TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program
Pre-incubation grant of up to ₹10L for idea-stage innovators in autonomous navigation and UAVs, offered by iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad in collaboration with TiHAN.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (24 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The TiHAN PRAYAS / Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program is a pre-incubation grant initiative offered by the iTIC Incubator at IIT Hyderabad in collaboration with TiHAN – IIT Hyderabad. The program targets idea-stage entrepreneurs and early innovators who are working on novel concepts in the domains of Autonomous Navigation and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Its aim is to help these innovators convert their ideas into working prototypes. The program focuses on deep-tech mobility and autonomous systems, offering access to advanced infrastructure, expert mentorship, and technical testbeds. This creates a strong ecosystem for experimentation, prototyping, and early validation of high-impact technologies.
Highlights
- Grant funding up to ₹10L for prototype development
- Idea-stage entrepreneurs and early innovators in autonomous navigation and UAVs
- Offered by iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad in collaboration with TiHAN – IIT Hyderabad
- Access to advanced infrastructure, expert mentorship, and technical testbeds
- Pre-incubation support to convert concepts into working prototypes
Who can apply
Entrepreneurs and startups at the idea, concept, or Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage are eligible. Applicants should be working in autonomous navigation, UAVs, or related deep-tech domains. Both individuals and teams can apply. The program expects a willingness to engage in pre-incubation and prototype development activities.
TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program 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 TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program closed on 24 Jan 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 up to ₹10L in grant funding to support prototype development. They also get access to advanced infrastructure at TiHAN – IIT Hyderabad, expert mentorship, and technical testbeds for experimentation and validation.
About the provider
TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program is offered by iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program, 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
TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹10L.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is January 24, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Entrepreneurs and startups at the idea, concept, or Proof-of-Concept stage working in autonomous navigation, UAVs, or related deep-tech domains are eligible. Both individuals and teams can apply.
Is there any equity taken by the program?
The program is a grant, so no equity is taken from the participants.
What does the program offer besides funding?
Participants get access to advanced infrastructure, expert mentorship, and technical testbeds at TiHAN – IIT Hyderabad to help develop and validate their prototypes.
How can I apply?
You can apply through the application link provided on the official program page.
Is DPIIT recognition required for TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program?
TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program is offered by iTIC Incubator, IIT Hyderabad, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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Alternatives to TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program
Not sure TiHAN PRAYAS / EIR Program is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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