FITT, IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank Launch Cohort under IGNITE Program
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 a new cohort under the IGNITE Program. This initiative is dedicated to supporting high-potential startups that are innovating across various sectors including climate technology, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI-driven solutions aimed at social good.
Launch Event Highlights
The launch event featured an exclusive interaction session where Mr. Ankit Saxena, Head of Investments at IDFC FIRST Bank, welcomed the bank’s officials. The session included engaging discussions between senior leaders from IDFC FIRST Bank, including Ms. Rachana Iyer, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Ms. Vidhi Singh, Lead of Corporate Social Responsibility, along with 15 selected startups from the IGNITE program. Each startup had the opportunity to present a brief overview of their solutions, emphasizing the social impact they aim to create and how they plan to enhance their offerings with the support of the IGNITE program.
Program Overview
The IGNITE Program is designed to provide non-dilutive financial support of up to ₹30 lakhs per startup. In addition to financial backing, the program includes structured capacity-building workshops that cover essential areas such as technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness. Startups will also benefit from mentorship provided by IIT Delhi faculty, industry experts, and CSR leaders from IDFC FIRST Bank. This mentorship will offer startups access to deep-tech guidance, market insights, and pathways for growth.
Key Features of the IGNITE Program
- Financial Support: Up to ₹30 lakhs per startup.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Focused on technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
- Mentorship: Guidance from IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts.
- Investor Connect Sessions: Opportunities for startups to connect with potential investors.
- Demo Day Exposure: Platforms for startups to showcase their innovations.
- Investment Pitching Opportunities: Collaborations with SIDBI and FITT for investment pitching.
Selected Startups under the IGNITE Program
The following startups have been selected to participate in the IGNITE Program based on their innovation strength, impact potential, and scalability:
- 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 operational costs and CO₂ emissions.
- Propickle Technologies Pvt Ltd: A PropTech SaaS platform for smarter real-estate management.
- PRADIVYA Software Pvt Ltd: AI-vision system for real-time fault detection in railway rolling stock.
- FluxGo Mobility Pvt Ltd: Battery-swapping technology to facilitate EV adoption.
- Bravecore Pvt Ltd: Swarm-drone technology for air-quality monitoring.
- Indigotex Pvt Ltd: Sustainable fashion innovations using waterless plasma technology.
- AICA Health Tech Pvt Ltd: AI-powered voice-first care assistant for patient management.
- IX Energy Pvt Ltd: Retrofit solutions for converting diesel vehicles into electric or hybrid.
- Cunomial Technologies Pvt Ltd: AI-first enterprise SaaS platforms for automating various business functions.
- ScaNxt Scientific Technologies Pvt Ltd: AI and IoT-based precision agriculture solutions.
- CLUIX Pvt Ltd: Portable AI-enabled water-quality analyzers for real-time results.
- Neo Risers Pvt Ltd: AI-powered platform for enhancing creativity in K-12 students.
- OpenSpectrum AI Pvt Ltd: Real-time soil and water monitoring with AI-driven advisories.
- Fruvetech Pvt Ltd: Organic formulations to extend the shelf life of produce without cold chains.
Statements from Key Leaders
Dr. Nikhil, Managing Director of FITT/IIT Delhi, expressed that the IGNITE launch reflects a commitment to supporting deep-tech and scalable innovations that have the potential to become global leaders. He stated, “By enabling startups in AI, climate tech, mobility, and digital infrastructure, we are accelerating solutions that can transform industries at scale.”
Rachana Iyer, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at IDFC FIRST Bank, highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship, stating, “Through our IGNITE program, we aim to support ventures that combine purpose with profitability and create measurable impact. These founders demonstrate that purpose-driven businesses can succeed with the right support.”
About the IGNITE Program
The IGNITE Program is a collaborative initiative between FITT, IIT Delhi, and IDFC FIRST Bank, aimed at nurturing innovation-led startups through structured engagement, industry mentoring, and access to institutional expertise. The program focuses on startups that show strong technology foundations, measurable impact, and the potential to address real-world challenges at scale.
Conclusion
The IGNITE Program represents a significant step forward in fostering innovation and supporting startups that are poised to make a meaningful impact across various sectors. By providing financial support, mentorship, and access to resources, the program aims to empower the next generation of technology leaders in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a press release and may not have been independently verified.
