About this programme
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway is an umbrella funding gateway aggregating five distinct government and institutional grant schemes for prototype-stage startups and innovators in Gujarat. The gateway includes TEC Grant (₹2 lakh, 90 days), NIDHI-PRAYAS (₹10 lakh, 18 months), TIDE 2.0 (₹7-40 lakh), Startup Gujarat (₹30 lakh), and NIDHI-EIR (₹10K-30K monthly stipend). A single unified application and profile creation process routes applicants to the appropriate sub-fund based on eligibility. It is run by Gujarat Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence (GFEE) — operating as iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology).
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in electric vehicles / renewable energy / fintech / internet of things (across sub-funds: healthcare, education, agri, clean-tech supported). Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
How it works
Applicants create a unified profile via iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway portal. The gateway routes applicants to the appropriate sub-fund based on project stage and eligibility. Each sub-fund has its own evaluation process: TEC is 90-day intensive; NIDHI-PRAYAS involves mentorship over 18 months; TIDE 2.0 requires thematic fit; Startup Gujarat focuses on product/market entry; NIDHI-EIR provides stipend plus office space. Residential campus participation at iCreate is recommended for all programs.
Who can apply
Varies by sub-fund: TEC Grant—any sector, students/professionals/individuals with technology innovation element; NIDHI-PRAYAS—physical product projects in renewable energy, EVs, agritech, healthtech, watertech, industry 4.0; TIDE 2.0—ICT startups in healthcare, education, agriculture, fintech, infrastructure using AI/ML/IoT/blockchain; Startup Gujarat—LLP or private limited companies registered in Gujarat; NIDHI-EIR—aspiring entrepreneurs, recent graduates. Indian citizens; idea-to-PoC stage projects.
How to apply
- Visit iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway portal and create a unified applicant profile
- Select the relevant sub-fund based on project stage (idea/PoC/product) and sector
- Submit project proposal, team details, and fund-utilization plan
- The system routes your application to the appropriate sub-fund
- Evaluation by respective fund teams; residential campus participation recommended for stronger consideration
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business registration / incorporation certificate
- PAN (and GST registration, where applicable)
- Identity and address proof for the applicant / directors
- A short description of your business or project
- Recent financials or a simple project report
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What is the Pro-Fund Gateway?
It is a single unified application portal that routes startups to one of five sub-funds (TEC, NIDHI-PRAYAS, TIDE 2.0, Startup Gujarat, NIDHI-EIR) based on project stage and eligibility.
What is TEC Grant?
Technology Exploration Cell grant provides up to ₹2 lakh for sector-agnostic proof-of-concept development in 90 days; open to students, professionals, anyone with a technology innovation element.
What does NIDHI-PRAYAS support?
NIDHI-PRAYAS provides up to ₹10 lakh over 18 months (extendable 6 months) for physical product development in renewable energy, EVs, agritech, healthtech, watertech, and industry 4.0.
Is residential campus stay required?
No, but iCreate strongly recommends on-campus residence for maximum benefit; such projects receive greater selection preference.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.