Varanasi: To foster innovation and support the development of new and commercially viable technologies across multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, defence, telecommunications, power, education, finance, and drone technology, IIT-HU through its I-DAPT Hub Foundation, is set to release grants amounting to around Rs 5 crore to shortlisted tech startups and research projects. This significant financial support is expected to further strengthen the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.Hub project director Prof RS Singh said that the hub received 136 applications from across the country under its Startup Incubation Program launched in July, of which 22 startups were shortlisted after a rigorous evaluation process. Additionally, 12 research projects were selected from 21 applications received under Call for Research Proposals category on I-DAPT website. In total, grants worth around Rs 5 crore will be released to these selected startups and research projects.Prof Singh also acknowledged the efforts of I-DAPT team CEO Shachi Mishra, project manager (Technology) Anilabh Agrawal and project manager (Startup) Ram Chandra Parida for their continued support and contributions.He further added that innovators and researchers may continue to apply under the ongoing Call for Research Proposals and Chanakya Fellowships. The next cohort of the Startup Incubation Program, launched on Nov 12, has enhanced its support, offering funding of up to Rs 1 Cr for each deserving startup. Highlighting the institute’s commitment to national priorities, IIT-BHU director Prof Amit Patra said that the primary objective of the I-DAPT Hub Foundation is to nurture a strong innovation ecosystem aligned with key national initiatives such as Make in India, Viksit Bharat, and Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
