Guidelines of Ignition Grant

  1. Selection of innovators/ start-ups:– The i-TBI shall invite the proposal from Innovators / start-ups through open call for selecting the innovators / start-ups for providing ignition grant. i-TBI’s will constitute the ‘Screening and Monitoring Committee (SMC)’ to select the innovators / start-ups on the basis of certain parameters at their centre. This committee will ensure the smooth implementation of the program including the selection of innovators for ignition grant and monitoring their progress. This monitoring committee may comprise of the members/representatives of STEP/TBI, Technical expert, domain experts, financial expert, entrepreneur, DST etc and may be chaired by Head of the Host institute.
  1. i-TBI will provide Ignition grant (grants-in-aid), a funding support to innovators/ start-ups to convert their ideas into prototype/products that have potential for commercialisation. The maximum funding support to an innovator/start-ups will be up to Rs. 10 lakhs, however the final amount is subject to the approval of the ‘Screening and Monitoring committee’.
  1. Following General and Eligibility Criteria may be follow for selecting the Innovators / start-ups for ignition grant:-

 

General Criteria

  • The ignition grant shall be for development of prototype/products.
  • The ideas and innovations should be based on technology and science.
  • The product prototype has to be a physical product.
  • Idea or Innovations should have a roadmap towards commercialization.
  • Prototype must be capable of being completed within 12 to 14 months.
  • The ignition grant support can be provided – min Rs. 2.00 lakhs to max. upto Rs.10 lakhs to the innovator/startup
  • Applicants can be individual innovators or early-stage startups.
  • The IP generated if any, should vest with the Innovator or the Start up.
  • Applicants will have ownership of the Project knowhow or IP of the proposed products or right to use knowhow or IP if it is owned by a third party.
  • Innovators should have technical skills or background.

Eligibility Criteria

  • An individual innovator without having a startup or founder of a startup can apply for ignition grant.
  • In case of an applicant being an individual innovator applying for grant, following conditions should be followed:
  • The applicant has to be an Indian Citizen with a government approved proof of nationality such as a valid passport, voter’s id etc.
  • The applicant should be minimum of 18 years of age, as on the date of application.
  • In case of an applicant being a co-founder of a Startup applying for grant:
  • The applicant has to be an Indian citizen with a government approved proof of nationality such as a valid passport, voter’s id etc.
  • The applicant should be minimum of 18 years of age, as on the date of application.
  • The startup should be incorporated in India with a minimum 51% of its equity held by Indian citizens.
  • The startup should not be more than 2 years of existence.
  • The startup should not have annual turnover exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs for any of the financial years since its inception.

Notwithstanding the above, the followings will not be considered

  • Projects related to Pure Software development, e-Commerce, Service solutions, App based solutions.
  • Funding research or student internship in Academic institutions or R& D organisations.
  • Proposals for the products having crossed the prototype level are not eligible for support under ignition grant.

Guideline for Usage of funds

  • Outsourcing Charges for R & D or Design Engg.or Consultancy or Testing or Expert cost
  • Raw material or Consumables or Spares
  • Fabrication or Synthesis charges of working model or process
  • Business Travel and Event participation Fees (Ceiling 10% of approved project cost)
  • Patent filing Cost – (PCT- Ceiling 10% of approved project cost)
  • Contingency – (Ceiling 10% of approved project cost)

Ignition grant will not be used

  • To pay the grantee or their relatives.
  • To repay pre-existing loans or other commitments of the innovator.
  • To pay rents, creation of infrastructure facility like shed, creation of movable property, creation of permanent facilitiesetc.
  • As a stop gap arrangement to support any other professional pursuits.

 

The innovators can apply to any one of the i-TBI for ignition grant.

 

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