Ixigo co-founder launches ₹1 crore ‘Made in Fire Fund' to back IIT Kanpur startups

Have a startup idea that could solve a real-world problem? IIT Kanpur students now have a new reason to take that entrepreneurial leap! Rajnish Kumar, co-founder and Group Co-CEO of travel platform ixigo, has launched the ₹1 crore ‘Made in Fire Fund’ to support graduating students looking to build their own ventures.

An IIT Kanpur alumnus from the 2001 batch, Kumar announced the initiative after returning to his alma mater to address the graduating Class of 2026. The fund will select 10 technology-led startups from each graduating batch, offering ₹10 lakh each in non-dilutive funding, meaning founders won't have to give up equity in exchange for the money.

But the support goes beyond funding. Selected founders will receive mentorship from Kumar and ixigo's leadership team, along with product reviews, hiring guidance, go-to-market support and investor introductions. They will also get an opportunity to showcase their progress at a Demo Day after six to 12 months.

The initiative is open to graduating students applying individually or in teams, with ideas spanning AI, deep tech, climate technology, mobility, HealthTech and more.