FITT-IIT Delhi, IDFC FIRST Bank Launch IGNITE to Back Deep-Tech Startups

On December 30, 2025, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, in collaboration with IDFC FIRST Bank, announced the launch of the IGNITE program aimed at supporting high-potential startups. This initiative is designed to provide essential resources to startups focused on deep-tech innovations with significant social impact.

Overview of the IGNITE Program

The IGNITE program is set to support 15 selected startups, offering each up to Rs 30 lakhs in non-dilutive funding. The program emphasizes mentorship and growth opportunities, focusing on sectors such as climate technology, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI-driven solutions that aim to create positive social change.

Launch Event Highlights

The launch event took place at the FITT, IIT Delhi campus, featuring an interactive session where officials from IDFC FIRST Bank engaged with the selected startups. Ankit Saxena, Head of Investments at IDFC FIRST Bank, welcomed the attendees, followed by discussions led by Rachana Iyer and Vidhi Singh, both from the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) division.

During the event, each startup presented an overview of their innovative solutions, showcasing the social impact they are creating and how the IGNITE program can help them scale their initiatives.

Program Benefits

The IGNITE program offers a comprehensive support structure for startups, which includes:

• Financial support of up to Rs 30 lakhs per startup.
• Structured capacity-building workshops covering technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
• Mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty, industry experts, and IDFC FIRST Bank CSR leaders.
• Investor connect sessions and demo day exposure.
• Opportunities for pitching to SIDBI-FITT for investment.

This multifaceted approach aims to accelerate the commercialization of impact-driven innovations and expand their market reach.

Selected Startups

The 15 startups chosen for this cohort were evaluated based on their innovation strength, scalability, and potential for social impact. The selected startups include:

• Aaizel International Technologies Pvt Ltd: India’s first hyperlocal weather prediction and climate-risk assessment platform.
• MachPhy Solutions Pvt Ltd: Sustainable cold-chain solutions aimed at reducing costs and CO₂ emissions in healthcare and agriculture.
• Propickle Technologies Pvt Ltd: A PropTech SaaS platform offering digital twins and immersive maps for smarter real estate management.
• PRADIVYA Software Pvt Ltd: An AI-vision system for real-time fault detection and predictive maintenance in railways.
• FluxGo Mobility Pvt Ltd: Battery-swapping technology enabling faster and scalable electric vehicle adoption.
• Bravecore Pvt Ltd: Swarm-drone technology for high-resolution air-quality monitoring and climate intelligence.
• Indigotex Pvt Ltd: Sustainable fashion innovations using waterless plasma technology and energy-efficient textile processes.
• AICA Health Tech Pvt Ltd: An AI-powered voice-first care assistant for 24×7 patient and family care management.
• IX Energy Pvt Ltd: Indigenous retrofit solutions converting diesel trucks and buses into electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Cunomial Technologies Pvt Ltd: AI-first enterprise SaaS platforms automating innovation, hiring, and marketing.
• ScaNxt Scientific Technologies Pvt Ltd: AI and IoT-based precision agriculture solutions for soil, pest, and post-harvest management.
• CLUIX Pvt Ltd: Portable AI-enabled water-quality analyzers delivering lab-accurate results in real-time.
• Neo Risers Pvt Ltd: An AI-powered phygital platform fostering creativity and critical-thinking skills in K-12 students.
• OpenSpectrum AI Pvt Ltd: Real-time soil and water monitoring with AI-driven advisories for smarter farming decisions.
• Fruvetech Pvt Ltd: Organic formulations and devices extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables without cold chains.

Statements from Leadership

Dr. Nikhil, Managing Director of FITT/IIT Delhi, emphasized the program’s commitment to supporting deep-tech and scalable innovations that have the potential to become global leaders. He stated, “The IGNITE launch reflects our commitment to backing deep-tech and scalable innovations with the potential to become global unicorns. By enabling startups across AI, climate tech, mobility, and digital infrastructure, we are accelerating solutions that can transform industries at scale.”

Rachana Iyer, Head of CSR at IDFC FIRST Bank, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, noting, “India is witnessing a new wave of social entrepreneurship businesses that are socially and emotionally relevant, yet commercially viable. Through IGNITE, we aim to back ventures that combine purpose with profitability and create measurable impact.”

Conclusion

The IGNITE program is poised to empower startups that are driving innovation for social good while enabling them to scale and achieve long-term impact. By combining funding, mentorship, and market access, the initiative aims to foster a new generation of technology leaders capable of transforming industries and creating meaningful change.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the announcement made by FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank regarding the IGNITE program.