Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE)

The TIDE scheme is managed by MeitY and was launched in 2019 in its current form . Its purpose is to promote technology-entrepreneurship by supporting incubators and early stage startups working with emerging ICT technologies . The scheme is intended to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem especially in tech-innovation areas and support MSMEs/startups in converting ideas into proof-of-concepts and prototypes, with technical, mentoring and financial assistance. Your enterprise can benefit if you are a tech-startup in India working on emerging technologies and are looking for incubation, grant support, mentoring and networking.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Support via technology-incubation centres to accelerate tech-entrepreneurs: Under TIDE 2.0, MeitY selects and supports recognised incubators (in academic or R&D institutions) which then incubate and nurture entrepreneurial ventures in technology space.
Financial grants for “Entrepreneur in Residence” (EiR) and for prototype/PoC stage startups: The scheme provides two levels of support: one for an individual with a technology idea (EiR stipend up to a specified amount) and another for startups that have a proof of concept and require grant funding for further prototype or MVP development.
Focus on emerging technologies in defined thematic societal sectors: The scheme targets startups using technologies such as IoT, AI, Robotics, Blockchain in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, environment, clean energy, infrastructure and transportation.
Partnership with academic/R&D institutions and higher-education incubators: The support is routed via institutional incubators (e.g., in IITs, universities) that have infrastructure and mentoring capacity, thereby leveraging existing academic and research ecosystem.
Structured support: co-working space, mentoring, technical/business support and investor connect: Beyond financial grants, successful incubatees get access to lab/infrastructure, prototyping facilities, mentorship in business/tech/regulatory areas, networking and investor facilitation.
Large scale outreach across India via network of 50+ incubators: The scheme is implemented through a three-tiered structure covering many incubators across India, thereby creating a country-wide access for tech-entrepreneurs.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation with Example
EiR (Entrepreneur in Residence) stipend	Up to ₹4 lakh for one year	Example: An individual with a novel IoT idea accepted as EiR receives ₹4 lakh support for one year in the incubator to validate the idea and build a proof of concept.
Grant for Prototype/MVP stage startups	Up to ₹7 lakh for one year	Example: A startup with an existing proof-of-concept develops a prototype in clean-energy IoT; under TIDE the incubator arranges grant up to ₹7 lakh to support the development of MVP, testing and initial user validation.
Incubator support & infrastructure facilitation	Supported via incubator network; additional investor/market connect	Example: Incubated startups get access to lab/infrastructure, mentoring, networking and may be prepped for further funding beyond the grant. The scheme supports up to roughly 2,000 tech startups over five years with total outlay of around ₹264 crore. (based on legislative statement)

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply:

Startups registered as Private Limited Companies
Early-stage entrepreneurs working on tech-driven solutions
Individuals/teams incubated at MeitY-recognised TIDE centres
Startups in sectors such as:Electronics & ICT, IoT, AI, ML, Robotics, Cybersecurity & blockchain, HealthTech, AgriTech, EduTech and Assistive technologies

Who Cannot Apply:

Proprietorships, partnerships, or non-registered entities
Businesses not working in technology or innovation domains
Companies with poor compliance, financial irregularities, or past misuse of grants
Startups without a clear innovation component or societal relevance
Entities seeking funds for pure commercialization without R&D or prototype work
Individuals not associated with or not willing to join a TIDE-recognised incubator

Documents Required

Application form (idea/PoC) in prescribed format by incubator or scheme.
Identity and address proof (Indian citizen).
For startups: Certificate of incorporation/registration under Startup India (if applicable).
Details of team members, background and roles.
Technology description: idea/PoC/prototype, problem being solved, technology used, thematic sector relevance.
Business plan or summary: expenses, timeline, milestones, market potential.
Proof of concept or prototype evidence (for grant stage).
Incubator affiliation letter or acceptance by incubator.
Undertaking to abide by reporting/monitoring requirements.

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.

Recommended for: startups seeking professional documentation and faster processing.

Option 2: Apply Through TIDE-Recognised Incubators

Identify your nearest MeitY-approved TIDE centre.
Submit the application form along with problem statement, innovation proposal, and pitch deck.
Attend evaluation rounds including presentations or interviews.
If selected, sign incubation and grant agreements.
Access funding, labs, mentoring, and technical support during incubation.

Option 3: Apply via MeitY Invitations/Calls

Visit the MeitY Innovation & Startup Portal.
Look for open calls under the TIDE scheme.
Submit EoI/proposal as per guidelines.
On approval, join the assigned TIDE incubator.
Receive staged funding based on milestones.