UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator
Up to ₹10L grant for early-stage innovators in DeepTech, AI/ML, AgriTech, and Sustainability by Runway Incubator, UPES DST-iTBI.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Runway Incubator, UPES (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (10 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 is a grant programme run by Runway Incubator at UPES, operating under the Department of Science and Technology's National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) i-TBI scheme. It offers up to ₹10 lakh to early-stage innovators focusing on DeepTech, AI and ML, AgriTech, or Sustainability Technology.
The grant is designed to help participants move from ideation through proof-of-concept, prototype development, and validation all the way to a Minimum Viable Product. It covers end-to-end support for early-stage R&D and product development, prototype building, PoC validation, and technical iteration. Alongside financial support, participants receive structured mentorship from industry experts and incubation support from Runway Incubator's ecosystem at UPES, Dehradun.
Beyond the grant, beneficiaries gain access to the mentor network, investor connections, and institutional infrastructure of UPES — one of the few universities in Uttarakhand with a DST-supported Technology Business Incubator. This makes the programme especially valuable for regional innovators while remaining open to applicants across India.
The Ignition Grant model is a well-established framework for pre-revenue deeptech innovation under the DST NIDHI i-TBI. With this second edition, UPES demonstrates its growing institutional commitment to the region's startup ecosystem. For founders at the idea or early prototype stage in the specified sectors, the programme offers critical capital and credibility before commercialisation.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10 lakh under DST's NIDHI i-TBI scheme.
- Open to students, researchers, and early-stage startups at idea to MVP stage.
- Focus sectors: DeepTech, AI/ML, AgriTech, and Sustainability Technology.
- Applicants from across India are eligible, with special relevance to Uttarakhand region.
Who can apply
The programme is open to students, researchers, and early-stage startups at the ideation, PoC, prototype, or MVP stage. Applicants must be working in one of these focus areas: DeepTech, AI and ML, AgriTech, or Sustainability Technology. There is no revenue minimum — pre-revenue and pre-incorporation applicants are eligible. While no geographic restriction has been announced, applicants from across India are welcome to apply.
UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise, agri food rural and climate energy ev. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Idea · Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator closed on 10 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected innovators receive up to ₹10 lakh in grant support for prototype development, proof-of-concept, and MVP validation. The grant is non-dilutive under the DST NIDHI i-TBI framework, so no equity is taken. Beyond capital, participants get end-to-end technical support, expert mentorship, and access to Runway Incubator's incubation infrastructure at UPES.
About the provider
UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator is offered by Runway Incubator, UPES, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Runway Incubator, UPES 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
Applications submitted to the Runway Incubator portal before 10 June 2026 are reviewed by the DST-iTBI selection committee for innovation merit and sector fit. Shortlisted applicants are then notified for further evaluation or a pitch session. Selected grantees receive up to ₹10 lakh, along with structured mentorship and incubation support at UPES.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator, 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
UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator is best suited for idea and product-stage deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise and agri food rural 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 programme offers a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹10 lakh per selected innovator or startup.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 June 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Runway Incubator programme portal.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to students, researchers, and early-stage startups at the ideation, PoC, prototype, or MVP stage. Pre-revenue and pre-incorporation applicants are eligible.
What sectors are supported?
The focus areas are DeepTech, AI and ML, AgriTech, and Sustainability Technology.
Is there any equity taken or repayment required?
No, the grant is non-dilutive under DST's NIDHI i-TBI framework, so no equity is taken and no repayment is required.
What documents or information are typically needed to apply?
Applicants need to provide details about their innovation, focus area, current stage (ideation, PoC, prototype, or MVP), and intended use of the grant.
How is the selection process conducted?
Applications are reviewed by the DST-iTBI selection committee based on innovation merit and sector fit. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for further evaluation or a pitch session.
What support beyond funding do participants receive?
Selected participants receive end-to-end technical support for prototype development and validation, expert mentorship, incubation support at UPES, and access to the incubator's mentor network and investor connections.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, the eligibility criteria do not mention any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
Where and how do I apply?
Applications are accepted through the Runway Incubator programme portal at https://start.runwayincubator.com/programs/apply/upe6846/upes-dst-itbi-ignition-grant-20 before the deadline.
Who offers UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator?
UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator is offered by Runway Incubator, UPES, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Runway Incubator, UPES
Runway Incubator, UPES runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
All programs by Runway Incubator, UPES →Alternatives to UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator
Not sure UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 – Runway Incubator is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.