Call for
IHFC Call for Startups and Researchers
About Organisation
The I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) is the Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, supported by the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. IHFC serves as a collaborative platform for developing technologies and systems in the domain of collaborative robotics, also known as cobotics. With a focus on DeepTech areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Machine Learning (ML), and advanced communication and sensing technologies, IHFC aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and market deployment. By encouraging research commercialization and providing crucial support such as funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, IHFC fosters a strong ecosystem to drive innovation and industrial transformation. Through various initiatives, it facilitates collaborative research, prototype development, tech transfer, and early-stage product commercialization. IHFC envisions empowering innovators and startups to develop scalable and sustainable technology solutions that align with national priorities and global development goals. Their commitment to fostering innovation in sectors such as environment, energy, agriculture, defence, space, and industrial automation plays a crucial role in advancing the national deep-tech ecosystem.
About the Grant
The I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) has launched a call for proposals aimed at supporting the commercialization of innovative, patent-backed technologies in DeepTech fields. The grant is focused on technologies that fall within the realms of AI, Robotics, IoT, ML, Communication, and Sensor-based systems, with demonstrated application in key areas including Energy, Environment/Climate, Space, Agriculture, Defence, and Industrial Automation/Inspection. Only those technologies that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) greater than 4 and possess patents (filed, published, or granted) are eligible. IHFC intends to invest up to INR 2 Crore in selected proposals to assist in their transition from lab to market. This initiative emphasizes commercialization, societal impact, innovation, and product development. Applicants will receive not just financial assistance but also technical guidance, mentorship, and access to IHFC’s collaborative ecosystem. Proposals that have previously undergone tech transfer but failed in commercialization may also be considered. This grant offers a significant opportunity for innovators with product-ready technologies to scale their solutions, enter new markets, and foster sustainable change. Submissions must include technical documentation, a short explanatory video, and clarity on any industry partnership contributions. Shortlisted entries will undergo a presentation round before final selection.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include faculty members, researchers, scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, startups, and R&D institutions from India with technologies that have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher. The innovation should lie in the deep technology domain—such as robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, communication systems, sensors, or IoT—and must address application areas such as energy, environment, agriculture, defence, space, or industrial automation/inspection. A crucial eligibility requirement is that the technology must be backed by at least one patent (filed, published, or granted) and should exhibit clear potential for commercialization. Those with a successful history of patent-to-product transitions, prior technology transfers, or commercial deployments will be given preference. Projects that previously underwent tech transfer but were unsuccessful in commercialization will also be considered. Applicants must submit a separate proposal for each patent or technology they wish to commercialize. If applicable, financial or technical commitments from associated startups, MSMEs, or industries must be clearly outlined in the proposal. This initiative is geared toward supporting product-focused innovations and promoting the development of technologies that are market-ready and scalable with potential for high societal impact.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete the designated Google Form with detailed descriptions of their technology, including novelty, market analysis, and commercialization potential. A 1–3 minute video showcasing the product’s features and advantages over existing solutions must be included. Proposals will be evaluated by a domain-specific expert panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present before the final selection is made.
Application Deadline
Applicants must complete the designated Google Form with detailed descriptions of their technology, including novelty, market analysis, and commercialization potential. A 1–3 minute video showcasing the product’s features and advantages over existing solutions must be included. Proposals will be evaluated by a domain-specific expert panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present before the final selection is made.
Application Deadline
The final date for submitting proposals is 15th August 2025. Interested applicants must ensure all required documents and media are submitted via the Google Form before this deadline.
Last Date to Apply
All applications, including technical documents and the explanatory video, must be submitted on or before 15th August 2025. Late entries will not be considered for evaluation.
Grant Amount
IHFC will provide funding support of up to INR 2 Crore per selected proposal. This financial assistance is intended to help transition lab-level technologies to commercially viable products.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
