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 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, the program establishes a dedicated innovation space while enabling hands-on, problem-driven learning and early-stage technology development. The collaboration responds to the growing need for institutional platforms that can bridge academic research, student innovation, and real-world application. By combining physical infrastructure with programmatic funding and mentorship, the initiative creates a cohesive ecosystem for idea generation, prototyping, and translation. This integrated approach positions IIT Bombay as a nucleus for student-led innovation aligned with national development priorities. This program consists of two tracks : Track A & Track B
POC Support Program
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, Track A focuses on lowering the barrier to entry for innovation, allowing 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
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 Fellowship' theme starting with Artificial Intelligence – AI for social good, predictive analytics, automation for the inaugural cohort to focus innovation on critical global needs. Selected fellows receive multi-year support, working through technical milestones and market validation. This track is designed to graduate teams into formal incubation, turning research-driven projects into investment-ready startups.
Choose Your Innovation Journey
Whether you're validating an early-stage idea or building a deep-tech venture, we have a pathway designed for you. Our dual-track model ensures every student innovator gets the right support at the right stage.
Track A
POC Support Program
- 100 teams supported annually
- 12 months to validate your idea
- Funding of ₹ 30k
- Build prototypes and MVPs
- Conduct market research
- Quick application process
- Optional faculty mentorship
- Path to Track B advancement
Perfect for: Early-stage ideas, rapid prototyping, market validation
Track B
Grand Challenge Fellowship
- 5 teams selected annually
- 12-36 months intensive development
- Funding of ₹ 25L Milestone-based
- Dedicated faculty mentor & WBS account
- Deep-tech venture building
- Milestone-based funding
- Industry engagement opportunities
- Direct path to SINE incubation
Year 1 Theme: Artificial Intelligence Led Innovations
Who Can Apply?
Open to all IIT Bombay students with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Team Size
Teams of one or ~2–3 members may apply.
Eligibility (Track A)
UG students currently enrolled at IITB with minimum 1 semester remaining
Eligibility (Track B)
UG/PG students currently enrolled at IITB with minimum 1 semester remaining and researchers studying/working
Innovation Focus
All disciplines welcome for Track A. Artificial Intelligence Led Innovations for Track B
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 open January 31, 2026.
Program Management Office
Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay