IIT Bombay and ideaForge Launch Programme to Identify Emerging Deep-Tech Founders

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and ideaForge Technology have joined forces to launch an ambitious initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing India’s next generation of deep-tech entrepreneurs. The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem by blending academic expertise with industry leadership.

The two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a structured programme designed to support early-stage founders working on technically complex, real-world solutions.

‘Who Are the Next Idiots?’: A Unique Innovation Programme

At the heart of this collaboration is a six-month programme titled “Who Are the Next Idiots?”, a name inspired by the unconventional thinking often required to drive breakthrough innovation. The initiative seeks participants with concept-stage or early prototype ideas rooted in deep technology.

The programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, recent graduates, and early-stage founders. Individuals or teams of up to four members can apply, provided they present original ideas with strong technical depth and scalability potential.

Focus Areas: From Robotics to Autonomous Systems

The initiative emphasizes cutting-edge sectors such as robotics, energy systems, advanced materials, and autonomous technologies. These domains are widely regarded as critical to India’s technological future and global competitiveness.

Participants will be evaluated through multiple stages based on originality, feasibility, technical complexity, and entrepreneurial intent. In the final phase, shortlisted teams will be required to demonstrate proof of concept through working prototypes, digital twins, or 3D models.

One of the programme’s key strengths lies in its integrated support system. IIT Bombay will leverage its extensive innovation ecosystem to facilitate outreach, evaluation, and incubation opportunities. Selected participants may gain access to the institute’s technology business incubator, enabling them to further refine and scale their ideas.

Meanwhile, ideaForge will lead programme execution, offering mentorship, industry exposure, and potential internship or project opportunities. Top-performing teams may also receive recognition, prize money, and early-stage investment prospects.

Driving India’s Engineering-Led Entrepreneurship

According to programme leaders, the initiative is designed to encourage bold, unconventional thinking among aspiring innovators. By combining academic rigor with real-world industry insights, the collaboration aims to create a pipeline of founders capable of tackling complex engineering challenges.

Importantly, participants will retain full ownership of their intellectual property, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to independent innovation and creator rights.

Registrations for the programme opened on February 28 and will remain active until April 30, 2026. As interest grows, the initiative is expected to attract a diverse pool of applicants from across India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

The IIT Bombay–ideaForge partnership represents a forward-looking effort to cultivate deep-tech innovation in India. By identifying and supporting technically ambitious founders at an early stage, the programme could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s next wave of transformative startups.