Indian Institute of Science ARTPARK
TIR 2026 · Applications open Apr 27

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

The Technology Innovators in Residence program at ARTPARK supports exceptional technologists translating deep research in AI, robotics, novel materials, sensors, and cyber-physical systems into commercial ventures — with up to ₹1 Cr/yr in milestone-linked funding and a home at IISc Bangalore.

Apply now → Learn more
Applications close
24 May 2026
Residency begins
15 Jul 2026
Duration
Up to 6 months
₹25L
zero-equity kickoff
Initial 6-month grant at 0% equity to de-risk early translation work.
₹2 Cr
subsequent funding via VIP
Up to ₹2 Cr in follow-on investment through ARTPARK's Venture Incubation Programme post-residency.
34
companies incubated
Since 2020 — cumulative valuation exceeding ₹1,300 Cr.
TRL 3→4
target trajectory
Lab-validated to ARTPARK-demonstrated, with product-market-fit signal.
What you get

A 6-month runway to move from laboratory-proven to deployed.

01 — Capital

₹25L at 0%, with up to ₹2 Cr through VIP

₹25L for the first 6 months at zero equity. High-performing TIRs progress into ARTPARK's Venture Incubation Programme with up to ₹2 Cr in subsequent investment to scale the spin-out.

02 — Infrastructure

ARTPARK labs at IISc

Full-time space at ARTPARK with access to robotics, AI, sensor, and manufacturing facilities — co-located with IISc research groups and industry collaborators.

03 — Mentorship

Scientific & commercial

Hands-on scientific, technological, and business-development mentorship via ARTPARK's roster of academic, industry, entrepreneurial, and investor experts.

04 — Collaboration

IP partnerships

Strong encouragement for collaboration with academia, govt labs, and industry — especially where complementary IP can accelerate the project.

05 — Progression

Follow-on incubation

High-performing TIRs move into ARTPARK's incubation program with follow-on equity investment pathways for the spin-out company.

06 — Outcomes

TRL 3 → TRL 4

Move from in-house/lab validation to ARTPARK-demonstrated technology with identified product-market-fit and early customer signal.

Timeline

From application to cohort, in four clear steps.

01
Apr 27 — May 24

Application window

Submit your written application. Closes 24 May 2026, 5pm IST.

02
22 Jun 2026

Shortlist notification

Selected applicants notified for interview. Tentative date.

03
Jul 2026, week 1

Interviews

Deep-dive sessions with the TIR committee on technology, plan, and team.

04
15 Jul 2026

Residency begins

Onboarding, goal-setting, ₹25L grant disbursed. You're in.

05
Jul 2027

Showcase & next chapter

Demo to investors, customers, govt. High performers move into incubation.

Who should apply

Built for researchers moving from lab to the real world.

We're looking for

  • Deep-tech researchers/scientists translating academic or lab IP (TRL 3+) into scalable products
  • Systems/domain technologists with experience building complex physical-digital systems
  • Teams of up to 3 founders with complementary technical, domain, and commercial skills
  • Work in AI, robotics, novel materials, sensors, mechatronics, manufacturing, or cyber-physical systems
  • Applications to manufacturing, space, health, agriculture, defense, or similar critical sectors
  • Grit for hard technical problems and a genuine passion for real-world deployment

Not a fit if

  • Your technology is below TRL 3 (not yet lab/in-house validated)
  • Your innovation is incremental rather than step-change
  • You cannot get an NOC from your current organization for full-time participation
  • You can't commit to being full-time, on-campus at ARTPARK
  • Your work is outside deep-research/advanced tech (e.g. pure SaaS or consumer apps)
Terms in brief

Clear terms, no surprises.

Initial grant
₹25L for 6 months at 0% equity
Subsequent funding
Up to ₹2 Cr through VIP
Post-residency equity
Negotiated as part of the VIP round
Space
ARTPARK facilities included for the residency
Residency duration
Up to 6 months (extendable in exceptional cases)
Team size
Up to 3 founding members
IP (prior art)
Retained by original owners
IP (created during TIR)
Owned by ARTPARK; exclusively licensed to the spin-out
Commitment
Full-time, on-campus. NOC required if affiliated
TRL trajectory
TRL 3 (lab) → TRL 4 (ARTPARK-demonstrated)

How the equity structure works: The 6-month residency begins at 0% equity on a ₹25L grant. Post-residency, high-performing TIRs progress into ARTPARK's Venture Incubation Programme with up to ₹2 Cr in follow-on investment — equity terms are negotiated as part of the VIP round. Detailed terms are shared separately with shortlisted candidates.

FAQ

Common questions.

What's the minimum TRL I need to apply?
Your key USP IP or technology should be at TRL 3 or above — in-house or laboratory validated. Over the residency you'll mature it to TRL 4 (demonstration/validation at ARTPARK facilities) alongside identification of product-market-fit, potential customers, and use cases.
How is the funding and equity structured?
You begin with ₹25L for the 6-month residency at 0% equity. Post-residency, high-performing TIRs progress into ARTPARK's Venture Incubation Programme (VIP) with up to ₹2 Cr in follow-on investment — equity terms are negotiated as part of the VIP round. All disbursal during TIR is milestone-linked.
Who owns the IP we create?
Prior IP you bring into the project belongs to the original owners. Any new IP generated during the TIR belongs to ARTPARK — but will be exclusively licensed or transferred to you if you create a company to commercialize it. Detailed terms are discussed separately with shortlisted teams.
Can I apply as a team?
Yes, teams of up to 3 founding members are encouraged — ideally with complementary technical, domain, and commercial skills. The application asks you to add co-founder profiles.
What if I'm affiliated with another institution?
You must commit full-time to the TIR. If you're affiliated with a university, lab, or company, you'll need to secure a No-Objection Certificate (or equivalent) from that organization before joining.
Can I collaborate with other institutions?
Yes — strongly encouraged. Collaboration with academia, industrial research labs, government research labs, or industry partners is welcomed, especially where complementary IP accelerates the project.
What happens after the 6 months?
High-performing TIRs progress into ARTPARK's Venture Incubation Programme (VIP) with up to ₹2 Cr in follow-on investment for the spin-out. In exceptional cases — high difficulty, high potential — the residency itself may be extended.
How do I submit my application?
Only via the online form linked on this page. No email, social-media, or third-party submissions are accepted. Applications must be complete at the time of submission — ARTPARK reserves the right to close the review cycle early if the cohort fills.

Ready to translate research into reality?

Applications for TIR 2026 close on 24 May, 5pm IST. Your CV auto-fills ~30% of the form — takes about 60–90 minutes.

Start your application →