How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology
Introduction
India’s startup ecosystem thrives on the synergy between technology, research, and entrepreneurship. Tamil Nadu, a hub for education and innovation, has emerged as one of the leading contributors to this movement. Among the state’s most dynamic incubation ecosystems stands the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT), Sathyamangalam.
Established with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, BIT-TBI empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators to transform their ideas into viable business ventures.
If you are a founder with a tech-driven idea seeking funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to scale, this article will guide you through everything you need to know — from eligibility to benefits and the application process at BIT-TBI.
1. About Bannari Amman Institute of Technology – Technology Business Incubator (BIT-TBI)
The BIT-TBI was established in 2007 under the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Its mission is to nurture innovation, promote technology-based startups, and build an ecosystem that bridges academia and industry.
Located within the Bannari Amman Institute of Technology campus in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, this incubator provides early-stage founders with comprehensive support — from idea validation to commercialization.
Vision
To be a globally recognized technology incubator that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Mission
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To transform innovative ideas into commercial ventures.
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To provide an enabling environment through mentorship, technical resources, and financial support.
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To encourage technology-driven startups in rural and semi-urban India.
2. Institutional Legacy
Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT), established in 1996, is one of Tamil Nadu’s premier autonomous engineering institutions. The institute is known for its strong R&D culture and commitment to entrepreneurship.
The BIT-TBI leverages the academic and research strengths of its parent institution to help entrepreneurs bridge the gap between lab and market.
3. Focus Areas
BIT-TBI incubates startups across a wide range of technology and innovation sectors.
Key Focus Sectors
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AgriTech & Food Processing
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IoT & Embedded Systems
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Renewable Energy & CleanTech
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Biotechnology & Healthcare
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Robotics & Automation
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Electric Vehicles
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Waste Management & Sustainability
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Textile & Manufacturing Technology
This multi-sectoral focus enables BIT-TBI to support a variety of innovators — from student founders to experienced technologists.
4. Key Features of BIT-TBI
✅ DST-Supported Incubator: Recognized under the Department of Science & Technology’s NSTEDB.
✅ Comprehensive Startup Support: From prototype to pilot and commercialization.
✅ Seed Funding: Access to funding under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and other DST programs.
✅ Technical Infrastructure: Advanced laboratories, fabrication units, testing equipment, and prototyping tools.
✅ Mentorship Network: Experienced entrepreneurs, academicians, and domain experts.
✅ Industry Collaborations: Partnerships with manufacturing firms, industrial clusters, and R&D centers.
5. Programs Offered
A. Pre-Incubation Program (3–6 Months)
Ideal for idea-stage founders and students.
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Idea validation & market analysis
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MVP development
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Business model design
B. Incubation Program (12–24 Months)
For startups ready to launch and scale.
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Access to workspace, mentorship, and funding
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Networking with investors and corporates
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Regular reviews and milestone-based progress
C. Acceleration Support
For incubated startups ready to raise external investment or expand market presence.
6. Seed Fund & Financial Assistance
BIT-TBI provides funding support through various government-backed programs including:
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):
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Up to ₹20 lakhs as grant for prototype development.
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Up to ₹50 lakhs as investment for market entry and scale-up.
DST & NSTEDB Programs:
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Prototype grants and product validation support.
CSR & Institutional Grants:
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Collaborations with corporates and industry partners for project-based funding.
Funds are released in tranches tied to startup milestones and deliverables.
7. Eligibility Criteria
Startups applying for incubation or seed funding at BIT-TBI must fulfill the following conditions:
✅ DPIIT Recognition: Startup must be recognized under the Startup India initiative.
✅ Entity Type: Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
✅ Startup Age: Less than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
✅ Annual Turnover: Should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.
✅ Innovation: Product/service must involve innovation, technology advancement, or improved business process.
✅ Stage: Early-stage or growth-stage startups are eligible.
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to apply for incubation and seed funding at BIT-TBI:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to https://www.bittbi.com to access the application form and program details.
Step 2: Select the Program Type
Choose between pre-incubation, incubation, or acceleration based on your startup stage.
Step 3: Submit Application Online
Include:
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Business plan / pitch deck
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Problem-solution summary
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Prototype or MVP details
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Founder background and team structure
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Financial projections
Step 4: Evaluation & Shortlisting
Applications are screened by BIT-TBI’s Selection Committee based on innovation, scalability, and social or commercial impact.
Step 5: Pitching Round
Shortlisted startups present before an expert panel for final selection.
Step 6: Onboarding & Funding
Selected startups sign an MoU and join the incubation program. Funding is released as per milestones.
9. Benefits of BIT-TBI Incubation
Joining BIT-TBI gives startups unparalleled access to mentorship, infrastructure, and capital support.
Key Benefits
✅ Seed Funding: Access up to ₹50 lakhs through SISFS and DST support.
✅ Technical Expertise: Utilize institute labs, tools, and engineering support.
✅ Market Access: Linkages with industry clusters and MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.
✅ Mentorship: Experts from academia and entrepreneurship backgrounds.
✅ Investor Connects: Exclusive investor demo days and funding showcases.
✅ Training & Capacity Building: Workshops on IP, design thinking, leadership, and finance.
✅ Patent & IP Support: Guidance for patent filing and IP management.
✅ Networking & Exposure: National startup events and exhibitions.
10. Success Stories
Over the years, BIT-TBI has supported over 150 startups — many of which have achieved commercial success or global recognition.
🌾 FarmTech AI: Developed an IoT-based crop monitoring system; received SISFS funding and now works with agribusiness firms.
⚡ EnerSwitch Solutions: Created efficient solar micro-inverters and secured state-level CleanTech grants.
🤖 MechaRobotics: Student-led robotics startup now exporting educational kits internationally.
🧴 EcoPack Innovations: Built biodegradable packaging solutions; now partnered with FMCG companies.
These success stories prove that BIT-TBI is not just an incubator — it’s a transformation hub for innovators.
11. Why Choose BIT-TBI?
✅ Backed by DST and NSTEDB — Government of India.
✅ Strong integration with academic research at Bannari Amman Institute.
✅ Proven track record in AgriTech, IoT, and CleanTech sectors.
✅ Access to government grants and private investment channels.
✅ Expert mentors and cutting-edge technical infrastructure.
✅ Focus on sustainability, social impact, and regional entrepreneurship.
12. Contact Information
📍 Address:
Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
Bannari Amman Institute of Technology
Sathyamangalam, Erode District,
Tamil Nadu – 638401
📞 Phone: +91-4295-226000
📧 Email: tbi@bitsathy.ac.in
🌐 Website: https://www.bittbi.com
13. Conclusion
The Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology is a beacon for technology-driven entrepreneurship in South India.
By combining the power of academic excellence, government support, and innovation culture, BIT-TBI helps startups move from ideation to implementation with ease.
If you are an aspiring founder with a breakthrough idea and the drive to build something impactful, BIT-TBI provides everything you need — mentorship, funding, and a strong ecosystem to grow.
Your innovation deserves a launchpad — and BIT-TBI is ready to provide it. 🚀
