Call for Grant Applications -iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Program
About Organisation
iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) is India’s premier non-academic institution dedicated to nurturing technology-driven startups and fostering innovation. Established in 2012, it is supported by both the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India, with a mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. iCreate provides a unique ecosystem for startups, offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to advanced technological resources. With a strong emphasis on technological innovation, it plays a pivotal role in transforming ideas into successful businesses. The institution offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a dedicated campus in Ahmedabad, rapid prototyping labs, and business support services. iCreate focuses on fostering a culture of creativity and enterprise among students, working professionals, and innovators, ensuring that their ideas are translated into viable commercial ventures. Additionally, iCreate facilitates access to industry experts, investors, and corporate networks, further strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through its various initiatives and incubation programs, iCreate aims to bridge the gap between technology and business, enabling startups to scale their solutions effectively. Its commitment to fostering innovation makes it a leading hub for technology entrepreneurship in India.
About the Grant
The Technology Exploration Cell (TEC) Grant by iCreate is designed to support startups and innovators in the proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype development stage. As a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator, iCreate offers a range of funding schemes in collaboration with institutions from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. The TEC grant provides financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakhs to selected candidates for developing their proof-of-concept within 90 days. The grant is sector-agnostic, open to projects across various domains, provided they incorporate technology innovation at their core. Besides funding, iCreate offers technical and business mentorship, hands-on guidance, and access to its advanced prototyping and digital innovation lab, iLab@iCreate. Successful applicants will also benefit from networking opportunities, investor connections, and access to industry events. The residential nature of the grant ensures that participants can make the most of iCreate’s extensive resources, including co-working spaces, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and accommodation on its vibrant startup-focused campus. This program not only provides financial support but also equips entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, mentorship, and exposure to scale their ideas into successful ventures.
Who can Apply?
The TEC Grant is open to individual innovators, students, and early-stage startups working on technology-based solutions. To qualify, applicants must be Indian citizens and should be in the Idea-to-PoC development phase or have a PoC ready. The grant supports both hardware and software-driven innovations across various sectors, without any domain restrictions. While anyone can apply, projects that incorporate a significant element of technology innovation will be given preference. Additionally, startups seeking funding under schemes from the Government of Gujarat must be registered as an LLP or a private limited company in Gujarat. iCreate strongly encourages applicants to reside on its Ahmedabad campus to maximize their learning and networking opportunities. Residential applicants receive higher preference during the selection process. The grant offers a holistic ecosystem for technology innovators, providing access to infrastructure, mentorship, and industry connections. Entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to refine and validate their ideas with financial and technical support are encouraged to apply. The program aims to bridge the gap between ideation and commercialization by equipping startups with essential resources, mentorship, and an ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply for the TEC Grant by submitting an online application detailing their project, technological innovation, and proof-of-concept development plan. Selected candidates will be invited for further evaluation before final selection.
Application Deadline
Applications for the TEC Grant are accepted on a rolling basis, with periodic deadlines for different batches. Early applications are encouraged to maximize selection opportunities.
Last Date to Apply
The last date for submission varies based on the intake cycle. Candidates should apply at the earliest to be considered for the next batch of funding.
Grant Amount
Selected applicants will receive funding of up to ₹2 lakhs for prototype development, along with mentorship, incubation support, and access to iCreate’s innovation labs.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
