CAWACH

Given the impact of COVID-19 globally and in India, the need of the hour is to support R&D efforts in this direction and end any further damage to the economy. Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India supports innovations by offering comprehensive solutions through the startup ecosystem.

DST has nominated Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi to implement the Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH) to source and support startups having solutions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by way of funding. FITT will be supported by the Indian STEPs and Business Incubator Association (ISBA) in implementing the program.

CAWACH supports innovations in diagnostics, devices, informatics (including bio-informatics and information management systems), interventions for the control of COVID-19, and startup solutions to address or mitigate challenges faced by the country due to the pandemic.

Eligibility Criteria

• Less than 7 years in existence.
• The startup should have DIPP recognition with Startup India. If the startup does not have DIPP recognition while applying to the CAWACH program, it must obtain DIPP recognition before availing funding.
• Founders of the applicant company should collectively hold at least 51% Indian shareholding.
• Should have a qualified team in place.
• Preferably at the revenue stage or should have raised funds earlier.
• Preferably should have already deployed or be ready to deploy the product within a few weeks.
• Startups not incubated at any incubation centre must associate with one of the Satellite or Affiliate Centres for the entire project duration and provide an undertaking while submitting the application.

Documents Required at the Time of Application

• Company Registration Certificate.
• GST Registration Certificate.
• KYC of promoters (Aadhaar Card and PAN Card).
• Shareholding pattern.

Documents Required After Selection

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).
• Annual reports for the previous three years.
• Bank statements for the last six months.
• Proof of business address.
• Reference from an established incubator or institution.

Quantum of Funding

• Funding support ranges from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore per startup.

Mode of Funding

• Returnable grants, soft loans, conditional grants, or a combination of these.
• Soft loan/grant amount is to be repaid or returned by the startup within 3–5 years.

Selection & Funding Process

• Initial scrutiny of applications.
• Evaluation by a high-level technical and industry experts committee.
• Shortlisted applicants present before the CAWACH Investment Committee (online or in person).
• Preference is given to startups capable of rapidly deploying solutions at scale.
• Selected startups not incubated with an incubation centre must affiliate with a Main, Satellite, or Affiliate Centre at no additional incubation cost.