Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026

About this grant

The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) Centre of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad has launched its Call for Proposals for March 2026, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from innovators, startups, and research-driven teams working on high-impact technology solutions. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced technologies by supporting projects that have already achieved a minimum level of technical validation. The program specifically targets projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher. By focusing on this stage, the initiative aims to bridge the critical gap between early-stage research and real-world deployment, enabling promising innovations to progress toward scalable applications. Selected projects may receive funding support of up to INR 1 crore, with a project duration of up to two years. This funding is intended to support further development, validation, and potential commercialization of the proposed technology. In addition to financial support, the program provides access to IIT Hyderabad’s academic ecosystem, fostering collaboration between startups, faculty members, and interdisciplinary research groups. A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on collaborative innovation. Startups and industry participants are required to actively collaborate with faculty members from IIT Hyderabad, ensuring that projects benefit from strong academic guidance and research expertise. This collaboration model enhances the scientific rigor and practical applicability of the solutions being developed. The program focuses on a broad range of deep technology domains, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, climate and sustainability, health technologies, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. These areas are aligned with national priorities and emerging global technology trends.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Applicants must demonstrate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or above
• Technology should be validated in a laboratory environment or have a working prototype
• TRL 1–3 (concept-stage ideas) are not eligible
• Open to:
• Technology startups
• Faculty members
• Interdisciplinary research groups
• Faculty–startup collaborative teams
• Startups and industry applicants must collaborate with an IIT Hyderabad faculty member
• Proposals must align with focus areas such as AI, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, healthtech, quantum technologies, and related domains
• Projects should demonstrate feasibility and potential for real-world application and impact

What the funding covers

• Funding: Upto: ₹1 Cr

How to apply

1. 1Apply online at https://www.startupgrantsindia.com/wadhwani-innovation-network-coe-call-for-proposals-2026-iit-hyderabad-429

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