Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway, managed by the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate), is a specialized support program for Indian startups in the idea-to-Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage. It offers funding ranging from ₹2 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh, access to advanced labs, mentorship, and campus residency in Gujarat. By aggregating schemes from government bodies like DST (NIDHI) and the Government of Gujarat, the gateway accelerates hardware and software innovations from prototype to market readiness.
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway is a comprehensive incubation and funding initiative designed to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable products. Managed by iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology), an autonomous center of excellence in Gujarat, the program serves as a “single window” for startups to access various government funding schemes, technical labs, and industry networks.
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Host Organization: iCreate (supported by Govt. of Gujarat & Govt. of India).
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Funding Range: ₹2 Lakh – ₹30 Lakh (depending on the specific scheme leveraged).
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Focus Stage: Idea-to-Proof-of-Concept (PoC).
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Key Sectors: Hardware and Software-based technology innovations (e.g., IoT, EV, Agritech, Renewable Energy).
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Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat (Campus residency strongly recommended).
Why It Matters
This program addresses the critical “Valley of Death” for early-stage startups—the gap between having an idea and building a market-ready prototype.
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Risk-Free Prototyping: Provides capital to build and test without equity dilution at the earliest stages (depending on the specific scheme).
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State-Backed Credibility: Leveraging schemes from reputable institutions (like DST and the Gujarat Government) increases future investor confidence.
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Holistic Ecosystem: Unlike simple grant programs, this offers hostel accommodation, labs, and mentorship, removing operational distractions so founders can focus solely on product development.
Funding Schemes & Support Mechanisms
The “Pro-Fund Gateway” acts as an umbrella, connecting applicants to the most suitable underlying government scheme.
1. Financial Support (₹2L – ₹30L)
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Idea/Prototype Grants: For turning a concept into a prototype (often leveraged via NIDHI-PRAYAS or similar schemes).
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Seed Support: For scaling a PoC into a product (leveraging Startup Gujarat schemes or NIDHI-SSS).
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Sustenance Allowance: Some associated state schemes may offer monthly stipends to founders to cover living costs.
2. Incubation & Infrastructure
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Campus Residency: High-quality hostel accommodation on a vibrant 40-acre campus to foster peer learning.
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Labs: Access to digital innovation labs, rapid prototyping facilities, and electronics labs.
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Mentorship: Guidance from technical experts and business leaders to refine business models.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Pro-Fund Gateway, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicant Profile
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Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
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Status: Open to individual innovators, students, and early-stage startups.
Project Status
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Stage: Must be in the Idea-to-PoC (Proof of Concept) stage or have a PoC ready.
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Innovation Type: Must involve hardware or software-based technology. Pure service businesses (e.g., consulting, agencies) are typically not eligible.
Regional Requirements (Crucial for Gujarat State Grants)
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While the program is open to all Indian citizens, startups seeking specific Government of Gujarat grants must be registered as an LLP or Private Limited Company in Gujarat.
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Residency: iCreate strongly recommends all participants reside on campus to gain the full benefit of the ecosystem.
How to Apply
The application process is designed to evaluate both the innovation’s potential and the founder’s capability.
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Online Registration: Visit the official iCreate website or the Pro-Fund Gateway portal (often hosted on Accubate) to create a profile.
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Submit Proposal:
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Detail your innovation, target market, and current development stage (Idea vs. PoC).
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Highlight the technical feasibility and commercial potential.
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Screening: Experts review applications to check for eligibility and innovation merit.
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Presentation: Shortlisted candidates present their ideas to a panel of mentors and industry experts.
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Onboarding: Successful applicants are invited to move to the campus and begin the incubation program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring the Hardware Focus: iCreate has a strong legacy in hardware and deep-tech (EVs, IoT, Energy). Pure software apps with no deep-tech angle may be less competitive.
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Residency Reluctance: The program emphasizes campus residency. Applicants unwilling to relocate often miss out on the “holistic support” weighting during selection.
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Vague PoC Status: Be clear about exactly where you are. “Having an idea” is different from “Having a breadboard prototype.” Misrepresenting this can lead to being placed in the wrong track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there an application fee?
Typically, there is no fee to apply for the initial screening of government-backed schemes, but specific accelerator tracks within iCreate may have nominal fees. Always check the active call for proposals.
2. Do I need to move to Gujarat?
It is strongly recommended. While you can apply from anywhere in India, the program is designed as a residential incubation experience. Furthermore, accessing specific Gujarat State Government grants requires a registered office in Gujarat.
3. What is the deadline for applications?
The Pro-Fund Gateway often operates on a rolling basis or through specific cohort calls throughout the year. It is best to check the iCreate website for the current “Call for Applications” status.
4. Can students apply?
Yes. Students with a viable technology innovation are explicitly encouraged to apply.
5. Does iCreate take equity?
It depends on the specific funding source.
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Grants (like NIDHI-PRAYAS) are typically equity-free.
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Seed Investment (like NIDHI-SSS) usually involves an equity stake.
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Clarify this during your onboarding offer letter.
6. What happens if I don’t have a registered company yet?
You can still apply as an individual innovator. However, to receive disbursements of significant grant funds (especially from state schemes), you will eventually need to register a legal entity (LLP or Pvt Ltd).
Conclusion
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway is a premier launchpad for Indian deep-tech innovators. By combining up to ₹30 Lakh in funding with a residential incubation model, it offers a rare environment where founders can focus entirely on building their product. Whether you are a student with a breakthrough hardware concept or an early-stage startup looking to scale, this program provides the structured pathway to commercial success.
For more information, visit iCreate.