[JANUARY 2026]
Stay ahead with the most up-to-date grants and funding initiatives open for India in 2026. Explore opportunities from government programs, international foundations, and private sector sponsors designed to support innovation, research, social impact, and business growth across sectors. Don’t miss out on grants that could accelerate your project or organization this year!
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in collaboration with MyGov invites citizens to participate in the Reel Contest on The Vikaspedia User Journey: What’s Your Story…[more]
CIMSME Fintech Challenge to empower Startups and MSMEs
Deadline: February 28, 2026
The CIMSME Fintech Challenge has been launched to discover, develop and scale innovative Fintech solutions that empower Startups and MSMEs in getting timely and adequate finance from the formal sector with the preparation of bankable business project reports and financial projections…[more]
Request for Applications: BioVerse Challenge 2025
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Thermo Fisher Scientific is launching the BioVerse Challenge 2025 to accelerate high-potential biotech startups in India…[more]
Applications open for Research Catalyst Grant Program
Deadline: February 16, 2026
The School of Cities Research Catalyst Grant Program provides funding for collaborative projects between University of Toronto researchers and Indian partners to enhance the sustainability and climate resilience of Indian cities. Grants of INR 9–15 lakhs support research addressing urban challenges like air quality, water, energy, mobility, and housing, with a focus on evidence-based outcomes, policy recommendations, and capacity-building. Projects run from April 2026 to March 2027 and must demonstrate equitable, impactful partnerships…[more]
Bharat Safety Program to Accelerate Deep-Tech Startups
Deadline : January 31, 2026
The AIC IIT Delhi-Honda Road Safety & Mobility Innovation Program, supported by Honda India, is a 2-year incubation initiative designed to empower deep-tech startups and innovators developing solutions for enhanced road safety across the country…[more]
CFAs: She Leads African Food Futures (SHEAF) Fellowship Program
Deadline : January 31, 2026
The SHEAF Fellowship by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is an 18-month career development programme for African women professionals in agrifood systems from Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal. It combines leadership training, mentoring, and technical excellence to strengthen gender-responsive agrifood systems policies and programmes across sub-Saharan Africa…[more]
Logo Design Contest for Software Technology Parks of India
Deadline: January 10, 2026
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with MyGov, has launched a nationwide Logo Design Contest to create a new bilingual (Hindi and English) logo for Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). The contest invites Indian citizens and teams to submit an original, versatile logo that reflects STPI’s role in innovation, startups, and India’s digital technology ecosystem. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of ₹25,000, national recognition, and official adoption across STPI platforms…[more]
CFPs: “Harnessing the Potential of Northeastern Mushrooms”
Deadline: 24-Jan-2026
This call for proposals invites innovative R&D projects focused on mushroom cultivation and value-added product development in India’s North Eastern Region (NER). The programme aims to advance scientific research, strengthen sustainable cultivation practices, and promote economic empowerment through high-impact mushroom-based innovations over a three-year project duration…[more]
CFPs: International Centre for Theoretical Sciences Program
Deadline: January 31, 2026
The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) invites faculty-led proposals for collaborative programs and training activities in physical and mathematical sciences, computational sciences, theoretical computer science, and complex systems. The ICTS Program emphasizes education, mentorship, and human resource development rather than conference-style events…[more]
Apply Now: My AI Future Reel Contest
Deadline: January 31, 2026
The ‘My AI Future Reel Contest’ invites participants to create a 30–60 second video showcasing their vision of how AI will shape the future. Reels must begin with “Main hoon [Name], [City] — aur yeh hai Mera Future with AI” and can be in Hindi, English, or any Indian regional language. Submissions are shared on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook with the hashtag #MeraAIFuture, with winners recognized through e-certificates and potential national exposure…[more]
Entries open for Click! Japan Photo Contests
Deadline: February 15,2026
The Click! Japan Photo Contest 2026, organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation New Delhi, invites Indian amateur photographers who have traveled to Japan between 1 March 2025 and 15 February 2026. Participants can submit 1–2 original photographs highlighting the charms of Japan, with awards including Canon camera kits, JAL round-trip tickets, and exhibition opportunities. Applications close on 15 February 2026, and winners will be recognized at a prize ceremony in New Delhi…[more]
Submissions open for Jal Shakti Hackathon Initiative
Deadline: January 14, 2026
Bharat WIN is a national innovation programme by the Ministry of Jal Shakti that accelerates technology-driven solutions for India’s water sector. It supports innovators with Proof-of-Concept funding, prototype development, and grants to tackle challenges like wastewater treatment, irrigation efficiency, and climate resilience. The initiative creates a structured pathway for transforming water-sector ideas into scalable, real-world solutions…[more]
Request for Applications: Small Grants Scheme
Deadline: February 01, 2026
The German Missions in India Small Grants Scheme supports short-term, high-impact projects that improve the social situation of the least privileged communities. For 2026, the German Consulate Bengaluru will fund gender equality projects in Karnataka and Kerala, with grants up to approximately EUR 25,000 and a strict six-month implementation period…[more]
Call for Proposals: Macro Research Scheme
Deadline: February 28, 2026
The Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) invites researchers and professionals to submit proposals under its Macro Research Scheme to conduct empirical studies in banking and finance. Selected projects receive a grant of ₹2,50,000, with a six-month timeline to complete the research and submit a comprehensive report. Applications close on 28 February 2026…[more]
Entries open for ClimaFii Alliance Program
Deadline: January 12, 2026
The Upaya Social Ventures is now seeking applications for its ClimaFii Alliance Program to address critical challenges faced by micro-entrepreneurs in accessing affordable and appropriate clean energy solutions in India…[more]
Open Challenge Program for Startups working in Animation and Gaming
Deadline: January 10, 2026
The Open Challenge Program (OCP)-8.0 is an initiative under the Startup Punjab Hub at STPI, branded as NEURON-CoE, launched by the Government of Punjab in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, STPI Mohali, ISB Mohali, and IKGPTU Jalandhar, to support cutting-edge IT entrepreneurs and strengthen the startup ecosystem…[more]
Request for Proposals: Supporting Animal Welfare Through Strategic Funding
Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The Animal Welfare Funding Circle provides funding to Indian non-profit organisations working to improve the welfare of farmed, community, working, and laboratory animals. Grants support evidence-based, high-impact initiatives, including advocacy, research, education, capacity building, and technology solutions, with one-time or multi-year funding of up to ₹75 lakhs or 50% of annual operating expenses…[more]
Submissions open for WWF-India Conservation Catalyst Programme 2026-27
Deadline: 22-Jan-2026
WWF-India’s Conservation Catalyst Programme supports grassroots conservationists and organizations to conserve wildlife and habitats across India. It combines financial grants of up to 6 Lakh INR per year with mentorship in leadership, fundraising, networking, and organizational capacity to empower sustainable conservation action…[more]