Grand Challenge Fellowship
Intensive deep-tech fellowship for teams tackling complex, large-scale problems. Up to ₹25 lakh in milestone-based funding with mandatory Faculty Mentorship.
Year 1 Theme (2025–26)
Artificial Intelligence Empowered Innovations
Year 2 theme will be announced May 2026
Eligibility
Who Can Apply
- UG and PG students AND researchers at IIT Bombay
- Minimum 1 semester remaining at time of application
- Team size: 1–4 core members (all must be current IITB students)
- Technology specializations preferred
- Year 1 (2025–26): Open to all eligible teams — no prerequisite required
- Faculty Mentor nomination preferred (required for WBS account management)
- Up to 2 Alumni Advisors may be assigned — NOT beneficiaries of program funds
3-Round Selection Process
Track B uses a rigorous multi-round process. Minimum score of 70/100 required to qualify. Groww Foundation representatives participate in final shortlisting.
Pre-Screening
Online application review — completeness check, eligibility verification, theme alignment
Detailed Review
Selection committee evaluation based on weighted scoring criteria (out of 100 points)
Pitch Session
Top 10–15 teams present to committee — 15-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
Selection
Top 5 teams scoring ≥70/100 selected and publicly announced. Groww Foundation reviews all shortlisting.
Funding & Disbursement
Funds are disbursed via a dedicated WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) account managed by the Faculty Mentor through IITB Finance. Funds are NOT directly reimbursed to teams.
| Milestone | Timing | Amount | Trigger Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | 0–30 days | ₹5 lakh (20%) | Team registered, WBS account active, onboarding complete |
| M2 | Month 6–8 | ₹7 lakh (28%) | MVP/prototype developed, technical review by committee passed |
| M3 | Month 12–14 | ₹8 lakh (32%) | Pilot with ≥10 real users (non-cohort), feedback incorporated |
| M4 | Month 18–24 | ₹5 lakh (20%) | Venture registered OR structured closure plan submitted |
Faculty Mentor Role
Responsibilities
- Every Track B team is assigned a mandatory Faculty Mentor (IITB faculty, any department)
- Custodian of the WBS account — all expenses approved through them
- Sign-off authority for expenses up to ₹5 lakh
- Certifies milestone deliverables at M1–M4 for fund release
Engagement Schedule
- Bi-weekly check-ins for the first 6 months
- Monthly check-ins thereafter
- Present at all milestone reviews (M1–M4)
- Alumni Advisors (up to 2) provide industry linkage — they are NOT program fund beneficiaries
Milestone Deliverables
Onboarding
0–30 days
- Team registration & WBS account setup
- Faculty Mentor onboarding complete
- Project plan and milestones approved
Prototype
Month 6–8
- MVP / functional prototype developed
- Technical review by committee passed
- Mid-term progress report submitted
Pilot
Month 12–14
- Pilot with ≥10 real users outside the cohort
- User feedback documented and incorporated
- Impact metrics and evidence gathered
Venture
Month 18–24
- Venture registered as legal entity, OR
- Structured closure plan submitted
- Final program report and outcome documentation
Ready to Build a Deep-Tech Venture?
Applications are rolling year-round. Submit your proposal on the Accubate portal today.