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Startup grants open right now (July 2026)

Open now 4 min read By Mahesh Kadamkode, Incubateer

Founders keep asking us what is "closing this month." Here is the honest answer for India: almost nothing, because most Indian startup grants run all year on a rolling basis. That is good news. It means the list below is open right now, and you can apply this week. Always confirm the current round on the official site before you build a plan around a number.

Why most startup grants do not "close"

Chasing a deadline is a habit borrowed from foreign grant portals, where a program opens, takes applications for a few weeks, and shuts. Most of India's flagship startup grants do not work that way. They stay open through approved incubators or on a rolling call, and they refresh their budgets each year. So the useful question is not "what closes this month," it is "what is open, and which one fits me." That is the list.

SISFS, up to Rs 50 lakh through incubators

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme runs all year through approved incubators. The grant portion takes no equity. If you have DPIIT recognition and are under two years old, this is usually the first one to chase. See our SISFS guide.

NIDHI Prayas, up to Rs 10 lakh for a prototype

If you are building hardware, Prayas pays for the first build. It is for physical products, not apps, and you apply through a PRAYAS centre. Centres open their own intake windows through the year, so pick the one nearest you and check its current call. See our NIDHI Prayas guide.

Kerala Startup Mission grants

KSUM runs an Idea Grant, a Productisation Grant, and an Innovation Grant on a rolling basis for Kerala-based startups, plus patent reimbursement. If you are registered in Kerala, these are among the most accessible grants in the country. See our Kerala guide.

Karnataka Elevate

This is the exception to the rolling rule. The Idea2PoC grant of up to Rs 50 lakh runs as an annual competitive call, so it does have a real window. If you are in Karnataka with a proof of concept to build, watch for the next round and prepare early. See our Karnataka guide.

MSME credit through CGTMSE

Not a grant, but worth knowing while you wait on one: a CGTMSE-backed loan gets you working capital with no collateral. Register on Udyam first. See our MSME guide.

Find your match

See which of these you actually qualify for.

Incubateer scores your startup against every grant in the catalog and tells you honestly which ones fit, and it flags the few that really do have a deadline. Two minutes to set up.

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