Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program (2026)

Results & next round

Applications for this round closed on 18 January 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.

Selections for this programme are announced by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.

We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.

About this grant

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program at IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF) is designed to encourage aspiring innovators and first-generation entrepreneurs to pursue technology-based entrepreneurship by reducing early-stage risk and opportunity cost.

Powered by Operation Dronagiri and the Geo-Intel Lab at IITTNiF, the program supports individuals with high-potential, deep-tech ideas to convert them into product-driven and scalable startups. The initiative focuses on building technology strength, job creation, and social impact by enabling innovators to work full-time on their startup ideas.

Selected EiR fellows receive monthly fellowship support, structured mentorship, access to co-working spaces and prototyping labs, business and industry connect, and an opportunity for incubation at IITTNiF for further product development and commercialization.

Benefits & Funding

Amount: Up to ₹30,000
Fund type: Grant

What You Get

Monthly grant support of up to INR 30,000 for 12 months.

How to apply

Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.

1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly grant amount and duration?

Selected EiR fellows receive up to INR 30,000 per month for 12 months.

Who is this program for?

It is for first-generation entrepreneurs with no prior startup experience who want to validate and convert a technology-based business idea into a startup.

What are the eligibility criteria?

You must be an Indian citizen, have completed 4 years of full-time undergraduate/postgraduate education in science or engineering (or a 3-year degree/diploma plus 2 years work experience), commit full-time to the idea, propose a scalable tech business, and register for incubation at IITTNiF. You cannot be a promoter or >10% shareholder in another company, nor have availed any other startup/innovator grant.

How long does the selection process take?

Screening takes 4–8 weeks. If you do not hear back, it means you were not selected.

What happens after selection?

You must join incubation at IITTNiF and within 3 months register your startup as a private limited company.

What are the focus sectors?

Geo-AI, 3D-GIS, AR/VR in Navigation/GIS, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based applications, and GIS-based digital governance. Preference is given to ideas with high uncertainty, long gestation, those leveraging publicly funded research IP, or with strong social impact/job creation.