Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 — NIT Hamirpur

The Uttishthati Foundation i-TBI Ignition Grant 2.0 (FY 2026-27) is a seed funding scheme from the DST-NIDHI iTBI incubator at NIT Hamirpur. It aims to support early-stage innovators developing solutions in deeptech, clean energy, smart infrastructure, agritech, and life sciences. There is a special focus on innovations that address the unique challenges of hilly and Himalayan regions.

Selected ventures can secure up to ₹10 lakh in seed capital. This funding is combined with comprehensive incubation services provided at the Uttishthati Foundation's 7,118 sq. ft. facility located within NIT Hamirpur.

The program assists founders in refining their ideas, developing prototypes, and preparing their products for market deployment. Mentorship is a key component, offered by NIT Hamirpur faculty, industry experts, and a distinguished Board of Governors, including representatives from IIT Mandi, Ericsson, and the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

Key areas of innovation include:

• AI and machine integration
• Solar and wind energy applications
• Environmentally and seismically resilient construction
• Smart infrastructure and disaster management technologies
• Solutions for glacier and river water management
• Agricultural tools tailored for hill regions
• Supply chain improvements for Himalayan medicinal plants
• Innovations in food and fruit processing

This grant is open to startups and innovators nationwide, providing a significant opportunity for idea-stage founders to access non-dilutive funding and structured incubation support.

• Seed grant of up to ₹10 lakh for early-stage startups.
• Non-dilutive funding; no equity taken.
• Focus on deeptech, clean energy, agritech, and healthtech, especially for Himalayan regions.
• Incubation and mentorship provided by NIT Hamirpur i-TBI.
• Open to individuals, Private Limited Companies, LLPs, and Partnerships from across India.
• Application deadline: 2026-06-10.

The Ignition Grant 2.0 is open to innovative individuals and early-stage startups that possess a product idea ready for development and prototyping.

Applicants can be:

• Individuals
• Private Limited Companies
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
• Partnerships

While all sectors are considered, preference is given to deeptech, AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, agritech, and healthtech solutions. Startups from anywhere in India are eligible to apply, and incubation at the NIT Hamirpur facility is offered to selected ventures.