Deadline: 10-Jun-2026
The UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 is an innovation-focused funding and incubation program designed to support early-stage innovators in developing and scaling impactful solutions. It helps transform ideas into validated prototypes and minimum viable products (MVPs) through structured mentorship, funding, and incubation support.
The programme is aimed at accelerating technology-driven entrepreneurship in high-impact sectors such as DeepTech, AI/ML, AgriTech, and Sustainability Tech.
Programme Overview
The initiative supports innovators across different early development stages, helping them move from concept to market-ready solutions. It combines financial support with technical guidance and entrepreneurial development.
Key focus areas include:
- DeepTech innovation and advanced engineering solutions
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications
- Agricultural technology and food system innovation
- Sustainability and climate-focused technologies
- Scalable, impact-driven startup development
Supported Startup Stages
The programme supports startups at multiple early phases:
- Ideation stage
- Proof of Concept (PoC) stage
- Prototype development stage
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage
Funding Details
- Funding support: Up to ₹10 lakh per selected participant/startup
- Purpose of funding:
- Prototype development
- Proof-of-concept validation
- Product testing and refinement
- Solution development and deployment readiness
Programme Support Components
Participants receive comprehensive non-financial support, including:
Mentorship and incubation:
Technical and business support:
- Assistance in solution validation
- Product development guidance
- Support in refining business models
Networking and growth:
- Exposure to investors and funding networks
- Industry collaboration opportunities
- Ecosystem access for scaling innovation
Programme Objectives
The Ignition Grant 2.0 aims to:
- Accelerate early-stage innovation development
- Support technology-driven entrepreneurship
- Bridge the gap between ideation and market readiness
- Strengthen India’s DeepTech and innovation ecosystem
- Enable sustainable and scalable startup growth
- Promote research-to-market translation
Expected Outcomes
- Development of validated prototypes and MVPs
- Increased number of early-stage startups progressing to market
- Stronger innovation capacity in emerging technologies
- Improved investor-readiness of startups
- Enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and startups
- Greater commercialization of research-based ideas
Why the Programme Matters
- Provides critical early-stage funding for innovators
- Reduces barriers between idea and prototype development
- Strengthens DeepTech and sustainability innovation ecosystems
- Encourages real-world application of emerging technologies
- Builds entrepreneurial skills and market readiness
- Connects startups with mentors and investors
Conclusion
The UPES DST-iTBI Ignition Grant 2.0 offers a structured pathway for early-stage innovators to develop, validate, and scale their ideas. By combining funding with mentorship and incubation support, the programme strengthens DeepTech and sustainability-focused entrepreneurship and helps transform innovative ideas into impactful real-world solutions.
For more information, visit Dream Startup.