National Quantum Mission – Startup Support
Rolling grants of up to ₹25 crore for quantum startups, routed through four Thematic Hubs at India's top technical institutes.
What you get
Up to ₹25 crore per startup · mission outlay ₹6,003.65 crore (FY2024–FY2031)
Nodal ministry
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Support type
Grant
Best suited for
Prototype / PoC · Growth / Scaling
Typical timeline
Rolling calls and challenges through the T-Hubs
What this scheme actually is
NQM is India's national push into quantum technology, with four Thematic Hubs set up as Section 8 companies inside premier institutes — one each for quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices. Startup support is channelled through those hubs, and the cheque sizes are among the largest available to any Indian deep-tech startup.
Implementing agency: Four Thematic Hubs at IISc, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi
What the scheme sets out to do
Who can apply
What you get
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Map to the right Thematic Hub
Computing (IISc), communication, sensing and metrology, or materials and devices — each hub sits at a different institute with a different vertical. Apply to the one your technology belongs to.
- 2
Secure DPIIT recognition and confirm Indian ownership
The startup support guidelines favour DPIIT-recognised, Indian-owned and Indian-controlled entities. Get this settled before a call opens.
- 3
Prepare the technical proposal
Applications are evaluated on need, feasibility, impact, novelty, team strength and the fund-utilisation plan. Every one of those six is scored — address them explicitly rather than assuming the technology speaks for itself.
- 4
Apply through the online call or challenge
Startups apply against published calls and challenges; other applicants apply through DST/NQM calls or the relevant T-Hub directly.
- 5
Execute against milestones with hub oversight
Large grants come with proportionate reporting. Utilisation certificates, technical milestone reviews and hub governance are part of the deal.
What we actually do on a NQM mandate
Services this usually needs
No consultant can guarantee a sanction — that decision sits with the evaluating committee, bank or incubator. We commit to an honest eligibility view, an application built to the evaluator’s format, filing inside the window and a documented follow-up cadence. That is stated in every engagement letter we sign.