Nehru Group of Institutions Technology Business Incubator

Introduction

In a world where innovation drives economic growth, the need for strong startup support systems has never been greater. India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed tremendous growth — but every idea still needs the right launchpad to take flight.

That’s where the Nehru Group of Institutions Technology Business Incubator (NGI TBI) steps in — a state-of-the-art innovation hub designed to nurture early-stage entrepreneurs and help them convert ideas into sustainable ventures.

Supported by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, NGI TBI offers seed funding, mentorship, research infrastructure, and incubation facilities to startups across technology, agriculture, health, and manufacturing sectors.

If you’re a startup founder with a scalable, innovative idea, this detailed guide will walk you through how to apply for the NGI TBI Seed Fund, its eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits.

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💡 1. About NGI TBI – Nehru Group of Institutions Technology Business Incubator

Founded under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the NGI Technology Business Incubator (NGI TBI) is an initiative of the Nehru Group of Institutions, based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

NGI has a long-standing reputation in higher education, research, and innovation, and the TBI was established to extend that legacy into entrepreneurship and industrial growth.

🔬 Vision

To create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that empowers young entrepreneurs to build sustainable, technology-driven businesses capable of creating employment and societal impact.

🎯 Mission

To nurture startups through funding, mentorship, prototyping support, and networking— transforming raw ideas into market-ready products and solutions.

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⚙️ 2. The NGI TBI Seed Fund Program

The NGI TBI Seed Fund Program is implemented under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) — a Government of India initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

This program provides financial assistance and incubation support to early-stage startups that have an innovative concept but lack initial funding to develop and validate their business model.

💰 Funding Structure:

• Prototype/Proof-of-Concept Grant: Up to ₹20 Lakhs

• Market Entry/Commercialization Funding: Up to ₹50 Lakhs (as debt or convertible instruments)

🧭 Objective:

To help startups move from idea validation to market entry by supporting them through prototype development, testing, and commercialization.

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🧩 3. Focus Areas of NGI TBI

NGI TBI supports startups in a wide range of innovation domains, including:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Internet of Things (IoT)

• Clean Energy & Renewable Technologies

• AgriTech and Food Processing

• EdTech and HealthTech

• Manufacturing & Automation

• Biotechnology and Life Sciences

• Waste Management and Sustainability

This multi-sector approach makes NGI TBI one of South India’s most inclusive incubation centers.

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🧠 4. Eligibility Criteria for Applying to NGI TBI Seed Fund

To ensure that only truly innovative and growth-oriented startups benefit, NGI TBI follows the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) eligibility norms along with its own evaluation framework.

✅ General Eligibility

1. The startup must be DPIIT-recognized under the Startup India initiative.

2. It must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm in India.

3. The startup should be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.

4. Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.

5. The startup should have 51% Indian ownership at the time of application.

6. It should not have received more than ₹10 lakh in grants from other government programs for the same project.

🧬 Additional Criteria

• The idea should demonstrate novelty, innovation, and scalability potential.

• Preference is given to startups focusing on sustainability and social impact.

• Startups with working prototypes or MVPs are prioritized for higher funding.

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🧾 5. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the NGI TBI Seed Fund

The application process for NGI TBI is designed to be simple, transparent, and fully online.

🪜 Step 1: Apply via Startup India Seed Fund Portal

Visit the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) website and choose NGI TBI as your preferred incubator.

🖱️ Apply Here – Startup India SISFS Portal

🪜 Step 2: Complete the Application Form

You will need to fill in details such as:

• Startup name and sector

• Problem statement and innovative solution

• Prototype or MVP status

• Target market and scalability potential

• Business model and revenue plan

• Fund requirement and utilization plan

🪜 Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Attach the following:

• DPIIT certificate

• Incorporation/Registration document

• Detailed business plan and financial projections

• Founder KYC documents

• Pitch deck and proof of innovation

🪜 Step 4: Application Review

NGI TBI’s Seed Fund Evaluation Committee (SFEC) reviews the applications on innovation, technical viability, and team strength.

🪜 Step 5: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups will present their idea to a panel of mentors, investors, and domain experts from NGI’s ecosystem.

🪜 Step 6: Selection and Onboarding

Selected startups receive seed funding in tranches linked to milestones such as prototype completion, pilot validation, and product launch.

They are also inducted into NGI’s incubation program for mentorship and capacity-building support.

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🧰 6. Benefits of Getting Incubated at NGI TBI

The value of NGI TBI goes far beyond just funding — it provides end-to-end ecosystem support.

💡 1. Seed Funding Support

Receive up to ₹50 lakh in funding for product development, testing, and early commercialization.

🧭 2. Mentorship Access

NGI TBI provides direct mentorship from industry experts, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders from Nehru Group institutions.

🧪 3. Infrastructure and Labs

Startups gain access to R&D labs, fabrication facilities, coworking spaces, and product testing infrastructure.

🌍 4. Networking and Investor Connect

Regular demo days, pitch sessions, and industry meets connect founders with angel investors, venture capitalists, and government agencies.

🧑‍💼 5. Capacity Building Programs

Workshops on IP filing, regulatory compliance, marketing, and financial management are organized regularly.

🤝 6. Corporate Collaboration

Startups get access to NGI’s corporate and industrial partnerships for pilot projects and commercial tie-ups.

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🔍 7. Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed using a transparent, merit-based evaluation system based on the following parameters:

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🏆 8. Success Stories and Impact

NGI TBI has supported multiple startups that have gone on to achieve market validation, funding, and recognition. Some examples include:

• AgroTech Innovators: Developing smart irrigation systems that reduce water usage.

• BioPure: Innovating biodegradable packaging solutions for the food industry.

• NextGen Automation: Building cost-effective robotic arms for SMEs.

These success stories show how NGI TBI bridges academia, industry, and entrepreneurship to create a thriving startup ecosystem in South India.

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📞 9. Contact Information

📍 Address:
Nehru Group of Institutions – Technology Business Incubator (NGI TBI)
Nehru College Campus, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – 641105

📧 Email: info@ngitbi.org
🌐 Website: www.ngitbi.org
📞 Phone: +91 422 236 3800

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🌱 10. Conclusion

The Nehru Group of Institutions Technology Business Incubator (NGI TBI) represents the future of innovation-led entrepreneurship in India.

By combining funding, mentorship, and technical infrastructure, NGI TBI is enabling startups to not just survive, but thrive — transforming bold ideas into profitable, impactful ventures.

Whether you are working on IoT-based agriculture, AI-driven automation, or biotech innovations, NGI TBI provides the perfect launchpad to take your startup from concept to commercialization.

Apply today for the NGI TBI Seed Fund and join an ecosystem built for innovation, collaboration, and success.