Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program 2026

A one-year equity-free fellowship by Bharathiya Vikas Trust, offering up to ₹30 lakh and comprehensive support to biomedical innovators at TRL 4+.

The Interconnect Innovation Catalyst Program is designed to strengthen India's biomedical innovation ecosystem by enabling collaboration, visibility, structured support, and unlocking capital for high-potential innovators. Implemented by Bharathiya Vikas Trust (BVT) and supported by Blockchain for Impact (BFI), this program aims to help innovators overcome challenges in scaling, validation, and building viable pathways to impact. Built on the interconnect app, it is a structured one-year program.

Cohort 2 is now open for applications, specifically targeting biomedical innovators at TRL 4+. The program will select up to 50 fellows, providing substantial funding of up to ₹30 lakh over 12 months, disbursed quarterly based on milestone achievements. Beyond funding, participants receive invaluable mentorship from leading experts across academia, industry, and healthcare, strategic guidance, and crucial clinical and industry connections. Innovators also gain access to a national network of peers and ecosystem partners, fostering a collaborative environment. The program explicitly states 'No equity. No IP claims,' ensuring innovators retain full ownership of their work.

During the 12-month program journey, innovators will actively identify collaborators across research, clinical, and industry domains through the interconnect app. They will develop a clear roadmap towards validation or commercialization and participate in periodic review and feedback sessions, receiving guidance on overcoming technical, regulatory, or market bottlenecks. The program culminates in a national-level final event where innovators showcase their work to ecosystem partners, industry leaders, and potential supporters, with selected innovations potentially receiving further scale-up or next-stage funding support.