Deadline: 17-May-2026
iCreate is accepting applications from Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic institutions, E-Cells, and incubators to strengthen startup and innovation ecosystems across India. The programme provides institutional support of up to ₹20 Lakhs, startup prototype grants up to ₹2 Lakhs, and performance-based incentives up to ₹5 Lakhs.
About the Programme
The initiative supports:
- Early-stage innovators
- Prototype-ready startups
- Campus entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Startup incubation and mentoring
- Innovation-driven entrepreneurship
The programme aims to help startups become:
- Scalable
- Investment-ready
- Market-oriented
Funding Details
- Institutional Support: Up to ₹20 Lakhs
- Performance Incentives: Up to ₹5 Lakhs
- Startup Prototype Grants: Up to ₹2 Lakhs
Main Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Institutional innovation ecosystems
- Startup incubation
- Prototype development
- Mentorship access
- Infrastructure support
- Startup showcase opportunities
- Innovation and entrepreneurship development
Benefits for Partner Institutions
Selected institutions will receive:
- Access to iCreate mentor networks
- Infrastructure support
- National-level startup visibility
- Ecosystem development support
- Startup acceleration opportunities
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Tier 2 academic institutions
- Tier 3 academic institutions
- E-Cells
- Incubators
- Innovation and entrepreneurship centres
Applicants should demonstrate interest in:
- Startup ecosystem development
- Innovation support
- Entrepreneurial capacity building
- Early-stage venture support
What the Programme Supports
The initiative supports:
- Startup mentoring
- Prototype creation
- Innovation challenges
- Student entrepreneurship
- Startup ecosystem strengthening
- Investment readiness activities
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Submit institutional partnership applications
- Demonstrate startup support capacity
- Present ecosystem development plans
- Highlight innovation and incubation activities
- Show ability to support early-stage startups
FAQ
- Who can apply?
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions, E-Cells, and incubators in India.
- What is the maximum institutional funding?
- Up to ₹20 Lakhs.
- Are startup grants available?
- Yes, selected startups can receive up to ₹2 Lakhs for prototype development.
- Does the programme provide mentorship?
- Yes, participants gain access to iCreate’s mentor network.
- Are there performance incentives?
- Yes, partner institutions may receive up to ₹5 Lakhs based on performance.
- What type of startups are supported?
- Early-stage and prototype-ready startups.
Conclusion
The iCreate National Innovation Programme aims to strengthen India’s regional innovation ecosystems by supporting academic institutions, incubators, and E-Cells in nurturing scalable early-stage startups and entrepreneurship initiatives.
For more information, visit iCreate.