Access TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) funding for your tech startup. Get EIR stipend up to ₹7 Lakhs and financial assistance up to ₹15 Lakhs for ICT and emerging technology innovations.
TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Launched to nurture technology entrepreneurship in India, the scheme provides comprehensive support to innovators and startups working in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and emerging technology domains.
The scheme operates through 51 TIDE 2.0 incubation centres established in premier institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other technology institutes across India. These centres act as nurturing grounds for tech entrepreneurs, providing not just funding but also mentorship, infrastructure, industry connections, and market access.
TIDE 2.0 is particularly unique because of its EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) component, which provides monthly stipends to aspiring entrepreneurs so they can focus full-time on their startup without financial stress. Combined with financial assistance for product development, TIDE 2.0 offers one of the most comprehensive support systems for tech entrepreneurs in India.
TIDE 2.0 Funding Components
EIR Stipend
Up to ₹7.2 Lakhs
Monthly stipend for aspiring entrepreneurs to work full-time on their startup.
₹30,000/month for Graduates
₹40,000/month for Post-Graduates/PhD
Duration: Up to 18 months
Focus on product development
Financial Assistance
Up to ₹15 Lakhs
Project funding for product development and commercialization activities.
90% Grant from MeitY
10% Incubatee Contribution
Product development focus
Milestone-based disbursement
Total Maximum Support: An entrepreneur can receive both EIR stipend (₹7.2 Lakhs) and financial assistance (₹15 Lakhs), totaling up to ₹22.2 Lakhs in support, plus mentorship and infrastructure access.
Eligible Technology Domains
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Internet of Things
Cybersecurity
AR/VR Technology
Robotics
Big Data Analytics
Cloud Computing
5G & Networks
Quantum Computing
Drones & UAV
Fintech
Healthtech
Edtech
Smart Hardware
Eligibility Criteria for TIDE 2.0
For EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence)
Graduate or Post-Graduate degree holder
Innovative ICT product idea
Willingness to work full-time on startup
Must be incubated at TIDE centre
Age typically below 35 years (flexible)
For Financial Assistance
Early-stage startup (less than 3 years old)
Working in ICT/emerging technology domain
Registered entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership)
Incubated at TIDE 2.0 centre
Viable product development plan
General Requirements
Technology-driven innovation
Scalable business model
Commitment to incubation period
Willingness to share progress reports
Indian citizenship/registered in India
51 TIDE 2.0 Incubation Centres
TIDE 2.0 centres are established in premier institutions across India. Here are some key centres:
IIT Delhi
IIT Bombay
IIT Madras
IIT Kanpur
IIT Kharagpur
IIT Roorkee
IIT Guwahati
IIT Hyderabad
IIIT Hyderabad
IIIT Bangalore
NIT Trichy
NIT Warangal
BITS Pilani
ISB Hyderabad
Anna University
Note: Full list of 51 centres available on MeitY website. Choose centre based on your technology domain, geographic preference, and centre's specialization area.
TIDE 2.0 Application Process
1
Identify Suitable TIDE Centre
Research and select TIDE 2.0 centre aligned with your technology domain and geographic preference
2
Prepare Application Package
Create detailed technology concept document, project proposal, business plan, and team profiles
3
Submit Application
Apply to chosen TIDE centre through their application portal or directly as per their process
4
Initial Screening
TIDE centre screens applications for technology innovation, viability, and team capability
5
Presentation & Interview
Shortlisted candidates present their idea to selection committee for detailed evaluation
6
Selection & Onboarding
Selected entrepreneurs/startupsare onboarded to TIDE centre with incubation agreement
7
EIR Stipend Activation
For EIR candidates, monthly stipend begins from date of joining the incubation programme
8
Financial Assistance Application
Submit detailed project proposal for financial assistance with milestones and budget breakdown
9
Project Approval
TIDE centre and MeitY review project proposal and approve funding based on merit
10
Fund Disbursement
Funds released in tranches based on achievement of agreed milestones and progress reports
Benefits of TIDE 2.0 Scheme
Monthly Stipend
Financial security to focus on startup full-time
Project Funding
Up to ₹15 Lakhs for product development
Expert Mentorship
Guidance from industry and academic experts
Infrastructure Access
Lab facilities, equipment, and workspace
Industry Connect
Access to industry partners and customers
Investor Network
Connect with VCs, angels, and funding agencies
Technical Support
Technology validation and development help
Market Access
Help with go-to-market and customer acquisition
Peer Network
Community of fellow tech entrepreneurs
Government Recognition
Credibility of MeitY-supported startup
What We Help You With
Eligibility Assessment
TIDE Centre Selection
Technology Concept Documentation
Project Proposal Writing
Business Plan Development
Financial Projections
Pitch Deck Creation
Application Form Completion
Interview Preparation
Milestone Planning
Progress Report Templates
Post-Selection Support
Permitted Use of Financial Assistance
Product Development
Building and iterating on technology product
Prototype Creation
Developing working prototype of solution
Technology Procurement
Software, tools, and development resources
Hardware & Equipment
Necessary equipment for product development
Cloud & Infrastructure
Hosting, servers, and cloud services
Testing & Validation
Product testing and quality assurance
Technical Talent
Hiring developers and technical team
IP Protection
Patent filing and IP-related expenses
TIDE 2.0 Scheme Impact
1500+
Startups Supported
800+
EIRs Enrolled
500+
Products Launched
10,000+
Jobs Created
TIDE 2.0 vs Other Startup Schemes
Feature
TIDE 2.0
Startup India Seed Fund
Focus Area
Technology/ICT Only
All Sectors
Monthly Stipend
Yes (Up to ₹40K)
No
Max Grant
₹15 Lakhs
₹20 Lakhs
Max Loan
N/A
₹50 Lakhs
Incubation
Mandatory (TIDE Centre)
Through Incubator
Ministry
MeitY
DPIIT
DPIIT Recognition
Not Mandatory
Mandatory
Mentorship
Intensive Tech Focus
General Business
Pro Tip: TIDE 2.0 and Startup India Seed Fund are not mutually exclusive. A tech startup can potentially access both schemes if eligible, maximizing government support.
What TIDE Centres Evaluate
Technology Innovation
Very High Priority
Uniqueness and novelty of technology solution
Technical Feasibility
Very High Priority
Viability of developing the proposed technology
Market Potential
High Priority
Size of addressable market and growth opportunity
Team Capability
High Priority
Technical skills and execution ability of team
Scalability
High Priority
Potential to scale technology and business
Social Impact
Medium Priority
Positive impact on society and employment generation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗
Applying with non-technology or non-ICT business idea
✗
Choosing TIDE centre without researching their specialization
✗
Weak technology concept without clear innovation
✗
Incomplete or poorly written project proposal
✗
Unrealistic technical milestones and timelines
✗
Not demonstrating technical feasibility
✗
Ignoring EIR opportunity and only focusing on financial assistance
✗
Poor presentation during selection interview
✗
Not having minimum viable product or proof of concept
✗
Underestimating the 10% contribution requirement
Why Apply for TIDE 2.0 with Saarthium?
Expert Knowledge of MeitY Schemes
Strong Network with TIDE Centres
Technical Proposal Writing Expertise
Technology Concept Documentation
Milestone-Based Planning
Interview & Presentation Coaching
High Success Rate
End-to-End Application Support
Important Points to Remember
TIDE 2.0 is specifically for technology/ICT startups - non-tech ideas not eligible
EIR stipend requires full-time commitment to startup during incubation
Financial assistance has 90:10 ratio - be prepared for 10% self-contribution
Must be incubated at one of the 51 TIDE centres - choose wisely
Centre selection should match your technology domain expertise
Strong technical documentation is crucial for selection
Funds are milestone-based - clear deliverables needed
Can combine with other schemes like DPIIT recognition for more benefits
Application process varies by centre - check specific requirements
Regular progress reporting is mandatory after selection
TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It aims to promote technology entrepreneurship by providing comprehensive support including financial assistance, mentorship, and infrastructure to startups working in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and emerging technology domains like AI, IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and more.
Who is eligible for TIDE 2.0?
Eligibility includes: Technology entrepreneurs with innovative ICT product ideas, Graduates/Post-graduates wanting to pursue tech entrepreneurship, Early-stage startups (less than 3 years old) in ICT domain, Innovators working on emerging technologies like AI/ML, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cybersecurity, Robotics, etc. Must be willing to incubate at one of the 51 TIDE 2.0 centres across India.
What funding is available under TIDE 2.0?
TIDE 2.0 provides two main funding components: (1) EIR Stipend - ₹30,000/month for graduates and ₹40,000/month for post-graduates, for up to 18 months (total up to ₹7.2 Lakhs), and (2) Financial Assistance - Up to ₹15 Lakhs for product development with 90% as grant from MeitY and 10% contribution from incubatee. Additional benefits include mentorship, infrastructure access, and networking.
How many TIDE centres are there?
There are 51 TIDE 2.0 incubation centres strategically located across India in premier institutions including IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, etc.), NITs, IIITs, and other reputed technology institutes. Each centre specializes in specific technology domains and provides physical infrastructure, mentorship, and connects to industry and investors.
What is EIR under TIDE 2.0?
EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) is a unique feature of TIDE 2.0 designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs focus on their startup full-time without financial worries. Selected entrepreneurs receive monthly stipend (₹30,000 for graduates, ₹40,000 for post-graduates/PhDs) for up to 18 months. During this period, they work on their product development while receiving mentorship and support from the TIDE centre.
What technologies are covered under TIDE 2.0?
TIDE 2.0 supports startups in cutting-edge technology domains including: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain & Distributed Ledger, Cybersecurity, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Robotics & Automation, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, 5G & Next-Gen Networks, Quantum Computing, Fintech, Healthtech, Edtech, and other emerging ICT applications.