Incubate Your Fintech Startup from Idea to MVP to PMF
The Residential Program is a six-month zero-fee zero-equity incubation program designed for early-stage ventures ready to transition from idea to MVP to Product-Market Fit.​
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Hosted at GIFT IFIH in Gujarat and powered by Plug & Play, this hybrid incubator combines in-residence collaboration, global mentorship, and investment-readiness support. Whether you're a final-year student, recent graduate, or a first/second-time founder, this program is built to take you from idea to market success.
Program Element
Structured Support:
From ideation to validation with weekly check-ins, workshops, and goal-setting
Mentorship:
Connect with fintech experts, investors, and corporate partners
Network Access:
Plug into a global ecosystem through Plug & Play APAC
GIFT City Edge:
Build your startup in one of India’s premier financial hubs
On-Site Experience:
3-month residency at the GIFT IFIH campus
Stipend Support:
Participating founders will receive a stipend during the incubation program to support their journey
Program Benefits
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Essential Startup Skills to validate, pitch, build, and scale a fintech startup
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Structured Curriculum to take you from idea to MVP to PMF
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Industry Access to regulators and corporate and government partners
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Ecosystem Access across the globe to mentors, enablers, and events through both GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play
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Expert advice on the fintech and regulatory landscape, with a focus on GIFT City’s unique offerings
Structured Startup Program
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Potential to get investment from GIFT IFIH for all participating startups
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Introductions to investors for funding opportunities through our network and VC partners
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Stipend to offset living expenses during the residency period
Funding & Monetary Support
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Complimentary office space at GIFT IFIH campus
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Partner subscriptions for free or at preferential rates
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Access to GIFT IFIH partners:
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Banking products at preferential rates
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Community partner
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Access to admin and other services (legal, incorporation, HR, etc.)
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Lifelong access to Plug and Play's network across 20+ countries
In-Kind Support
Program Timeline
01
Application & Onboarding
May–August 2025
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Applications Open: 9 May – 13 June
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Shortlisting: 26 May – 27 June
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Final Selection & Onboarding: 22 – 30 June
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Relocation to GIFT City: 1 – 30 July
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Orientation & Mentor Matching: 31 July – 3 August
02
Residency Phase
August–October 2025
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Residency at GIFT IFIH Campus (Foundation Building 1 & 2)
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Weekly sessions: PMF review, idea refinement, roadmap building
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Assigned mentors and regular check-ins
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Validation Phase
November–December 2025
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Off-campus execution and GTM strategies
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Bi-weekly check-ins on traction, sales pitch, and customer acquisition
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Pitch polishing in December
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Optional events in India/Singapore
04
Demo Day
January 2026
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Gift IFIH annual Expo
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What is the Always On Program at GIFT IFIH?The GIFT City IFIH Always On Program is a rolling, case-by-case Proof of Concept (PoC) and growth enablement platform for high-potential startups from post-seed to Series D. It offers dedicated 3-month active support followed by ongoing passive engagement as part of the IFIH alumni community. The program aims to unlock tangible growth opportunities through the GIFT City Fintech ecosystem, focusing on corporate partnerships, investor access, regulatory enablement, and cross-border expansion.
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Who is the program for?The program is for startups that are: Post-seed to Series D stage Ready for growth and scale Looking to expand in India or globally Exploring PoCs with BFSI players or large corporates In need of curated introductions and regulatory guidance
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How are startups selected?We select 5 to 10 high-potential startups each quarter, based on relevance, growth trajectory, and strategic alignment with GIFT City and its stakeholders.
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What is the program structure?The program has two phases: Phase 1: Active Support (3 Months) Onboarding & Discovery: Deep-dive to identify specific needs. Curated Connections: Introductions to corporations, VCs, regulators, and ecosystem players. Access to Infrastructure: Complimentary office space at IFIH, GIFT City. Visibility: Opportunities to showcase progress. Phase 2: Passive Support (Ongoing) Continued access to events, pitch opportunities, and partner connections. Alumni status with eligibility for case-based support.
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What support and resources are provided?The program provides: Strategic Connections: Intros to banks, insurers, regulators, family offices, and VCs. Pitch Readiness: Advisory and review support for pitches. Visibility & Showcase: Feature at major ecosystem events and marketing amplification via GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play channels. Alumni Access: Ongoing eligibility for targeted support.
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What are the benefits of the program?Benefits include: Complimentary office space at IFIH, GIFT City during the active phase. Access to curated connections and introductions. Visibility at Investors' Day, PoC Showcases, and partner events. Marketing amplification via GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play channels.
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What are the program objectives?The program objectives are to: Facilitate corporate PoCs, pilots, and partnerships Enable fundraising through curated VC and investor access Support regulatory navigation and cross-border expansion Provide GIFT City positioning and integration opportunities
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What are the key deliverables and outcomes?Key deliverables and outcomes include: Signed PoCs or pilots with corporates or public agencies. VC engagement and potential follow-on funding. Regulatory navigation support. Integration into the GIFT City ecosystem and visibility at flagship forums and expos
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How many team members can participate?Office space is provided for up to four team members during the six-month program.
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Can we attend and/or pitch at any events during the program?Yes! During the Go-to-Market phase (November 2025 –January 2026), you’ll have opportunities to pitch at Plug and Play APAC Summit and Gift City Expo, meet potential customers, partners and investors among other ad-hoc opportunities.
In partnership with
