Beta ARTPARK Programs is in beta — expect refinements to eligibility, terms, and process in due course as we aim to build a renowned innovation hub.
Indian Institute of Science ARTPARK
Programs · 2026 · Two paths

From lab-proven research and innovation to step-change products.

ARTPARK supports deep-tech translation along two distinct paths. Early-stage technologists come in through the Technology Innovators in Residence (TIR) program to mature their IP; incorporated startups with a pitch-ready proposition enter through the Venture Incubation Programme (VIP) for direct investment and acceleration. Pick the path that matches where you are today.

For innovators with lab-proven, differentiated technologies that they believe could be immensely useful.

Technology Innovators in Residence

Discover which market to target and what product to build. Develop early prototypes. Get ready to start up.

Typical entry · TRL 3

For startups that have a prototype with differentiated technology and some sense of product-market fit.

Investment + Venture Building Support

Win investment, build your venture, mature your technology, collaborate with customers, and run pilots.

Typical entry · TRL 4–5
Achieve escape velocity with proven product-market fit, robust technology, a well-rounded team, first customers, and early revenue.
Choose your track

Two programs. One destination. Pick where you are today.

For innovators Lab-proven, differentiated tech you believe could be immensely useful — but no company yet.
01
TIR Open

Technology Innovator
in Residence

Researchers · TRL 3 · Pre-company

6 months, funding, and IISc infrastructure to retire risk on a step-change technology and incorporate the spin-out.

Kickoff
₹25L · 0% equity
Subsequent Funding
Up to ₹2 Cr through VIP
Duration
6 months
TRL target
3 → 4
Apply to TIR → Full brief
Graduate
For startups Prototype + differentiated tech with early sense of product-market fit. Pitch-ready.
02
VIP Open

Venture
Incubation Programme

Registered startups · TRL 4+ · Pitch-ready

Direct investment, customer pipeline, and ARTPARK's scale-up infrastructure to move from demonstrated to deployed.

Engagement
Direct investment
Entity
Registered Indian
Duration
Up to 18 months
TRL entry
4 or higher
Apply to VIP → Full brief
Outcome
Achieve escape velocity Deployed deep-tech with proven product-market fit, robust technology, a well-rounded team, and first revenue.
03
Outcome

A scale-ready deep-tech company.

  • Proven product-market fit
  • Robust, deployed technology
  • Well-rounded founding team
  • First customers & early revenue
  • Follow-on capital pathway
Where ARTPARK alumni go from here.
Side-by-side

Which path fits you right now?

Dimension
Track 01Technology Innovator in Residence
Track 02Venture Incubation Programme
Stage of maturityTechnology readiness level at entry
TRL 3 — lab/in-house validated. Core risks still open.
TRL 4+ — ARTPARK- or independently-demonstrated technology.
Entity requiredWho applies
Individual or team of up to 3. No company required at apply.
Incorporated Indian startup (Pvt Ltd, DPIIT-recognized preferred).
Funding structureCapital and equity
₹25L for the first 6 months, with up to ₹2 Cr subsequent investment through the VIP process.
Direct equity investment on negotiated terms, sized to the round. Follow-on pathways.
IP ownershipWho owns what you build
Prior IP retained by owners. New IP during TIR jointly owned, assigned to startup.
Startup retains IP. Standard investor rights apply.
Time commitmentWhat you sign up for
Full-time, on-campus at ARTPARK, IISc Bangalore. NOC required if affiliated.
Full-time on the startup. Founders commit exclusively to the company, with strategic autonomy over their roadmap.
Best forThe archetype this is designed for
Researchers translating a hard technology into product reality. Pre-company. IP-heavy.
Founders with traction and a pitch, needing capital + ARTPARK's infra to scale a deep-tech startup.
Pros & cons

An honest look at the trade-offs.

Technology Innovation and Residency

For pre-company researchers
Pros
  • Non-dilutive first ₹25L — you keep 100% while you de-risk.
  • Lab, sensor, and manufacturing infra at IISc you'd never afford alone.
  • Structured 12-month arc with mentorship from researchers, industry, and investors.
  • Clear graduation pathway into ARTPARK's incubation + follow-on investment.
  • No need to have incorporated or raised — an idea and TRL 3 IP is enough.
Cons
  • New IP generated during TIR sits with ARTPARK (licensed to you on spin-out).
  • Full-time, on-campus commitment — hard to combine with an existing role without an NOC.
  • Post-kickoff funding comes with equity (1% per ₹50L + 1% for space).
  • Longer runway to revenue than a direct-to-startup path.

Venture Incubation Programme

For incorporated startups
Pros
  • Direct investment — sized to your round, not a fixed grant.
  • You retain your IP and control the company.
  • Strategic autonomy — full-time on your startup, with you owning the roadmap.
  • Access to ARTPARK's customer, government, and corporate pipeline.
  • Faster path to revenue and scale for already-demonstrated tech.
Cons
  • Bar is higher — you need a registered entity, team, pitch, and TRL 4+ tech.
  • Investment is dilutive from day one; terms are negotiated, not standard.
  • Less hand-holding than TIR — ARTPARK acts as investor + enabler, not residency host.
  • Program in beta — the first cohort may see process refinements mid-flight.
FAQ

Answers to the questions we get most.

BothWhich track should I apply to?
If your IP is at TRL 3 and you haven't (or don't plan to yet) incorporated, apply to TIR. If you're already a registered Indian startup with a team, a pitch, and a technology at TRL 4+, apply to VIP. When in doubt, apply to TIR — we can fast-track strong teams across.
TIRWould I be paid a stipend during the TIR period?
Yes — indirectly. The ₹25L initial grant (0% equity, 6 months) is structured to cover reasonable founder stipends, prototyping costs, travel, and direct project expenses. You decide the internal allocation; ARTPARK reviews it as part of the milestone plan, not line-by-line.
TIRHow much salary can I expect during the TIR period?
ARTPARK provides a stipend to the founding team members. Based on benchmarks around capabilities as well as experience, the stipend can vary. Founders typically draw a market-reasonable stipend from the grant (₹1.5L–₹3L/month range is common). Remember this is part of the overall budget allocated for the innovation project.
TIRWho owns the IP we create during TIR?
Any prior IP you bring belongs to the original owners. New IP created during the TIR belongs to ARTPARK, but is exclusively licensed or transferred to you when you incorporate the spin-out. Final terms are agreed in writing with shortlisted teams.
TIRWhat's the minimum TRL I need to apply for TIR?
Your key USP IP should be at TRL 3 — lab or in-house validated. Over 12 months you'll mature it to TRL 4 (ARTPARK-demonstrated), alongside identifying product-market-fit and customers.
TIRCan I apply as a team, and what if I'm affiliated elsewhere?
Yes — teams of up to 3 founders are encouraged. You must commit full-time on-campus during the residency; if you're affiliated with a university, lab, or company, a No-Objection Certificate is required before you join.
TIRWhat happens after the 12 months?
High-performing TIRs progress into ARTPARK's incubation program with follow-on equity investment pathways for the spin-out. In exceptional cases the residency can be extended by up to 12 months.
VIPWhen do VIP applications close?
Applications close on 31 May 2026 at 5pm IST. The cohort begins on 1 Aug 2026 with onboarding and term-sheet issuance. Diligence typically takes 4–6 weeks for shortlisted startups.
VIPDo I need to be incorporated to apply for VIP?
Yes. VIP is for incorporated Indian startups — typically Private Limited companies. DPIIT-recognition is preferred but not strictly required. If you're pre-incorporation, TIR is the right door.
VIPWhat stage and TRL does VIP expect?
You should have a working team, a pitch investors can engage with, and technology at TRL 4 or above — independently or ARTPARK-demonstrated. Early revenue or LOIs from customers strengthen the application but are not hard requirements.
VIPHow is VIP funding structured? What's the ticket size?
VIP is a direct equity investment — not a fixed grant. Ticket size is sized to your round, with terms negotiated per deal. First-cohort ranges, typical investor rights, and co-invest pathways will be shared with shortlisted teams. As this is the inaugural cohort in beta, ranges will be refined based on applicant profiles.
VIPDoes ARTPARK take IP rights in VIP?
No. The startup retains its IP. Standard investor rights (information, governance, pro-rata) apply — but IP ownership stays with the company, unlike TIR where new IP is ARTPARK-owned during residency.
VIPDo VIP startups need to relocate or be on-campus?
Yes — ARTPARK relies on ecosystems feeding off each other. While other startups from Robotics and AI are encouraged to apply, barring some selective cases where a remote arrangement makes sense, most VIP startups would be encouraged to be full-time and working from ARTPARK's Garage Facility.
BothCan a TIR alumnus apply directly to VIP later?
Yes — and it's a common pathway. TIRs who incorporate and hit TRL 4+ during or after residency are natural VIP candidates, and would be allowed to pitch in future Investment Committees once they achieve the desired goals.
BothWhat sectors do ARTPARK programs prioritise?
AI, robotics, novel materials, sensors, mechatronics, manufacturing, and cyber-physical systems — applied to manufacturing, space, health, agriculture, defence, and similar critical sectors. Pure SaaS or consumer-app plays are not a fit.
BothCan I apply to both programs together?
Each person is expected to apply to one program only. Duplicate applications would be traced and removed by our AI engine.
BothWhat happens if at the end of TIR tenure I'm unable to graduate to VIP?
We're generally quite supportive of the people we back — if you've achieved all the milestones, we'll try our best to support you forward. If you end up not getting funded through our pathway, you can license the IP and aim to raise funds externally in parallel.
Beta · 2026

A note on beta mode.

ARTPARK Programs — and specifically the Venture Incubation Programme — is running its first cohort in beta. Eligibility criteria, funding ranges, timelines, IP and equity mechanics, and the selection process itself will continue to be refined based on what we learn with the inaugural cohort.

Anything you see on this page is our current best thinking and will be communicated in detail, in writing, with shortlisted teams before any commitment. If you spot something unclear or feel a term deserves a second look, we want to hear from you.

Questions, feedback, or edge cases → connect@artpark.in