The AICTE Productization Fellowship (APF) aims to support student innovators in transforming their Proof of Concept (PoC) into viable products. This fellowship provides financial assistance and mentorship to teams from AICTE-approved institutions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and recent graduates.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to student teams from AICTE-approved Institutions/University Departments. Both current full-time UG/PG/PhD students and those who have graduated within the last 2 years from AICTE-approved institutions are eligible to apply. Students from different HEIs must provide bonafide certificates from their respective institutes.

Preference will be given to those who have participated in Hackathons / Grand Challenges and winners of innovation events. Specifically, participants/winners of National/International/State-level Hackathons, Grand Challenges, etc., will be favored during the selection process.

• Nominations must come from innovators (not institutions) of AICTE Approved Institutes.

• One project proposal per team.

• Max 3 nominations per team.

Team Composition and Project Stage

Each team can have a maximum of 3 members, with an exception allowing 4 members in exceptional cases. All team members must be current students or alumni, and faculties are not allowed to apply. Selected teams will receive support for at least 1 year.

The project must be at the PoC (Proof of Concept) stage or beyond; ideas that are only at the idea stage are not eligible. This ensures that the fellowship supports projects with a solid foundation and potential for further development.

The application must be submitted online through the AICTE portal: https://yukti.mic.gov.in/login. The proposals will be reviewed by an expert committee, and AICTE’s decision is final.

Funding Details and Duration

The fellowship is divided into two stages. Stage 1 provides ₹37,000/- per month (max 1 year) for PoC to Prototype development. Stage 2 offers continued funding (max 1 year) for Product Development, Testing, Market Validation, and Commercialization after successful completion of Stage 1.

A Contingency Grant of up to ₹50,000 per year (Stage-I & II) is available for product development-related expenses. Notably, bills are not needed, and AICTE purchase rules do not apply, simplifying the process for the fellows.

The fellowship duration is 1 year, with the possibility of extension by another year, including Stage-II. Product development may continue at AICTE-approved incubation centers even after the fellowship period.

Key Dates and Submission

The application window is from 15th May – 15th June 2025. All proposals must be submitted through the official portal: https://yukti.mic.gov.in/login. Ensure all required documents and information are accurately provided to avoid disqualification.

For more detailed information, visit the official website: http://apf.aicte.gov.in/. This site provides additional guidelines, FAQs, and contact information for any queries.

Make sure to prepare a comprehensive proposal highlighting the innovation, market potential, and feasibility of your project. Good luck!