Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur

Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI, the DST-NIDHI i-TBI incubator based at NIT Hamirpur, is inviting applications for the Ignition Grant 2.0 (FY 2026-27). This seed funding program is designed to back early-stage founders working in deeptech, clean energy, smart infrastructure, agritech, and life sciences, with a special emphasis on solving problems relevant to hilly and Himalayan regions.

Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakh in grant funding, along with incubation support within Uttishthati Foundation's 7,118 sq. ft. facility at NIT Hamirpur. The program helps refine ideas, build prototypes, and deploy products. Mentorship is provided by NIT Hamirpur faculty, industry experts, and a Board of Governors that includes members from IIT Mandi, Ericsson, DST, and private industry.

Focus domains include AI and machine integration, solar and wind energy, environment-resilient and seismic-resistant construction, smart infrastructure, disaster management technology, glacier and river water solutions, hill-region agriculture tools, Himalayan medicinal plant supply chains, and food and fruit processing technology.

While the program is open to all sectors, priority is given to deeptech, AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, agritech, and healthtech. There is no state restriction — startups from anywhere in India can apply. Individuals as well as registered entities (private limited, LLP, partnership) are welcome. DPIIT or MSME registration is not required. Selected startups are expected to be incubated at the NIT Hamirpur facility in Himachal Pradesh.

• Prototype / ignition grant up to ₹10 lakh per startup
• DST NIDHI i-TBI scheme run by Uttishthati Foundation at NIT Hamirpur
• Focus: DeepTech & AI, Renewable & Green Energy, Smart & Sustainable Construction, AgriTech (incl. Himalayan Bio-Resources), HealthTech & Life Sciences
• Expert mentorship, industry guidance and NIT Hamirpur innovation ecosystem access
• Equity-free / non-dilutive (state-backed DST i-TBI grant)
• Open to startups across India; no state restriction

The program is open to innovative and early-stage startups with a product idea ready for refinement and prototype development. All sectors are considered, but priority is given to deeptech, AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, agritech, and healthtech. There is no state restriction — startups from across India can apply. Sole proprietors, individuals, and registered entities (private limited, LLP, partnership) are all eligible. Founders do not need DPIIT or MSME registration. Selected startups will be incubated at the NIT Hamirpur facility in Himachal Pradesh.

Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in ai saas enterprise, deeptech electronics robotics, climate energy ev and manufacturing industrial. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.

The most recent application window for Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur closed on 10 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh as a non-dilutive grant (no equity taken)
• Incubation in a 7,118 sq. ft. facility at NIT Hamirpur
• Mentorship from NIT faculty, industry experts, and a Board of Governors that includes members from IIT Mandi, Ericsson, and DST
• Support for idea refinement, prototype development, and deployment

Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur is offered by Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI, NIT Hamirpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI, NIT Hamirpur as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via a Google Form and then screened. Shortlisted candidates are invited to pitch their idea to the i-TBI evaluation panel. During the pitch, support requirements are identified and matched with available resources. Shortlisted founders then demonstrate a product prototype. Finally, the incubator committee reviews and selects startups. Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakh and begin incubation at NIT Hamirpur.

Before you apply to Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur is best suited for idea and product-stage ai saas enterprise, deeptech electronics robotics and climate energy ev startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.