Call for

SONA-COMSTAR-IIT Delhi Innovation Program

Organisation Name:

Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)

Application Deadline:

31 July 2025

About Organisation

The Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program is a collaborative initiative between Sona Comstar, a leading automotive systems and components manufacturer, and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi. FITT, the industry interface organization of IIT Delhi, has long supported innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging its rich network of experts, faculty, and infrastructure, FITT aims to facilitate the translation of cutting-edge ideas into impactful commercial solutions. The program is designed to nurture startups working on smart and sustainable mobility technologies, helping them scale their ideas through targeted mentoring, infrastructure access, and funding support. With a focus on e-mobility, vehicle diagnostics, autonomous safety features, and last-mile connectivity, this program is a strategic effort to revolutionize India’s mobility landscape. The partnership bridges academic excellence with industrial expertise, offering startups incubation space, technical mentorship, business development resources, and investor connections. It fosters innovation with strong commercial and IP potential, enabling entrepreneurs to derisk their technologies and attract further investment. Through regular evaluations and networking events, FITT ensures that incubated startups receive comprehensive support to thrive in the competitive mobility solutions ecosystem.

About the Grant

The Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program provides structured support for startups working on transformative mobility solutions. The program offers grant-in-aid of up to ₹80 Lakhs, disbursed in four or more tranches, based on progress achieved through defined milestones aligned with the project’s objectives. Startups selected under this program will receive incubation support in accordance with IIT Delhi’s guidelines, including office space, infrastructure, and mentorship from faculty members acting as scientific advisors. In addition to technical guidance, entrepreneurs will benefit from business mentorship, workshops, visibility events, and IP-related support services through FITT’s dedicated IP Cell. The program focuses on technologies with high commercialization and translational potential, such as advanced EV technologies, efficient battery management, mobile charging, vehicle diagnostics, autonomous safety features, and last-mile transport innovations. It also emphasizes building a scientific data foundation to reduce risks and prepare for investor engagements. The grant not only aids in product development but also in validating proof of concept and market disruption potential. FITT facilitates connections with venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry experts, helping startups mature into viable, scalable businesses. The program’s holistic approach is aimed at nurturing impactful startups that can redefine clean and safe mobility in India.

Who can Apply?

The Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program is open to individual entrepreneurs and startups working on innovative solutions in the field of e-mobility, clean transportation, smart diagnostics, and last-mile connectivity. The applicant or project leader must be an Indian citizen with technical qualifications and must have completed postgraduate studies in science or engineering. They must also be willing to commit full-time to the project upon grant approval and provide appropriate documentation like a resignation or relieving letter before funds are released. Entrepreneurs who are not already part of a registered startup must complete startup incorporation within six months of entering the incubation program. Eligible startups must be registered as a Private Limited Company under the Indian Companies Act, 2013, and incorporated within the past five years from the application date. Their funding, grant income, or revenue must not have exceeded ₹2.5 Crores in any financial year since incorporation. Furthermore, over 51% of the equity and control must be held by resident Indian citizens. Promoters holding more than 20% equity should not be associated with ineligible companies unless they are bonafide serial entrepreneurs. Projects must show strong commercial or translational potential with a focus on IP creation.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants must submit their project proposal through the Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program’s designated application process. Proposals should detail the technical innovation, commercialization potential, and developmental milestones. Entrepreneurs must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Once selected, they will enter an incubation phase where they will receive mentoring, infrastructure support, and access to funding based on progress and compliance with program guidelines.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program is 31 July 2025. All proposals must be submitted by this date to be considered for evaluation.

Last Date To Apply
The final date for submitting applications to the Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program is 31 July 2025. Late applications will not be entertained under any circumstances.

Grant Amount
Selected startups will receive financial assistance of up to ₹80 Lakhs, disbursed in tranches linked to the project’s milestones, as part of the Sona Comstar-IIT Delhi Innovation Program.