NextSense - Call For Proposal
Funding Opportunity of Up to ₹25 Crores
Call for Proposal
NextSense is a focused initiative driving the next wave of entrepreneurship development in quantum sensing and metrology. It aims to accelerate the journey of startups from the ideation stage to impactful solutions by providing funding support, mentorship and access to technical and business experts.
NextSense: From Innovation to Impact in Sensing & Metrology is an initiative by Qmet Tech, IIT Bombay for promoting startups working in quantum sensing and metrology domain. The preferred focus areas include but are not limited to:
Support
Mentorship
Infrastructure
Funding
| Startup Stage | Funding Amount |
|---|---|
| Idea to POC | Up to ₹1 Crore |
| POC to product/customer pilot | Up to ₹5 Crores |
| Scale up of technology, product development and commercialization | Up to ₹25 Crores |
Eligibility Criteria
How to Apply
- Applications will only be accepted through the application form, the link for which has been given at the end of this section.
- Please read the guidelines carefully and keep all the required documents ready for submission in the application form.
Guidelines
- The following documents must be submitted along with the application form:
- 1. Certificate of Incorporation
- 2. Memorandum of Association
- 3. Articles of Association
- 4. PAN card of the organization
- 5. Start-up recognition certificate from DPIIT or an undertaking that start-up is eligible to be recognized by DPIIT
- 6. SME/MSME/Udhyam Registration Certificate, if applicable
- 7. Annual Financial Statement (Balance Sheet & P&L) of the last 3 years (if applicable)
Budget Details and Milestone-based fund requirement should be submitted as per theprescribed format
Guidelines for Fund Usage:
Qmet Tech can provide funds to Start-ups for their technology development and business needs. The Promoters/Company shall ensure that the funding shall be used solely for the purpose of the needs as mentioned in their application. Broadly the support can be sanctioned for the following purposes:
- R&D and Prototyping: This includes expenses related to research, design, and development of quantum sensing and metrology technologies.
- Equipment Purchase: Procurement of specialized instruments and infrastructure necessary for the development, assembly, and calibration of quantum systems.
- Salaries / Human Resources: Remuneration for scientific, engineering, and support personnel involved in quantum sensor development. Salary to promoters shall not exceed 20% of the fund support unless explicitly approved by the Committee.
- Testing / Validation / Certification: Expenditure for rigorous testing, technical validation, environmental trials, and third-party certification of quantum devices to ensure precision, stability, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Marketing & Outreach: Support for field trials, technical showcases, test marketing, and business development efforts to promote quantum technology products.
- Contingencies/Overrun: This shall not exceed 10% of the fund support.
For any other business purpose which needs to be justified in the application itself and as recommended/ approved by the committee from time to time.
As part of the review process, shortlisted applicants may be called for a Pitch Presentation. The presentation should be as per the prescribed Format and should be submitted as part of the application.
Disclaimer:
Shortlisted applicants will be notified/informed through email. The decision of Qmet in awarding the project will be final and binding and no correspondence shall be entertained in this regard