Call for Applications 2.0 is a structured incubation support initiative by Sharda Launchpad (DST NIDHI i-TBI) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, designed to identify and support early-stage innovators working on Science & Technology-based solutions addressing rural and societal challenges.

The program aims to enable innovators with Proof of Concept (PoC)-level ideas to transition towards early-stage startups through structured mentoring, validation support, incubation facilitation, and ecosystem access. Selected innovators may also be prepared for Ignition Grant support up to ₹10 Lakhs, as per DST norms and evaluation outcomes.

🎯 Focus Areas

• Agritech

• Rural Health

• Women Empowerment

• Rural Livelihood

👥 Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from:

• Individual innovators

• Student innovators

• Early-stage startup teams

• Researchers with applied technology solutions

• Innovator teams with Proof of Concept (PoC)

Applicants may apply individually or as teams.

🚀 Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Identify promising early-stage Science & Technology innovations

• Support prototype strengthening and validation

• Promote rural and inclusive innovation ecosystems

• Facilitate transition from idea/PoC stage to startup readiness

• Provide access to expert mentoring and incubation infrastructure

• Enable preparation for Ignition Grant assistance under DST NIDHI framework

📅 Application Deadline: 20 April 2026 | 5:00 PM

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for the next stage of evaluation and expert interaction.