IIT BHU launches Startup Incubation Programme; Rs 20 lakh to technopreneurs

The Indian Institute of Technology at Banaras Hindu University (IIT BHU) has launched a Startup Incubation Programme. The programme will offer resources like office space, technical and legal support, market access, mentorship, and funding assistance of up to Rs 20 lakh to early-stage entrepreneurs.

The IIT BHU startup initiative is aligned with the Make in India, Viksit Bharat, and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions, according to Rajesh Kumar, dean of research and development. The initiative aims to create a “vibrant startup ecosystem” for ‘technopreneurs’ in the country.

Tech startups based on data analytics and predictive technologies (DAPT) can apply for funding and incubation support on the official website of the I-DAPT Hub Foundation of IIT BHU: www.idapthub.org. The last date to submit applications is August 20, 2025.

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IIT BHU DAPT incubation

To be eligible for the institute’s Startup Incubation Programme, the nationally-incorporated business should offer commercially viable products and services. According to Ram Sharan Singh, the project director of I-DAPT Hub, businesses within the DAPT domain are encouraged to apply.

Other eligibility criteria to be met are described below.

• Should be incorporated in India and should hold a Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) number
• At least one of the founders should be working full-time
• At least one founder should hold 51% equity
• Sector-agnostic with DAPT at its core

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Amit Patra, director of the institute, remarked, “At IIT BHU, we are committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the I-DAPT Hub Foundation, we aim to not only support startups with funding and mentorship but also to inspire them to build technologies that solve real-world challenges and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.”