TIDE 2.0 Scheme

The TIDE 2.0 Grant 2025 offered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aims to enable financing and incubation services to early-stage technology startups in India. Designed to bridge the significant funding gap between ideation and commercialization, these grants help startups build prototypes, authenticate their business ideas, and prepare to enter the market.

Under this scheme, selected startups get access to well-equipped TIDE 2.0 incubation centres, where they are trained by domain experts, associated to industry networks, and provided with technical and business development assistance. This planned support focuses on startups working in developing technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, cybersecurity, and robotics.

This grant is specifically designed to foster entrepreneurship from Tier II and Tier III cities, while encouraging the participation of women innovators and student-led teams. Through this initiative, MeitY is promoting innovation that has the potential to address social, economic and environmental challenges.

The key objectives of the TIDE 2.0 scheme are focused on encouraging innovation, engagement, and the development of sustainable technology projects. The program aims to authorize early-stage entrepreneurs, especially those who lack access to the traditional startup ecosystem. Some of the major objectives include:

• Foster Tech Entrepreneurship: Promote entrepreneurship in deep tech domains such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and other emerging technologies with long term economic and social value.
• Support Early-Stage Startups: Bridging the significant gap between ideation and commercial validation by offering access to financial grants and incubation facilities.
• Promote Regional Inclusion: To encourage innovation from Tier II and Tier III cities, we ensure that technological advancements reach every corner of the country.
• Enhance Women and Youth Participation: To increase the representation of women entrepreneurs and young innovators in the startup ecosystem especially students.
• Encourage Societal Impact: To focus on solutions that address real social challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, urban development, and financial inclusion.

The TIDE 2.0 Scheme offers startups a complete support system, from mentorship to financial aid. This structured incubation approach gives entrepreneurs the foundation needed to grow confidently.

• Financial Assistance: Startups receive non-dilutive financial support ranging from ₹4 to ₹20 lakhs on the basis of the stage of development. This funding supports activities like prototype building, testing, and MVP validation.
• Incubation Support: Entrepreneurs get access to government-approved incubation centres with workspaces, laboratories, and domain-specific tools that fasten product development and market readiness.
• Expert Mentorship: Startups benefit from tailored guidance from industry leaders, educational mentors, and innovation experts to help them plan product strategy, market fit, and go-to-market planning.
• Networking and Market Access: TIDE-supported startups get access to networking events, pitch days, industry partnerships, and meetings with investors, which assist in market entry and customer attainment.
• Business Development Support: Helps startups with business planning, legal compliance, marketing strategies, and investor documentation, in critical aspects for growing a sustainable and investor-ready business.
• Inclusion and Diversity Emphasis: There are special principles for women-led start-ups and young entrepreneurs, providing them additional mentorship and access to funding, especially from insecure areas.

The TIDE 2.0 Scheme is designed with clear features that distinguish it from other startup programs. These features align with both national development goals and the requirements of grassroots innovators.

• Multi-Stage Grant Model: The scheme provides distinguished financial assistance customized to the start up’s maturity stage, whether at idea, prototype, or commercialization phase.
• National-Level Implementation: The scheme is implemented through a network of government-funded and renowned incubation centres, ensuring coverage across states and regions.
• Focus on Societal Innovation: Promotes innovation in sectors that enhance quality of life, such as education, health, agriculture, and financial inclusion.
• Transparent Selection Process: Applications are assessed by domain experts, ensuring fair and merit based selection of startups.
• Long-Term Incubation: Startups obtain support for up to 18 months, permitting for stable development and strategic growth with periodic performance assessments.

TIDE 2.0 supports innovation in high-growth, impact-driven, and developing technology sectors. Startups working in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and decision support systems across healthcare, retail, logistics, and more.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Connected devices, smart homes, industrial IoT, and real-time monitoring solutions.
• Blockchain: Secure digital records, smart contracts, and decentralized applications in sectors like finance, healthcare, and governance.
• Cybersecurity: Tools and platforms that boost data protection, threat detection, and system integrity for enterprises and individuals.
• Robotics and Automation: Robotic solutions for manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and healthcare.
• AR/VR and Gaming: Immersive technology experiences for education, simulation training, and entertainment.
• EdTech: Innovative solutions to transform learning, skill development, and remote education.
• HealthTech: Digital healthcare tools, remote diagnostics, and AI-driven patient care platforms.
• AgriTech: Technology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, supply chain management, and precision farming.
• FinTech: Platforms enlightening digital payments, financial inclusion, credit scoring, and secure transactions.

TIDE 2.0 is implemented through a carefully selected network of Incubation Centres across India. These centres offer startups with the infrastructure and expertise they need to turn their ideas into commercially feasible products.

Key Roles of Incubation Centres

• Provide workspace and technical infrastructure for product improvement and testing.
• Provide mentoring, training, and business guidance to early-stage startups.
• Facilitate connections with investors, corporate partners, and government stakeholders.
• Track and assess startup progress over the incubation period to ensure impactful results.

Location and Access

TIDE 2.0 Incubation Centres are hosted by reputed institutions such as:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
• National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
• State Universities and STPI centres

These centres are geographically distributed to ensure regional inclusivity and wider outreach.

Groups of TIDE 2.0 Centres

To ensure operative implementation, performance benchmarking, and optimal use of resources, TIDE 2.0 Incubation Centres are allocated into three functional groups on the basis of their infrastructure, institutional capability, and startup ecosystem maturity.

• Group A: Group A centres are top-tier incubators with advanced infrastructure, robust domain expertise, and a proven track record. Hosted by principal institutions, they provide full-cycle startup support and serve as flagship hubs for multi-sector innovation and mentoring.
• Group B: Group B centres are mid-level incubators with developing infrastructure and regional relevance. These centres keenly support innovation in Tier II cities and are positioned to scale up. They typically offer incubation, prototype support, and early market access, often focusing in one or two domains such as AgriTech or edtech.
• Group C: Group C centres are smaller or developing incubators in underserved or niche regions. They focus on local challenges and grassroots innovation, encouraging inclusivity. These centres support student innovators, women entrepreneurs, and social-impact startups by offering targeted programs and crucial infrastructure.

To qualify for support under the TIDE 2.0 Scheme, startups must fulfill the following conditions:

• Must be a registered Indian startup, in accordance with the Companies Act or recognized under the Startup India initiative.
• The innovation must be in ICT or emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics, or cybersecurity.
• The startup must be in its early development stage, preferably working on a prototype, MVP, or proof-of-concept.
• Preference is given to women-led startups, student innovators, and entrepreneurs from Tier II and Tier III cities.
• The startup should determine societal relevance and commercial potential in its proposed solution.

Startups and innovators can apply to the TIDE 2.0 Scheme through authorized TIDE 2.0 Incubation Centres. Each incubation center may have its own deadlines, so applicants should check detailed timelines and criteria. The application process is simple and merit-based:

• Visit Website: Visit the official website of the nearest TIDE 2.0 Incubation Centre.
• Fill Application: Fill out the application form, provide detailed information about your startup, the technology you are developing, and your team members.
• Submit Documents: Submit necessary documents including business pitch, prototype status, and team background.
• Evaluation & Interview: Shortlisted applicants will go through an evaluation and interview process conducted by an expert panel.
• Grant & Incubation: Selected startups will receive grant support and incubation opportunities under the TIDE 2.0 scheme to help grow their business.

Under the TIDE 2.0 Scheme, financial assistance is given in stages depending on the start up’s development level. All grants are equity-free, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from government support.

• Ideation and Proof-of-Concept Stage: Rs.4-7 lakhs for validating ideas, building basic prototypes, and conducting early-stage testing.
• Prototype and MVP Development: Up to Rs. 20 lakhs for advanced product development, pilot testing, and market readiness.
• Incubation and Business Support: Access to physical space, mentoring, lab facilities, and professional services at no extra cost.

Duration of the TIDE 2.0 Scheme

The overall duration of the TIDE 2.0 scheme is five years, during which multiple groups of startups will be incubated. Each selected startup receives support for up to 18 months, divided into stages:

• Initial Stage (6 months): Prototype development and validation
• Growth Stage (6-12 months): Market testing, user feedback, and product refinement
• Scaling Stage (final 3-6 months): Investor engagement, market entry, and business development

Corpseed is a top consulting firm specializing in guiding startups and innovators through government schemes like the TIDE 2.0 program. We streamline the grant process and help you unlock the full potential of this opportunity to grow your tech venture.

• Expert Guidance on TIDE 2.0 Grants: Our consultants provide clear, step-by-step support to help you understand eligibility, prepare your documentation accurately, and improve your chances of securing funding.
• Comprehensive Application Assistance: From registration to submission, we manage the entire application process efficiently, reducing complexity and saving you valuable time.
• Tailored Project Strategy: We help customize your proposal to align with TIDE 2.0 priorities, ensuring your innovation stands out and matches government objectives.
• Regulatory and Compliance Support: Our team reviews your application to ensure full compliance with government norms and documentation standards, minimizing risks of delays or rejection.