If you’re a founder, student entrepreneur, or researcher looking for funding in India, the next few days are critical. Ten major startup grants, incubation programs, and innovation challenges are closing between March 27 and 31, 2026 and the funding on the table ranges from ₹4 lakh all the way up to ₹200 crore.
Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Blockchain India Challenge — MeitY & C-DAC Deadline: March 27, 2026 Total Prize Pool: ₹8.80 Crore Sectors: Blockchain, Web3, Digital Governance, GovTech
This one closes first — and it’s one of the most exciting on the list. The Blockchain India Challenge is a national innovation challenge launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with C-DAC to accelerate the development of citizen-centric solutions using Blockchain and Web3 technologies. Startupgrantsindia Important note: this is not about cryptocurrency. The goal is to use blockchain technology to make government systems more efficient, transparent, and reliable nadcab.com — think land records, public food distribution, health data, and document management.
The challenge offers a total prize pool of ₹8.80 crore across multiple stages. In the Prototype Stage, up to 40 participants will receive ₹1.5 lakh each. The MVP Stage will award ₹4 lakh each to up to 30 participants, while the Deployment Stage offers ₹10 lakh each to up to 20 startups. Additionally, 10 winners — one from each use case category — will receive ₹50 lakh each. Funds for Companies
Apply here: https://challenge.cdac.in
2. EMERGE Pre-Incubation Program 2026 — AIC-Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum Deadline: March 30, 2026 Sectors: AI, Mobility, Climate Tech, Robotics, Healthtech, Manufacturing
If you’re at the ideation or early-stage phase, the EMERGE Pre-Incubation Program is designed for you. Run by AIC-Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum, this program offers structured mentorship, resources, and ecosystem access to early-stage startups across deep-tech and impact sectors.
3. BIRAC–RDI Fund — Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: ₹5 Crore to ₹200 Crore Sectors: Biotech, Healthcare, Deeptech, Indigenous Manufacturing, Bioengineering
This is the biggest ticket on the list. The BIRAC Research, Development and Innovation Fund supports high-impact projects in biotechnology and life sciences. If you’re working on something genuinely transformative in biotech or bioengineering, this could be a game-changer for your venture.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/birac-rdi-fund-research-development-innovation-fund-404
4. Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026 — IIT Hyderabad Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: Up to ₹1 Crore Sectors: AI, Deeptech, Aerospace, Climate Tech, Healthtech, Advanced Manufacturing
Backed by IIT Hyderabad, the Wadhwani Innovation Network Centre of Excellence is calling for proposals from startups and innovators working at the intersection of technology and real-world impact. With up to ₹1 crore on offer, this is a strong opportunity for deep-tech founders.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/wadhwani-innovation-network-coe-call-for-proposals-2026-iit-hyderabad-429
5. iDEX Open Challenge — Innovations for Defence Excellence Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: Up to ₹1.5 Crore Sectors: Defence, Aerospace, AI, Autonomous Systems, Quantum Tech, Deeptech
The iDEX Open Challenge by the Department of Defence Production is one of India’s most prestigious innovation grants. If you’re building solutions in autonomous systems, quantum technology, AI, or aerospace with a defence application, this is the opportunity to pursue.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/idex-open-challenge-innovations-for-defence-excellence-dio-387
6. MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 — Cohort II Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: Up to ₹25 Lakhs Sectors: Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agritech, Rural Innovation
Run by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, the FISHub program specifically supports startups working in fisheries and aquaculture — a vastly underfunded but economically vital sector. If you’re building for the blue economy or rural coastal communities, this one’s worth a close look.
7. MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program (SOP) — Cohort 15 Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: ₹4 Lakhs Sectors: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Student Startups
Are you a student with an agri-business idea? The RKVY-RAFTAAR Student Orientation Program is built specifically for student entrepreneurs at the very beginning of their startup journey. With ₹4 lakhs and hands-on guidance from MANAGE, this is a strong launchpad.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/manage-cia-rkvy-raftaar-student-orientation-program-cohort-15-418
8. ISB I-Venture Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) 2.0 — ISB Hyderabad Deadline: March 31, 2026 Sectors: Fintech, Healthtech, Agritech, Climate Tech, Deeptech, SaaS
The ISB I-Venture IRA program isn’t a grant — it’s an accelerator focused on making your startup investor-ready. If you’re at the growth stage and preparing for your next funding round, this program from one of India’s top business schools gives you the tools, network, and exposure to get there faster.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/isb-i-venture-investment-readiness-accelerator-ira-2-0-400
9. MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) — Cohort 15 Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: ₹5 Lakhs Sectors: Agribusiness, Agritech, Agriculture
Similar to the SOP but targeted at aspiring agripreneurs who want to build businesses around agriculture and allied sectors, the AOP provides both funding and structured mentorship to help you validate and develop your idea.
Apply here: https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/manage-cia-rkvy-raftaar-agripreneurship-orientation-program-cohort-15-419
10. MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agribusiness Incubation Program (SAIP) — Cohort 15 Deadline: March 31, 2026 Funding: Up to ₹25 Lakhs Sectors: Agritech, Agribusiness, Agriculture
For startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are ready to scale, the SAIP program offers up to ₹25 lakhs along with incubation support tailored to agribusiness. If you’re in agritech and looking for structured support to grow, this is a natural next step after the SOP or AOP programs.
