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National Call for Deep-Tech Innovation: IIT Tirupati TIH 2026 Projects (India)

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation is inviting grant applications to support translational deep-tech projects advancing from TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6.

Funding of up to ₹1 Crore per project is available for 12–18 months, with milestone-based disbursement and strict timeline caps.

Eligible applicants must be Indian nationals, with a Principal Investigator from a recognized Indian academic or research institution, and startup collaboration is strongly encouraged.

IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation Translational Deep-Tech Grants

This program supports high-impact deep-technology projects aligned with national strategic priorities.

The objective is to bridge the gap between early-stage research (Technology Readiness Levels 2–4) and validated, deployment-ready prototypes (TRL 5–6).

The program emphasizes:

  • Prototype validation

  • Intellectual property (IP) creation

  • Deployment readiness

  • Academia–industry–startup collaboration

What Is TRL 2–6? (Technology Readiness Levels Explained)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) measure the maturity of a technology.

  • TRL 2–4: Concept formulation, lab validation, proof-of-concept

  • TRL 5–6: Prototype validation in relevant environments and near-deployment readiness

This program specifically supports projects that demonstrate clear TRL progression within a defined timeframe.

Strategic Technology Domains

The program focuses on advanced navigation, positioning, and sensing technologies critical to national priorities.

Eligible domains include:

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems

  • Anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies

  • GNSS-denied positioning solutions

  • 5G-based positioning systems

  • LiFi-based navigation systems

  • Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning

  • Multi-sensor fusion techniques

  • Underwater positioning systems

  • Celestial positioning systems

  • NavIC-centric systems

  • Spintronics-based positioning and sensing

  • Neuromorphic sensing technologies

Projects must demonstrate technological novelty and translational potential.

Funding Details

Key financial parameters:

  • Maximum funding: Up to ₹1 Crore per project

  • Funding source: TIH support

  • Duration: 12 to 18 months

  • Funding release: Milestone-based

  • Extension: No automatic extension beyond approved period

Industry or startup financial contribution is encouraged but not mandatory.

Continued funding depends on milestone review and demonstrated progress.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects must deliver:

  1. Validated functional prototype

  2. Clear TRL advancement from 2–4 to 5–6

  3. Intellectual property generation (patents or filings)

  4. Deployment-ready commercialization pathway

  5. Industry collaboration and translational roadmap

Projects must demonstrate measurable technological and commercialization outcomes.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is strictly defined.

Mandatory Criteria

  • Applicant must be an Indian national

  • Principal Investigator (PI) must be from a recognized Indian academic or research institution

Institutional Structure

  • Based on project needs, TIH may assign IIT Tirupati faculty as:

    • Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), or

    • Technical Mentor

Startup Participation

  • Startup involvement is strongly recommended

  • Proposals submitted solely by startups are not permitted

  • Startups must collaborate with eligible academic PIs

This structure ensures academic rigor combined with commercialization potential.

How the Program Works

The program follows a structured translational innovation model.

Step 1: Proposal Submission

The academic PI submits a project proposal aligned with strategic domains and TRL progression goals.

Step 2: Technical Evaluation

Proposals are evaluated based on:

  • Technological novelty

  • Feasibility of TRL advancement

  • IP potential

  • National strategic relevance

  • Industry collaboration strength

Step 3: Milestone Definition

Approved projects receive funding linked to:

  • Technical milestones

  • Prototype validation benchmarks

  • IP development targets

Step 4: Milestone Review and Fund Release

Funds are disbursed in phases based on performance.

Failure to meet milestones may affect continuation.

Step 5: Final Demonstration

Projects must demonstrate validated prototype readiness and commercialization pathway within 12–18 months.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

  • PI is affiliated with a recognized Indian institution

  • Applicant is an Indian national

  • Startup partner identified (if applicable)

Step 2: Define TRL Baseline

Clearly state:

  • Current TRL level

  • Target TRL (5 or 6)

  • Validation environment

Step 3: Develop Technical Roadmap

Outline:

  • Prototype development plan

  • Testing methodology

  • Validation strategy

  • Deployment pathway

Step 4: Plan IP Strategy

Include:

  • Patent filing strategy

  • Freedom-to-operate considerations

  • Technology transfer plan

Step 5: Define Milestones and Budget

  • Break project into measurable phases

  • Justify budget up to ₹1 Crore

  • Include co-funding details if applicable

Step 6: Submit Proposal to TIH

Ensure compliance with technical and administrative requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent issues:

  • Submitting proposals solely from startups

  • Failing to demonstrate clear TRL progression

  • Weak or undefined prototype validation plan

  • No IP generation strategy

  • Unrealistic milestone timelines

  • Over-budgeting without justification

  • Ignoring deployment or commercialization pathways

Strong proposals are technically rigorous, milestone-driven, and commercially aware.

Why This Program Matters

This initiative is strategically important because it:

  • Accelerates deep-tech commercialization in India

  • Reduces the gap between lab research and deployment

  • Strengthens NavIC and GNSS-independent positioning capabilities

  • Encourages indigenous innovation

  • Supports national technology self-reliance

By targeting mid-stage TRL progression, the program addresses one of the most critical bottlenecks in technology transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to ₹1 Crore per project through TIH support.

2. What is the project duration?

Projects must be completed within 12 to 18 months. There is no automatic extension.

3. Can a startup apply independently?

No. Startup-only proposals are not permitted. An academic PI is mandatory.

4. Is industry contribution required?

Industry or startup contribution is encouraged but not strictly mandatory.

5. What TRL levels are supported?

Projects must advance from TRL 2–4 to TRL 5–6 within the project duration.

6. Is IP generation mandatory?

Yes. Projects are expected to generate intellectual property such as patents.

7. Can non-Indian nationals apply?

No. Eligibility is limited to Indian nationals.

Conclusion

The IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation Translational Deep-Tech Grant is a focused funding opportunity designed to accelerate high-impact technologies from lab validation to deployment-ready prototypes.

With funding up to ₹1 Crore, milestone-based disbursement, and strong emphasis on TRL progression, IP generation, and industry collaboration, the program offers a structured pathway for Indian academic innovators to translate deep-tech research into real-world applications aligned with national priorities.

For more information, visit IITTNiF.