposal presentation format. You then apply through the online form at https://ihfc.accubate.app/ext/form/24375/1/apply, uploading your proposal as a PDF plus a video of your functional prototype — both are mandatory. The proposal itself should cover the clinical need, the technology and its USP, the prototype, your team, one-year milestones, a one-year budget and your commercialisation roadmap.

Proposals are judged on innovation and novelty, technical feasibility, clinical impact and sustainability, commercialisation potential, scalability, and team capability. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an in-person Technology Showcase and Presentation, where clinicians, healthcare experts, researchers, investors and industry representatives assess the work.

Awardees get technical mentoring and clinical validation support, access to hospitals, industries and pilot deployment opportunities, and help with commercialisation. Shortlisted teams also take part in a "Lab to Market" workshop on technology commercialisation, industry linkage and scaling.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for SwasthyaTech Synapse 2026 — Up to ₹5 Cr MedTech Grant by IHFC, IIT Delhi, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

SwasthyaTech Synapse 2026 — Up to ₹5 Cr MedTech Grant by IHFC, IIT Delhi is offered by IHFC, IIT Delhi, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.