How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at SANDIP TBI
Introduction: Empowering Innovation from Classroom to Marketplace
India’s innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly, and academic institutions are emerging as powerful hubs for entrepreneurship. One such pioneer is the SANDIP Technology Business Incubator (SANDIP TBI) — an initiative of Sandip Foundation, Nashik, dedicated to transforming research ideas into viable startups.
SANDIP TBI operates under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and is supported by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), providing early-stage entrepreneurs with the funding, infrastructure, and mentorship they need to succeed.
If you have a technology-driven idea and are looking for the right place to build, validate, and launch your innovation, this guide will walk you through how to apply for incubation and seed funding at SANDIP TBI, step by step.
About SANDIP TBI
Located within the Sandip Foundation campus in Nashik, Maharashtra, the SANDIP Technology Business Incubator (TBI) serves as a dynamic platform for innovation-led entrepreneurship.
It focuses on nurturing startups in areas such as engineering, healthcare, IT, renewable energy, agritech, and advanced manufacturing. The incubator acts as a bridge between research and commercialization — transforming ideas from laboratories into sustainable enterprises.
Supported by NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and recognized under Startup India, SANDIP TBI provides an enabling ecosystem that combines academic expertise, industrial collaboration, investor networks, and market access.
Vision and Mission
Vision:
To become a premier incubation hub driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact through technology and collaboration.
Mission:
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Empower entrepreneurs to build scalable, technology-led solutions.
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Foster a startup ecosystem integrating academia, industry, and investors.
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Provide funding, infrastructure, and mentorship for early-stage startups.
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Create employment and promote “Make in India” through local innovation.
The incubator’s long-term goal is to position Nashik as a regional innovation hub, nurturing a generation of entrepreneurs who combine scientific knowledge with market insight.
Core Focus Areas
SANDIP TBI supports a wide range of sectors aligned with national priorities and regional strengths. Its incubation focus includes:
1. Engineering and Manufacturing
Innovations in product design, industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability.
2. Information Technology and AI
AI-based applications, IoT systems, data analytics, and software solutions for efficiency, optimization, and predictive insights.
3. Healthcare and MedTech
Affordable and accessible medical devices, diagnostics, wearable health technologies, and telemedicine tools.
4. Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Solutions in solar, wind, and biomass energy, sustainable materials, and waste management technologies promoting a green economy.
5. AgriTech & Food Processing
Smart farming tools, precision agriculture, supply chain optimization, and food preservation innovations.
6. Education Technology (EdTech)
Digital learning, skill development, and remote education platforms that bridge educational gaps across India.
This multidisciplinary approach ensures that startups from diverse fields receive tailored incubation, sector-specific mentorship, and access to funding.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme at SANDIP TBI
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), initiated by DPIIT, aims to support early-stage startups that need capital for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, and market entry.
SANDIP TBI is one of the selected incubators under SISFS, ensuring that innovators from across India — especially from Tier-II and Tier-III regions — gain access to much-needed early-stage funding.
Objectives of SISFS at SANDIP TBI
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Bridge the gap between idea and market.
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Promote commercialization of research-driven technology.
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Empower innovators with financial, technical, and strategic support.
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Encourage student-led, women-led, and social impact startups.
Funding Categories
1. Grants up to ₹20 Lakhs:
For prototype development, proof of concept, or pilot testing.
2. Equity-linked Funding up to ₹50 Lakhs:
For startups ready to scale operations, enter markets, or expand production.
This dual funding model ensures both idea-stage innovators and growth-stage entrepreneurs can access appropriate support depending on their business maturity.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for incubation and funding at SANDIP TBI, a startup must meet the following conditions:
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Recognized as a DPIIT-certified Startup (Startup India registration).
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Developing an innovative, technology-based, and scalable solution.
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Should not have received more than ₹10 lakh in financial support from any government scheme.
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Must possess a working prototype or minimum viable product (MVP).
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Registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm in India.
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Founders must be working full-time on their startup.
Preference is given to:
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Startups from non-metro regions (Tier-II and Tier-III cities).
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Women entrepreneurs and student innovators.
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Startups creating social, rural, or environmental impact.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Register on the Seed Fund Portal
Visit seedfund.startupindia.gov.in and create your startup profile under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
Step 2: Choose SANDIP TBI as Your Incubator
Select SANDIP Technology Business Incubator, Nashik from the list of approved incubators.
Step 3: Prepare a Comprehensive Application
Your application must include:
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Problem statement and proposed solution
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Product roadmap and innovation details
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Market research and scalability potential
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Team details and founder profiles
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Financial requirements and utilization plan
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Anticipated social/economic impact
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Attach the DPIIT recognition certificate, incorporation documents, pitch deck, and prototype visuals.
Step 5: Evaluation and Shortlisting
Applications are screened by the Seed Fund Evaluation Committee (SFEC) based on parameters like innovation, feasibility, and business potential.
Step 6: Pitch Presentation
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present before a panel of mentors, investors, and domain experts at SANDIP TBI.
Step 7: Selection and Onboarding
Selected startups are inducted into the incubation program and gain access to funding, mentorship, labs, and workspace.
Facilities and Infrastructure at SANDIP TBI
To help startups progress efficiently from idea to market, SANDIP TBI provides access to world-class infrastructure:
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Co-working Spaces: Modern, collaborative office areas for founders.
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Innovation & Prototyping Labs: Electronics, 3D printing, IoT, and fabrication facilities.
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High-Speed Internet & Cloud Access: Essential for R&D and digital businesses.
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Mentorship & Advisory Network: Academic experts, successful entrepreneurs, and business strategists.
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Investor Connects & Demo Days: Opportunities to pitch before angel investors and venture funds.
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Training & Skill Development: Sessions on intellectual property, business planning, compliance, and marketing.
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Events & Networking: Hackathons, idea challenges, and startup summits to foster collaboration.
This integrated infrastructure ensures that startups have the resources they need to move from prototype to production.
Benefits of Incubation at SANDIP TBI
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Funding Access: Grants and equity funding under the SISFS.
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Tailored Mentorship: Guidance from industry professionals.
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Technical Infrastructure: Prototyping, fabrication, and design labs.
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Business Support: Legal, IP, and financial advisory services.
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Investor Engagement: Networking with funding institutions.
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Visibility and Recognition: Opportunities to showcase at national-level startup platforms.
With its holistic support structure, SANDIP TBI ensures that entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive.
Impact and Success Stories
Since its inception, SANDIP TBI has nurtured startups across sectors such as:
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AI-based precision agriculture improving yield predictions.
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Affordable medical diagnostics for rural communities.
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Smart solar energy systems promoting sustainability.
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IoT-enabled automation tools for industrial applications.
Many of these startups have gone on to secure external funding, achieve market validation, and create local employment opportunities, thereby contributing to regional economic development.
Collaborations and Partnerships
SANDIP TBI has partnered with several institutions and organizations to strengthen its ecosystem:
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DST (Department of Science and Technology)
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MSInS (Maharashtra State Innovation Society)
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NABARD for agritech-focused projects
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Corporate R&D partners in healthcare, IT, and manufacturing
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Academic collaborations for research translation
These partnerships give startups access to a vast network of expertise, testing facilities, and funding opportunities.
Future Roadmap
SANDIP TBI’s future vision is deeply aligned with India’s innovation and startup growth agenda. It plans to:
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Support over 100 startups across Maharashtra by 2030.
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Launch thematic accelerators in healthtech, cleantech, and agritech.
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Establish international partnerships for technology exchange.
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Introduce a student innovation grant program within Sandip Foundation.
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Create a rural innovation hub empowering grassroots entrepreneurs.
Why Choose SANDIP TBI
Choosing SANDIP TBI means being part of a mission-driven innovation ecosystem that values creativity, collaboration, and impact.
✅ Supported by Atal Innovation Mission & Startup India
✅ Access to seed funding, labs, and mentorship
✅ A growing community of innovators and investors
✅ Proven record in research-led entrepreneurship
✅ Located in Nashik, a rising startup destination in western India
Conclusion
The SANDIP Technology Business Incubator (SANDIP TBI) is not just an incubation center — it’s a launchpad for ideas, innovation, and impact.
Through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, SANDIP TBI empowers innovators to transform ideas into commercially viable ventures that strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.
If you’re a student innovator, early-stage founder, or researcher looking to bring your idea to life, this is your opportunity.
💡 Apply today to the Seed Fund Incubator at SANDIP TBI and take the first step toward building the future. 🚀
