NIDHI i – TBI Ignition Support Program (Call for Applications 2.0)
Offered By - Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government Of India
About the Program
The NIDHI i-TBI Ignition Support Program (Call for Applications 2.0) is an early-stage innovation support initiative implemented by Sharda Launchpad under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, as part of the NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) framework.
The program is designed to identify and nurture Science & Technology-based innovations that address rural, societal, and inclusive development challenges. It specifically targets innovators who are at the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage and require structured support to transition towards startup readiness.
Under the broader NIDHI i-TBI (Inclusive Technology Business Incubator) ecosystem, the initiative aligns with DST’s objective of converting innovative ideas into prototypes and ultimately into startups by providing incubation infrastructure, mentoring, and early-stage funding pathways.
The program focuses on strengthening early innovations through validation, prototype development, and ecosystem integration. Selected innovators receive access to expert mentorship, incubation support, and structured guidance to refine their solutions and business models.
A key outcome of the program is preparing startups for DST’s Ignition Grant support, which provides financial assistance for prototype and product development. As per DST guidelines, ignition grants are intended to support early-stage innovation development and typically range between ₹2 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs based on evaluation.
This program plays a critical role in the idea-to-startup transition phase, particularly for innovators working in underserved sectors like rural development and social impact. It bridges the gap between concept validation and early commercialization by combining incubation support with potential access to government-backed funding.
Offerings / Benefits:
Structured incubation support
Prototype validation and development support
Access to mentoring and expert guidance
Ecosystem access (incubation infrastructure and network)
Preparation support for DST Ignition Grant funding
Potential funding support up to ₹10 Lakhs (as per DST norms)
Sectors Supported:
Agritech
Rural Health
Women Empowerment
Rural Livelihood
Funding & Benefits
This program offers a combination of financial support, mentorship, and ecosystem access to help startups grow and scale their solutions effectively.
Funding
Market Access
Mentorship
Networking
Beyond funding, programs like this provide credibility, exposure, and strategic support that can significantly accelerate a startup’s growth journey.
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Individual innovators
- Student innovators
- Early-stage startup teams
- Researchers with applied technology solutions
- Innovator teams with Proof of Concept (PoC)
- Applications allowed as individuals or teams
Selection Process
- Application submission through the official platform
- Initial screening based on eligibility and concept strength
- Evaluation based on innovation, scalability, and impact
- Shortlisting of selected applicants
- Final selection by the organizing body
The exact selection process may vary depending on program guidelines.
How to Apply
- Visit the official NIDHI i-TBI / program application page provided below
- Access the Call for Applications form (hosted by the incubator)
- Fill in applicant details (individual/team/startup)
- Provide details of Proof of Concept and innovation
- Submit application for evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Individual innovators
- Student innovators
- Early-stage startup teams
- Researchers with applied technology solutions
- Innovator teams with Proof of Concept (PoC)
- Applications allowed as individuals or teams