Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026

The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) Centre of Excellence, hosted at IIT Hyderabad, has launched its Call for Proposals for March 2026. This initiative invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from innovators, startups, and research-driven teams dedicated to developing high-impact technology solutions. The program's core objective is to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced technologies by supporting projects that have already achieved a significant level of technical validation.

This program specifically targets projects that have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher. By focusing on this stage, the initiative aims to bridge the critical gap often found between early-stage research and practical, real-world deployment. This support enables promising innovations to progress effectively towards scalable applications and market readiness.

Selected projects are eligible to receive substantial financial support, with grants of up to ₹1 crore, and a project duration extending up to two years. This funding is designed to facilitate further development, rigorous validation, and eventual commercialization of the proposed technology. Beyond financial assistance, the program provides invaluable access to IIT Hyderabad's rich academic ecosystem, fostering robust collaboration between startups, expert faculty members, and diverse interdisciplinary research groups.

A defining characteristic of this program is its strong emphasis on collaborative innovation. Startups and other industry participants are required to actively collaborate with a faculty member from IIT Hyderabad. This ensures that projects benefit from strong academic guidance, cutting-edge research expertise, and a rigorous scientific approach, thereby enhancing both the scientific validity and practical applicability of the solutions being developed.

The program is focused on a wide array of deep technology domains. These include, but are not limited to, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Climate and Sustainability, Health Technologies, Quantum Technologies, and Critical Minerals. These chosen areas are strategically aligned with national priorities and emerging global technology trends, indicating a focus on impactful and future-oriented innovations.

• Grant funding up to ₹1 crore for deep technology projects.
• Open to startups, faculty, and research groups with TRL 4+ innovations.
• Mandatory collaboration with an IIT Hyderabad faculty member.
• Focuses on key sectors like AI, advanced manufacturing, and health technologies.
• Project duration of up to two years.
• Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

To be eligible for the Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals, applicants must meet several key criteria:

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Projects must demonstrate a TRL of 4 or above. This means the technology should have been validated in a laboratory environment or have a functional working prototype. Projects at TRL 1-3, which are typically concept-stage ideas, are not eligible for this program.

• Applicant Types: The program is open to a diverse range of applicants, including technology startups, faculty members from academic institutions, interdisciplinary research groups, and collaborative teams formed by faculty members and startups.

• Collaboration Requirement: A crucial condition for startups and other industry applicants is the mandatory collaboration with an IIT Hyderabad faculty member. This ensures that projects are grounded in strong academic research and expertise.

• Focus Areas: Proposals must align with one or more of the specified deep technology focus areas. These include Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Climate and Sustainability, Health Technologies, Quantum Technologies, and Critical Minerals.

• Impact and Feasibility: All proposed projects should clearly demonstrate both their technical feasibility and their potential for real-world application and significant impact.

Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026 closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE program gain access to significant support designed to accelerate their deep technology projects:

• Grant Funding: Selected projects can receive grant funding of up to ₹1 crore. This financial assistance is specifically allocated to support the further development, validation, and potential commercialization of the proposed advanced technology solutions.

• Access to IIT Hyderabad Ecosystem: Awardees benefit from unparalleled access to the extensive academic ecosystem of IIT Hyderabad. This includes opportunities for direct collaboration with experienced faculty members and various interdisciplinary research groups, which can significantly enhance the scientific rigor and practical applicability of the solutions being developed.

• Project Duration: The funding supports projects for a substantial duration of up to two years. This extended period allows for comprehensive technological advancement, thorough validation, and strategic planning for commercialization.

Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026 is offered by Wadhwani Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Wadhwani Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026, 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.

Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.