IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF)

Choosing the right call

IPTIF does not run one open-ended application — it runs separate, time-bound calls for different stages and audiences. Read the individual programme page before applying:

• IMPACT is the flagship call for deep-tech founders and academic spin-off teams, staged by technology readiness level (early prototype through scale-up).
• UYARE is only for Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs and researchers, or teams building technology for tribal communities — startups are not eligible for this call.
• Entrepreneur-in-Residence programmes (such as the Housing & Construction Innovation track) are for founders who already have a working idea and a clear group of users, not for people still exploring a concept.

How applications work

Each call has its own online application form, mostly through IPTIF's application portal, with a stated deadline. Typical requirements include KYC documents, a CV, a proposal in the call's prescribed format, and — for UYARE — a caste certificate where applicable. Keep documents under the stated file-size limit and submit before the deadline; IPTIF has run some calls with separate opening and closing dates a few weeks apart.

How selection works

For UYARE 2.0, IPTIF has stated the call opens, closes, and announces results on fixed dates, so applicants should expect a defined review window rather than rolling decisions. For EiR programmes, selected founders go through milestone reviews once accepted, so the application should show you are already past the idea stage with real progress to show.

What reviewers look for

• A clear technology readiness level and evidence to back it up (a working prototype, test data, or an existing patent).
• For IMPACT, a credible path from where the project is now to the next TRL stage the category funds.
• For UYARE, confirmation of ST-category status or a genuine tribal-community use case, plus a proposal in the required format.
• For EiR tracks, a specific use case with identified users in mind, not just a general idea.

Careers

IPTIF also lists openings on its own careers page from time to time, spanning skill-development, maker-space and technology-facilities roles.

IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation, known as IPTIF, is a not-for-profit company set up by IIT Palakkad in 2020. It is one of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs the Department of Science and Technology created under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. IPTIF is based on IIT Palakkad's Sahayadri Campus at Kanjikode, near Palakkad in Kerala.

IPTIF works on cyber-physical systems, with Energy and Safety as its main areas, and also touches healthcare, automotive and EV, agriculture, and defence. It runs three kinds of work side by side: funding calls for deep-tech founders and academic teams, hands-on skill-development training, and lab access for anyone building a physical product.

How programmes work

IPTIF's main funding call is IMPACT, which it has run in successive rounds (a first call, then IMPACT 2.0, then IMPACT 3.0). It is open to faculty planning to spin out a startup, researchers with patents, DPIIT-recognised startups, and MSMEs, and it stages support by technology readiness level — from early prototyping through field validation to scale-up. Selected applicants get grant support at different levels depending on how far along their technology is, plus help with certification and pilot manufacturing.

A separate call, UYARE (Unified Youth Advancement in Research and Entrepreneurship), is reserved for entrepreneurs and researchers from Scheduled Tribe communities, or for anyone building technology aimed at tribal communities. It funds a project for up to 12 to 18 months, released against milestones, and covers only day-to-day project costs, not overheads.

IPTIF also runs Entrepreneur-in-Residence programmes, where a founder works from IPTIF for a period with mentoring, lab access and a stipend. One current track, run with Habitat for Humanity International (TCIS) and the Kerala Startup Mission, is for founders building for housing and construction, working beyond the idea stage with a clear use case and users already identified. Past EiR cohorts have covered social innovation and other themes.

Because each call opens and closes on its own schedule, a founder should check the specific programme page on IPTIF's site for whether it is currently open, rather than assuming year-round applications.

Who can apply

IPTIF's programmes are aimed at deep-tech founders, faculty and researchers, and DPIIT-recognised startups and MSMEs working in cyber-physical systems, energy, safety, healthcare, automotive and EV, agriculture, or defence. Some calls, like UYARE, are restricted to specific communities; others are open to any sector team that fits the technology-readiness stage the call is funding.

Facilities

IPTIF's Fab Lab covers the full arc of building a physical product — machining (a vertical milling machine, CNC router and CNC lathe), 3D printing, and electronics prototyping including PCB pick-and-place and reflow soldering, plus testing equipment such as an oscilloscope. Its Battery Testing Lab evaluates lithium-ion and lithium-polymer cells and packs, including an environmental chamber that simulates temperatures from -40°C to 150°C; it states its ARAI standards certification testing is currently under accreditation. Its Motion Capture Lab uses a 12-camera optical system for biomechanics, sports performance, animation and robotics work. A Skill Development Centre runs hands-on training in AI and ML, embedded systems, 3D printing and power electronics for students and working professionals, alongside industry partners including Kaidoko and Jet Aerospace.

Who runs it

IPTIF's CEO is Dr. Saishyam Narayanan and its COO is Dr. Rijesh Krishna. Its Board is chaired by the Director of IIT Palakkad, Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, and includes IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur faculty who have also founded their own ventures, along with industry board members. Two IIT Palakkad faculty serve as Project Directors of the underlying TIH-ICS mission project.

Locations

IPTIF's office is on IIT Palakkad's Sahayadri Campus, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Block, Kanjikode West, Palakkad, Kerala. Its registered address is at the Nila Campus of IIT Palakkad in Kanjikode West, Palakkad, Kerala 678623.