Call for Researchers and Innovators: RakshaTech Synapse 2026 (India)

Deadline: 26-Aug-2026

RakshaTech Synapse is a deep-tech innovation programme by HFC, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, in partnership with the Corps of EME. The programme offers up to ₹2 crore for individual projects and ₹5 crore for consortium projects developing working prototypes in areas such as autonomous robotics, surveillance and reconnaissance, human safety, digital engineering, and space-based remote sensing. What Is RakshaTech Synapse? RakshaTech Synapse is an innovation and funding initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced deep-tech technologies. The programme is led by HFC, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, in partnership with the Corps of EME. Its primary objective is to connect researchers, startups, innovators, and industry with real-world technology requirements. The programme focuses particularly on innovations that already have a working prototype and can potentially progress toward testing, deployment, and practical implementation. Why It Matters Many deep-tech innovations face a gap between laboratory research and real-world deployment. RakshaTech Synapse aims to address this gap by combining: - Prototype development - Targeted funding - Industry collaboration - Expert evaluation - Technology demonstration - Deployment opportunities The initiative gives innovators an opportunity to present their technologies directly to an expert panel and explore potential collaboration with relevant stakeholders. How Much Funding Is Available? RakshaTech Synapse provides different funding levels depending on the type of applicant and project structure.

- Individual projects: Up to ₹2 crore

- Consortium projects: Up to ₹5 crore

The funding can help eligible innovators advance their existing prototypes and move closer to real-world testing and deployment. What Technologies Are Supported? The call focuses on specific deep-tech and defence-related technology areas. Autonomous Robotic Platforms Projects may focus on autonomous or robotic systems capable of operating with reduced human intervention.

Potential areas include:

- Autonomous platforms - Robotic systems - Intelligent navigation - Automated operations - Advanced sensing and control Surveillance and Reconnaissance Countermeasure Systems This focus area covers technologies related to surveillance, reconnaissance, and countermeasure capabilities. Innovations should demonstrate practical potential for improving situational awareness, monitoring, or countermeasure operations. Human Safety Protective Technologies Projects can address technologies designed to improve the safety and protection of personnel operating in challenging or hazardous environments. Maintenance and Reliability Digital Engineering This area focuses on using advanced digital technologies to improve equipment maintenance, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Potential technologies may involve:

- Digital engineering - Predictive maintenance - Reliability analytics - Asset monitoring - Data-driven maintenance systems Remote Sensing and Space-Based Applications The programme also supports innovations involving remote sensing and space-based technologies. Projects should demonstrate potential practical applications of advanced sensing technologies. Who Is Eligible? RakshaTech Synapse is open to organisations and teams developing relevant deep-tech innovations with working prototypes.

Eligible applicants include:

- Academic research institutions - Deep-tech startups - Individual innovators - Technology organisations - Industry–academia partnerships - Eligible consortia Applicants must demonstrate that their technology falls within one of the specified focus areas and has progressed to the working prototype stage. What Is a Working Prototype? A working prototype is a functional version or demonstration model of a technology that can show how the proposed solution operates. For RakshaTech Synapse, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their technology rather than submitting only an early-stage research concept. A strong prototype should clearly demonstrate: - The problem being addressed - The technology’s core functionality - Current development stage - Practical applications - Performance or testing results - Potential for further development - Deployment potential How Does the Selection Process Work? The programme places significant emphasis on direct prototype demonstration. The selection process involves presenting the proposed technology before an expert panel. Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain both the technical capabilities and practical value of their innovation.

Step 1: Confirm the Technology Fit

Determine whether the prototype addresses one of the programme’s priority areas.

Step 2: Document the Prototype

Prepare evidence demonstrating that the technology is functional.

This can include:

- Prototype demonstrations - Testing results - Technical documentation - Performance data - Photographs or videos - Validation results

Step 3: Prepare the Innovation Case

Clearly explain:

- The problem - The proposed solution - What makes the technology innovative - Current technology readiness - Expected benefits - Deployment requirements

Step 4: Prepare for Expert Evaluation

Applicants must be ready to present their prototype before the expert panel. The presentation should be concise, technically credible, and focused on real-world applicability.

Step 5: Explore Collaboration and Deployment

Selected innovators may have opportunities to work with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders to further develop and implement their technologies. What Should Applicants Highlight? A strong application should clearly demonstrate the connection between technology, operational need, prototype capability, and deployment potential.

Applicants should highlight:

- Technical innovation - Prototype maturity - Demonstrated functionality - Scalability - Reliability - Real-world application - Potential opera