Open to startups registered in India

IBITF Tribal Area Sub-Plan Grant 2026

IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation

About This Scheme

IBITF invites proposals under its Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme to foster tribal-centric/tribal-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization for the ST community.

The IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF), a Category 'A' Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) executed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is launching a Call for Proposals under its Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TSP) 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to cultivate and promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization that is either tribal-centric or tribal-led.

The primary objective of this call is to facilitate the rapid productization, deployment, and successful commercialization of technology-driven solutions that directly benefit Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The program focuses on enhancing livelihoods, generating income, and adding value to locally sourced products within tribal areas. Key thematic areas include Fintech applications, Agritech, HealthTech, Transport, and Energy, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, and E-Payments. IBITF, operating as a Section-8 not-for-profit company, has a track record of supporting diverse projects, including 61 projects in previous cohorts, with significant presence in North-Eastern states and Chhattisgarh, demonstrating its commitment to regional development through innovation.

Benefits

IBITF provides financial assistance available as a flexible combination of equity (potentially through instruments like iSAFE or CCSP), grants, and loans, with disbursements based on reimbursement of actual expenditure against bills.
Further performance-based funding may also be considered.
Beyond funding, selected projects benefit from expert mentorship to guide their product development, commercialization strategies, and business growth.
Comprehensive ecosystem support is offered, including networking opportunities with industry partners, government agencies, and fellow innovators.
IBITF also assists with IP governance, often leading to joint IP ownership, and may secure a representative seat on the startup's Board to provide strategic oversight and guidance, fostering a collaborative environment for success.

How to Apply

3d — 30 Oct 2026

Selection Process

The selection process involves a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation conducted by a dedicated Project Review Committee. This committee assesses proposals based on several key criteria, including technical innovation and novelty, market fit and commercial viability of the proposed solution, the strength of the team, potential for intellectual property (IP), and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the project, ideally TRL-4 or higher. Budget justification and any co-funding commitments are also crucial factors. The evaluation proceeds in distinct stages: Stage 01 involves a detailed technical evaluation of the proposed technology
Stage 02 focuses on the commercial evaluation and viability of the solution in the target market
Stage 03 assesses the business capabilities and organizational strength of participating entities. Final approval for selected projects is granted only after all legal and compliance requirements have been thoroughly cleared, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulations.

Quick Info

Amount / Funding

Varies

State / Region

Open to startups registered in India

Ministry / Dept

IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation

Application Window

3d — 30 Oct 2026

Tags

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About This Scheme

IBITF invites proposals under its Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme to foster tribal-centric/tribal-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization for the ST community.

Benefits

IBITF provides financial assistance available as a flexible combination of equity (potentially through instruments like iSAFE or CCSP), grants, and loans, with disbursements based on reimbursement of actual expenditure against bills.

Further performance-based funding may also be considered.

Beyond funding, selected projects benefit from expert mentorship to guide their product development, commercialization strategies, and business growth.

Comprehensive ecosystem support is offered, including networking opportunities with industry partners, government agencies, and fellow innovators.

IBITF also assists with IP governance, often leading to joint IP ownership, and may secure a representative seat on the startup's Board to provide strategic oversight and guidance, fostering a collaborative environment for success.

Selection Process

The selection process involves a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation conducted by a dedicated Project Review Committee. This committee assesses proposals based on several key criteria, including technical innovation and novelty, market fit and commercial viability of the proposed solution, the strength of the team, potential for intellectual property (IP), and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the project, ideally TRL-4 or higher. Budget justification and any co-funding commitments are also crucial factors. The evaluation proceeds in distinct stages: Stage 01 involves a detailed technical evaluation of the proposed technology

Stage 02 focuses on the commercial evaluation and viability of the solution in the target market

Stage 03 assesses the business capabilities and organizational strength of participating entities. Final approval for selected projects is granted only after all legal and compliance requirements have been thoroughly cleared, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulations.