Submissions open for MeitY TIDE 2.0 EIR Program – India

TIDE 2.0 scheme aims to train its focus primarily (but not limited to) on technology based entrepreneurship support through use of emerging technologies like IoT, AI, Block-chain, Robotics etc. for eight select thematic areas based on national priorities particularly in the realm of:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Agriculture
• Financial inclusion including digital payments
• Infrastructure and transportation
• Environment and clean tech
• Clean energy solutions
• Other emerging areas (flexibility to support tech startups to address societal challenges in ICTE areas)

Benefits 

• Financial support of up to INR 4 lakh per startup for one Year
• Co-working space and mentoring support
• Access to IIT Mandi Infrastructure
• Guidance from mentors and experts on the idea to product conversion and business concepts related to the commercialization of the idea.

Eligibility Criteria

• The eligibility criteria for the applicants for MeitY EiR program are as follows:
  • Any individual/founder of a startup applying for MeitY TIDE 2.0 EiR support 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 have completed minimum 4 years of formal full time undergraduate/post graduate education towards one or more-degree program. Basic degree or diploma should be in science or engineering or
  • 3 years degree or diploma program and have 2 year full time work experience post degree or diploma. Basic degree or diploma should be in science or engineering. (education degree/works experience having some relevance to the business idea will be preferred)
  • The applicant is expected to be committed to exploring a business idea. Typical EIR needing the support is a first generation innovative entrepreneur, who has no prior source of income. MeitY TIDE 2.0 EiR support recipient should not treat this support as a stop gap arrangement to support them in their academic pursuits or transition between jobs.
  • The applicant seeking the support should demonstrate his/her ability to build a scalable technology business startup.
  • MeitY TIDE 2.0 EiR support recipient are expected to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations full time. MeitY EiR cannot be concurrent with any other remuneration or fellowship.
  • The applicant cannot be the promoter or significant (>10%) share holder/beneficiary of another company at the time of applying for and receiving the grant approval.
  • Applicant seeking EiR support should have a formal business plan for the idea they intend to pursue and a business presentation including the investment proposal.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Entrepreneurs pursuing business ideas with no or marginal technology innovation or those with very short journey (i.e less than 6 months) to commercialization are discouraged to apply.
• The grant support cannot, however, be used for supporting:
  • Innovators/Startups who do not/will not own the Project know how/IP
  • Funding research/student internship in Academic institution or R & D organization
  • Innovators/Team/Start up who is already supported once under MeitY EiR.

For more information, visit IIT Mandi Catalyst.