Apply for Ignition Grant

Guidelines of Ignition Grant

Selection of innovators/start-ups: The i-TBI shall invite proposals from Innovators / start-ups through open call. The ‘Screening and Monitoring Committee (SMC)’ evaluates proposals based on set parameters, comprising STEP/TBI members, technical experts, domain experts, financial experts, entrepreneurs, and DST representatives — chaired by the Head of the Host institute.
i-TBI will provide Ignition grant (grants-in-aid) to convert ideas into prototype/products with commercialisation potential. The maximum funding support is up to Rs. 10 lakhs, subject to SMC approval.
The following General and Eligibility Criteria apply when selecting Innovators / start-ups for the ignition grant.

The ideas and innovations should be based on technology and science.
The product prototype has to be a physical product.
Idea or Innovations should have a roadmap towards commercialization.
Prototype must be capable of being completed within 12 to 14 months.
The ignition grant support can be provided – min Rs. 2.00 lakhs to max. upto Rs.10 lakhs to the innovator/startup
Applicants can be individual innovators or early-stage startups.
The IP generated if any, should vest with the Innovator or the Start up.
Applicants will have ownership of the Project knowhow or IP of the proposed products or right to use knowhow or IP if it is owned by a third party.
Innovators should have technical skills or background.

An individual innovator without a startup, or a founder of a startup, can apply for ignition grant.
In case of an individual innovator applying for grant:
Must be an Indian Citizen with government-approved proof of nationality (valid passport, voter’s ID, etc.).
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age as on the date of application.
In case of a co-founder of a Startup applying for grant:
Must be an Indian citizen with government-approved proof of nationality.
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age as on the date of application.
The startup should be incorporated in India with a minimum 51% equity held by Indian citizens.
The startup should not be more than 2 years of existence.
Annual turnover should not exceed Rs. 25 lakhs for any financial year since inception.

Projects related to Pure Software development, e-Commerce, Service solutions, App-based solutions.
Funding research or student internship in Academic institutions or R&D organisations.
Proposals for products that have already crossed the prototype level.

Outsourcing Charges for R&D, Design Engineering, Consultancy, Testing, or Expert cost.
Raw material, Consumables, or Spares.
Fabrication or Synthesis charges of working model or process.
Business Travel and Event participation Fees (Ceiling: 10% of approved project cost).
Patent filing Cost – PCT (Ceiling: 10% of approved project cost).
Contingency (Ceiling: 10% of approved project cost).

Paying the grantee or their relatives.
Repaying pre-existing loans or other commitments of the innovator.
Paying rents, creating infrastructure facilities, movable or permanent facilities, etc.
As a stop-gap arrangement for any other professional pursuits.

The innovators can apply to any one of the i-TBI for ignition grant.

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