Job Description

Science and technology innovators looking to transform research ideas into deep-tech ventures can now apply for the Entrepreneurship in Residence (EIR) Programme 2026, launched by SARTHI, Pune, in partnership with AIC-SEED at IISER Pune. Selected innovators will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹25,000, along with incubation, laboratory access and mentorship.

The programme aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs working on innovative solutions in science and technology. By combining financial assistance with access to an established incubation ecosystem, it seeks to help innovators move promising ideas towards venture development.

What does the programme offer?

Selected innovators will receive support through two key components:

• Financial support: A grant-in-aid fellowship of ₹25,000 per month.
• Incubation support: Access to incubation facilities, laboratories and mentorship at AIC-SEED, IISER Pune.

The combination of financial assistance and institutional support is intended to help innovators focus on developing and advancing their entrepreneurial ideas.

Focus sectors

The programme welcomes applications from innovators working across six broad areas:

1. Biotechnology
2. Healthcare and MedTech
3. Energy
4. Environment
5. Functional Materials
6. Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

These sectors cover a range of emerging technologies with potential applications in healthcare, industry, sustainability and other areas.

Who is organising the programme?

The Entrepreneurship in Residence Programme 2026 is launched by the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI), Pune, in partnership with AIC-SEED, IISER Pune.

AIC-SEED provides the incubation environment, including access to laboratories, mentorship and other resources to support innovators in developing their ventures.

Important dates and application details

Entrepreneurship in Residence Programme 2026

Applications open

₹25,000/month

Grant-in-aid fellowship for selected innovators

Apply for the programme

Application portal: AIC-SEED

For queries:

• Email: aic.seed@iiserpune.ac.in
• Phone: 020-25908626 / 51 / 52

An opportunity to turn innovation into enterprise

For researchers, scientists, engineers and technology innovators interested in entrepreneurship, the SARTHI–AIC-SEED EIR Programme offers an opportunity to develop ideas within an established incubation ecosystem. The fellowship, laboratory access and mentorship could help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and venture creation.

Innovators working in biotechnology, healthcare, materials science, energy, environmental technologies and AI should explore the programme and check the application requirements before submitting their proposals.

Apply before 21 November 2026.

Application link: https://aic-seed.accubate.app/ext/form/24409/1/apply

Source: SARTHI, Pune, and AIC-SEED, IISER Pune. The announcement shared does not specify detailed eligibility criteria, fellowship duration or selection procedures; applicants should consult the official application portal for these details.