How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at IITI DRISHTI CPS

IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION

How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation

Introduction: Empowering the Future of Cyber-Physical Systems Innovation

India’s innovation landscape is rapidly evolving — and the next wave of technological disruption is happening at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. From autonomous drones to intelligent factories and AI-driven healthcare systems, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are transforming industries and societies alike.

At the heart of this transformation stands the IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, a Centre of Excellence established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore). Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the foundation is driving India’s deep-tech revolution.

With a mission to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in CPS, the IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation bridges academia, industry, and startups. It supports entrepreneurs working on cutting-edge technologies — helping them validate, scale, and commercialize their ideas.

If you are an innovator, researcher, or entrepreneur looking to transform your CPS-based idea into a viable enterprise, this article will guide you step-by-step on how to apply for incubation and seed funding at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation.

About IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation

The IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is a Section 8 (non-profit) company established to strengthen India’s innovation capacity in CPS and related deep technologies. The foundation acts as a catalyst for startups developing next-generation solutions that integrate sensing, computing, control, and communication.

Anchored within the IIT Indore campus, the foundation leverages the institute’s strong R&D infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise, and collaborative environment. It acts as a bridge between theoretical research and industrial application — helping innovators convert prototypes into products, and ideas into impact.

With support from DST and partnerships with industry, IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is building a world-class ecosystem for CPS startups in India.

Vision and Mission

Vision:
To position India as a global leader in Cyber-Physical Systems by empowering innovators to create intelligent, connected, and sustainable technologies.

Mission:

  • To accelerate CPS innovation through incubation, funding, and mentorship.

  • To foster collaboration between academia, startups, and industries.

  • To nurture deep-tech entrepreneurship for societal and economic growth.

  • To enable self-reliant, globally competitive CPS ventures under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The foundation is committed to advancing technologies that not only solve real-world problems but also contribute to India’s strategic and sustainable development goals.

Focus Areas of Innovation

The IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation supports startups across a wide range of CPS and deep-tech domains. These include:

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and AI-driven decision systems.

  • Internet of Things (IoT): Smart devices, connected networks, and real-time monitoring systems.

  • Autonomous Systems & Robotics: Drones, robotic process automation, and mobility systems.

  • Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0: Industrial IoT, process automation, and factory digitalization.

  • Precision Agriculture: Smart farming tools, crop analytics, and resource-efficient technologies.

  • Healthcare Technologies: AI-based diagnostics, wearable medical devices, and telehealth innovations.

  • Cybersecurity & Data Analytics: Secure data systems and digital risk management.

  • Embedded Systems & Sensors: Hardware-software integration for adaptive control applications.

This broad focus allows entrepreneurs from multiple domains to leverage CPS capabilities in developing intelligent, high-impact solutions.

Infrastructure and Facilities

IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation provides startups with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research tools, and collaborative workspaces. The goal is to help innovators prototype, test, and commercialize their ideas effectively.

Key facilities include:

  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) Labs: For AI model development and large-scale simulations.

  • IoT Testbeds: For real-time system testing and validation.

  • Robotics & Automation Labs: For design, fabrication, and testing of autonomous systems.

  • 3D Printing and Fabrication Labs: To enable rapid prototyping of hardware solutions.

  • Product Design & Testing Units: For iterative product development.

  • Co-Working Spaces: Shared infrastructure for startups, researchers, and mentors.

These facilities help founders transition from concept to prototype and eventually to full-scale product deployment.

Programs and Initiatives

The IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation runs specialized programs designed to assist entrepreneurs at every stage of their startup journey.

1. Seed Fund Support Program

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), the foundation provides early-stage financial support to startups working in CPS domains. This helps in prototype development, product validation, and market entry.

2. Incubation Program

Offers dedicated mentorship, business support, and access to labs, funding, and corporate networks. Startups receive guidance on business modeling, market strategy, and scaling.

3. Accelerator Initiatives

Short-term, high-impact programs that help growth-stage startups refine their product-market fit, attract investors, and expand globally.

4. Research Collaboration

Encourages joint R&D projects between startups and IIT Indore researchers. Founders gain access to scientific expertise and advanced facilities.

5. Entrepreneurship Development Workshops

Regular sessions on startup management, intellectual property (IP), fundraising, and product design help young innovators strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme at IITI DRISHTI CPS

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), bridges the critical gap between idea and market launch.

At IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, this program plays a crucial role in supporting deep-tech startups that require early-stage capital to move from prototype to market-ready solutions.

Funding Support Includes:

  • Grant Support up to ₹20 Lakhs:
    For idea validation, prototype development, and proof of concept.

  • Equity/Convertible Debt up to ₹50 Lakhs:
    For market entry, scaling, and commercialization.

This dual funding model ensures startups get the right support based on their maturity stage.

Eligibility Criteria

Startups applying for seed funding at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation must fulfill the following:

  • Must be recognized by DPIIT under Startup India.

  • Should develop innovative and technology-based solutions in CPS domains.

  • Should not have received more than ₹10 lakh from any other central or state scheme.

  • Must have a functional prototype or proof of concept.

  • Should be registered in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.

  • Founders must be working full-time on the venture.

Preference is given to startups from Tier-II/Tier-III cities, women-led ventures, and ideas with strong social or industrial impact.

How to Apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation

Step 1: Visit the official IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation website and access the Seed Fund application portal.
Step 2: Check eligibility and prepare a comprehensive application including:

  • Problem statement and proposed innovation

  • Product roadmap and technical feasibility

  • Market potential and scalability

  • Founder and team details

  • Business model and impact
    Step 3: Upload necessary documents such as DPIIT recognition certificate, incorporation documents, and pitch deck.
    Step 4: Applications are evaluated by the Seed Fund Evaluation Committee (SFEC) based on innovation, feasibility, and impact potential.
    Step 5: Shortlisted startups are invited for a pitch session before domain experts and mentors.
    Step 6: Selected startups are onboarded into the incubation program, gaining access to funding, infrastructure, and mentorship.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation has made remarkable progress in promoting CPS-led innovation in India. Key achievements include:

  • Incubation of 50+ startups across CPS domains.

  • Successful commercialization of prototypes in IoT, automation, and healthcare.

  • Industry partnerships for pilot projects and technology transfer.

  • Creation of skilled manpower trained in deep-tech development.

  • Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous innovations.

These milestones demonstrate how academic excellence, research, and entrepreneurship converge to create impactful outcomes.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The success of IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation lies in its collaborative approach. It has built partnerships with:

  • Industry Leaders – for product validation, co-development, and scaling.

  • Government Agencies – for policy, funding, and regulatory support.

  • Academic Institutions – for joint research and technical mentoring.

  • Investor Networks – including angel investors and VCs for follow-on funding.

This collaborative ecosystem ensures that startups receive holistic support from ideation to commercialization.

Why Choose IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation

Entrepreneurs choose this foundation because it offers a unique blend of academic strength, industry integration, and entrepreneurial energy.

Key Advantages:

  • Backed by DST and Startup India initiatives.

  • Access to IIT Indore’s infrastructure and expertise.

  • Mentorship from leading researchers and industry veterans.

  • Seed funding and investor access under SISFS.

  • A vibrant innovation ecosystem fostering collaboration and growth.

For deep-tech entrepreneurs, it serves as a launchpad that bridges the critical gap between research and market success.

Future Roadmap

IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation aims to strengthen India’s CPS leadership by:

  • Supporting 200+ startups over the next five years.

  • Launching sector-focused accelerators in robotics, healthcare, and AI.

  • Establishing international collaborations for global market access.

  • Creating a venture capital fund to support scaling startups.

  • Building student innovation programs across campuses.

This roadmap ensures that India not only innovates but leads the global deep-tech movement.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Intelligent Innovation

The IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is more than an incubator — it is a national mission in motion. By converging research, technology, and entrepreneurship, it is shaping India’s future in Cyber-Physical Systems and deep-tech innovation.

From intelligent machines to sustainable automation, from healthcare breakthroughs to industrial transformation — every startup nurtured here carries the potential to redefine the way we live, work, and connect.

If you’re an innovator ready to build solutions that bridge the digital and physical worlds — this is your moment.
Apply today for the Seed Fund Incubation Program at IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation and become a part of India’s journey toward a smarter, connected future. 🚀