IIT Bombay X Groww
INV.ENT Program
Transform your ideas into impactful ventures with structured funding, mentorship, and innovation ecosystem
About Us
The IITB–Groww INV.ENT Program is a four-year CSR-supported initiative (MOU effective 1 November 2025) designed to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship outcomes at IIT Bombay by integrating infrastructure support, structured innovation challenges, and proof-of-concept (PoC) development for students. Anchored within the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship and backed by a total allocation of INR 23.63 Crore, the program establishes a 15,000 sq. ft. dedicated innovation space while enabling hands-on, problem-driven learning and early-stage technology development. By combining physical infrastructure with programmatic funding and mentorship, the initiative creates a cohesive ecosystem for idea generation, prototyping, and translation — positioning IIT Bombay as a nucleus for student-led innovation aligned with national development priorities. This program consists of two tracks: Track A & Track B.
4 Years
FY 2025–26 to FY 2028–29
Program Duration
15,000 sq. ft.
Dedicated facility in DSSE building
Innovation Space
IIT Bombay
Mumbai campus
Geographic Scope
UG/PG + Researchers
All students at IITB
Participant Base
POC Support Program (Track A)
This track is designed for high-volume, early-stage exploration. It serves as a rapid launchpad for students to validate their hypotheses, conduct market research, and build their first functional prototypes. Annually supporting a large cohort of student teams (~100), Track A focuses on lowering the barrier to entry for innovation, allowing UG students from all disciplines to test their ideas in a low-risk, high-support environment. It is the ideal entry point for those looking to transform a conceptual spark into a tangible proof-of-concept.
Grand Challenge Fellowship (Track B)
For teams ready to tackle complex, large-scale problems, this intensive fellowship provides deep-tech support for building scalable ventures. Each year the program identifies a Grand Challenge theme — Year 1 focuses on Artificial Intelligence Empowered Innovations. Selected fellows (5 teams per cohort) receive up to ₹25 lakh in milestone-based funding, a dedicated Faculty Mentor, and connections to industry through Alumni Advisors. This track is designed to graduate teams into formal incubation at SINE, turning research-driven projects into investment-ready startups.
Voices Behind the Vision
“This partnership with Groww Foundation represents a significant step in strengthening India's deep-tech innovation pipeline. By bringing together structured programs and a dedicated innovation space, we are creating a comprehensive pathway for students to translate ideas into solutions. This collaboration reinforces IIT Bombay's commitment to nurturing technologically skilled and socially conscious innovators.”
Prof. Shireesh Kedare
Director, IIT Bombay
“At Groww, we believe that innovation rooted in technology and research-driven entrepreneurship is the key to shaping India's future. Our partnership with IIT Bombay's DSSE is designed to unlock the full potential of aspiring student innovators by providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. Together, we aim to build a thriving ecosystem that not only nurtures deep-tech solutions but also contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth across multiple sectors.”
Kalpana Swaminathan
Head, Groww Foundation
Track A vs. Track B
Not sure which track is right for you? Use this comparison to self-select the pathway that matches your stage and goals.
| Parameter | Track A — POC Support | Track B — Grand Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Amount | ₹30,000 (fixed) | Up to ₹25 lakh |
| Duration | 6 months | 12–20 months (milestone-based) |
| Annual Cohort | ~100 teams | 5 teams |
| Team Composition | UG students only (1–4 IITB members) | UG & PG students + researchers (1–4 core members) |
| Selection Process | Single-round: Accepted / Rejected | Multi-round: Pre-screening → Review → Pitch |
| Evaluation Method | Threshold-based (5 criteria) | Weighted scoring (100 points, min 70 to qualify) |
| Disbursement | Direct reimbursement via IITB ERP | WBS account managed by Faculty Mentor |
| Fund Release | 2 tranches: 50% upfront, 50% post-demo | 4 tranches: 20% → 28% → 32% → 20% |
| Mentoring | Optional faculty advisor (2–3 touchpoints) | Mandatory Faculty Mentor (monthly) + up to 2 Alumni Advisors |
| Theme | Open — all disciplines welcome | Mandatory annual theme (Year 1: AI Empowered Innovations) |
| Primary Focus | Rapid validation, prototyping | Deep-tech innovation, venture formation |
| Expected Outcome | Proof of concept; 10–15% advance to Track B | Venture formation; 20–30% → SINE / external funding |
What You Get?
Comprehensive support including funding, mentorship, and workspace to help you succeed.
Seed Funding
Non-dilutive grants to fuel your innovation journey
Expert Mentorship
Guidance from faculty and industry leaders
Innovation Space
15,000 sq. ft. dedicated space at DSSE
Network Access
Connect with investors, corporates, and fellow founders
Your Success Pathways
Clear progression paths designed to support you from ideation to venture creation.
Advance to Track B
Excel in Track A? Top 10-15% of teams transition to Track B for advanced venture building with up to ₹25L support.
SINE Incubation
Scale your venture through IIT Bombay's premier incubator with structured support for growth and fundraising.
Venture Creation
Register your company, raise seed funding, and build a sustainable startup with continued ecosystem support.
Ready to Start Your Innovation Journey?
Join 400+ student innovators transforming ideas into impact. Applications are open year-round — submit anytime via the Accubate portal.
Program Management Office
Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay