Introduction

India’s startup and innovation ecosystem is on a remarkable upward trajectory — driven by bold ideas, passionate entrepreneurs, and institutions that nurture innovation beyond metropolitan boundaries.

While major startup hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi continue to dominate, a parallel revolution is taking shape within academic and regional ecosystems — one where innovation begins at the grassroots.

The Vishva Technology Business Incubator (Vishva TBI), based in Pune, stands at the forefront of this movement. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) framework, it empowers innovators to transform research and prototypes into scalable, market-ready enterprises.

Located within the Vishwakarma Group of Institutes (VGI), Pune — one of India’s most respected educational ecosystems — Vishva TBI is more than just a co-working or funding space. It’s a comprehensive innovation hub that bridges the gap between academic research, industrial application, and entrepreneurship.

Whether it’s an AI-powered agricultural tool, a sustainable energy solution, or a healthcare diagnostic device — Vishva TBI has built the infrastructure and mentorship ecosystem to help every idea find its market and impact society positively.

If you’re a startup, student innovator, or research entrepreneur looking to build, scale, or validate your idea, this guide will walk you through everything — from eligibility and programs to how to apply for incubation at Vishva TBI.

About Vishva TBI

The Vishva Technology Business Incubator was established under the Vishwakarma Group of Institutions, Pune — a group with decades of excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation.

Supported by the DST, Government of India, the incubator was conceived to promote technology-led entrepreneurship — creating a bridge between academic research and commercial success.

Vishva TBI’s core mission is to serve as a platform for ideation, innovation, and implementation, helping entrepreneurs convert prototypes into viable, scalable businesses that solve India’s most pressing challenges.

The incubator embodies the principle that innovation is not limited by geography or resources — only by imagination. By providing infrastructure, mentorship, funding, and collaboration opportunities, Vishva TBI empowers innovators to transform visionary ideas into real-world impact.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To create an innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures creativity, supports research-led startups, and contributes to India’s vision of becoming a global innovation powerhouse.

Mission

To identify, mentor, and accelerate technology-based startups by providing world-class infrastructure, structured mentorship, investor access, and knowledge resources that drive sustainable growth.

Focus Areas of Vishva TBI

Vishva TBI supports startups working across multidisciplinary sectors, focusing on technology-driven innovation with social and economic value.

Core sectors include:

• 🌾 AgriTech and FoodTech: Innovations for sustainable farming, agri-automation, food processing, and supply chain traceability.

• 🧠 Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): Predictive analytics, automation, and AI-based industrial and consumer solutions.

• 🔗 Internet of Things (IoT) and Automation: Smart manufacturing, connected devices, and process optimization.

• 🌱 Renewable Energy and Cleantech: Solar, bioenergy, waste management, and green energy systems.

• ❤️ HealthTech and MedTech: Affordable diagnostics, wearable medical devices, telemedicine, and healthcare innovations.

• 🎓 EdTech and Skill Development: Platforms and tools that enhance education and employability.

• 💡 Social Innovation and Inclusive Technology: Startups addressing rural, environmental, or community-based challenges.

• ⚙️ Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: Technologies enabling digital transformation of traditional industries.

This wide spectrum allows Vishva TBI to act as a cross-disciplinary ecosystem — where engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs collaborate to solve real problems.

Why Choose Vishva TBI

Vishva TBI isn’t just about physical space — it’s an ecosystem built on collaboration, knowledge, and impact. Here’s what sets it apart:

1️⃣ Academic and Research Excellence

Being part of the Vishwakarma Group of Institutions provides access to a strong academic and R&D foundation. Entrepreneurs benefit from:

• Access to advanced engineering labs

• Guidance from Ph.D. faculty and researchers

• Collaboration with interdisciplinary departments

• Support for prototyping and product testing

This connection ensures that innovation remains technically robust and research-backed.

2️⃣ Government Recognition and Support

Vishva TBI is supported by multiple national programs:

• DST’s NIDHI initiative (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations)

• Startup India recognition

• MSME support and funding programs

Such backing ensures access to seed funding, innovation grants, and mentorship programs backed by government credibility.

3️⃣ State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Innovation thrives when you have the right environment. Vishva TBI offers:

• Modern co-working and innovation spaces

• Dedicated IoT and Electronics testing setups

• 3D printing and rapid prototyping labs

• Fabrication and product development facilities

• High-speed internet, meeting rooms, and creative zones

This infrastructure enables startups to move quickly from concept to prototype to market.

4️⃣ Mentorship from Industry Leaders

Every startup’s journey is guided by experts who’ve walked the path before. Vishva TBI connects entrepreneurs with:

• Serial entrepreneurs and startup founders

• Corporate leaders from industry partners

• Legal, IP, and financial experts

• Domain-specific mentors for strategy and product development

This 360° mentorship ecosystem ensures that startups receive personalized guidance at every step.

5️⃣ Funding and Investment Opportunities

At Vishva TBI, funding isn’t a barrier — it’s a bridge to scale. Startups can access:

• NIDHI-PRAYAS grants for prototype development

• NIDHI-EIR fellowships for early-stage founders

• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

• Angel investors and VC networks

• Corporate CSR partnerships

With a clear pathway from ideation to investment, Vishva TBI helps founders stay financially supported as they grow.

6️⃣ Industry Collaboration and Networking

Through partnerships with industries, institutions, and government agencies, Vishva TBI organizes:

• Demo Days and Investor Meetups

• Startup Exhibitions and Hackathons

• Industry-Academia Roundtables

• Entrepreneurship Bootcamps and Conclaves

These events create visibility, networking, and business opportunities for incubated startups.

Who Can Apply for Incubation at Vishva TBI

Vishva TBI welcomes a diverse set of innovators who share a common goal — to build technology with purpose.

Eligible Applicants:
✅ Individual innovators or early-stage entrepreneurs

✅ Students or faculty members with research-led ideas

✅ Scientists or technologists with market-ready solutions

✅ MSMEs and existing businesses working on new products

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen or a DPIIT-recognized startup.

• Should demonstrate innovation, scalability, and feasibility.

• Can be at the idea, prototype, or early commercialization stage.

• Preference for startups that are technology-driven and sustainable.

Programs Offered at Vishva TBI

To cater to startups at various stages of development, Vishva TBI runs multiple structured programs.

1️⃣ Pre-Incubation Program

Best suited for early-stage innovators and student entrepreneurs.

Support Includes:

• Ideation workshops and business model validation

• Prototype design and technical support

• Entrepreneurial skill-building sessions

• Guidance from research mentors and domain experts

2️⃣ Incubation Program

For startups ready to develop or scale their products.

Support Includes:

• Access to co-working and R&D infrastructure

• Mentorship in business development and fundraising

• IP and legal advisory services

• Investor and grant application guidance

3️⃣ Acceleration Program

Focused on growth-stage startups seeking rapid scale and investor connect.

Support Includes:

• Pitch readiness and fundraising sessions

• Market expansion strategy

• Corporate partnership opportunities

• Investor Demo Days and media exposure

4️⃣ Entrepreneurship Development & Innovation Initiatives

Beyond incubation, Vishva TBI also drives a cultural movement toward innovation through:

• Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs)

• Hackathons and Innovation Challenges

• Workshops on Design Thinking and Product Strategy

• Skill and Leadership Training for Students

These initiatives ensure that the spirit of entrepreneurship reaches every level — from classrooms to boardrooms.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Incubation at Vishva TBI

Here’s a detailed guide to applying for incubation and becoming part of this thriving ecosystem:

Step 1️⃣: Visit the Official Website

Head to the Vishva TBI section on the Vishwakarma Group of Institutes website.
Look for the “Apply for Incubation” or “Startup Application” tab.

Step 2️⃣: Prepare Your Application

Create a strong pitch deck or concept note that clearly defines your innovation. Include:

• The problem you’re solving

• Your proposed solution

• Target market and customer insights

• Technical feasibility

• Revenue model and scalability plan

• Founding team background

Step 3️⃣: Submit the Application Form

Fill out the online form with accurate details and upload the required documents (pitch deck, prototype images, team bios, etc.).

Step 4️⃣: Evaluation and Screening

A committee comprising mentors, faculty, and industry experts evaluates applications on:

• Innovation quotient

• Technical soundness

• Commercial potential

• Team capability

Step 5️⃣: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted candidates are invited to present before a selection panel. The panel may include investors, domain experts, and DST representatives.

Step 6️⃣: Selection and Onboarding

Once selected, startups are onboarded as incubatees and begin accessing facilities, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

---

Benefits of Joining Vishva TBI

✨ Access to R&D and prototyping labs
✨ Tailored mentorship and expert guidance
✨ Networking with investors and corporate partners
✨ Grant and seed funding opportunities
✨ Business and IP support services
✨ Brand visibility through media and events
✨ Collaboration with VGI researchers and students

This holistic support ensures that every startup gets the resources to move from idea to impact.

---

Success Stories

Several startups incubated at Vishva TBI are now making national impact:

🌿 AgroSense Tech — Uses IoT and AI for real-time crop monitoring and smart irrigation.
⚡ GreenEdge Innovations — Builds solar-powered automation for small industries and SMEs.
❤️ MedXone Diagnostics — Designs affordable health screening devices for rural healthcare.
📱 SkillUp EdTech — A platform focused on digital skills for underserved communities.

These ventures exemplify Vishva TBI’s mission: enabling innovation that matters.

---

Impact and Future Roadmap

Vishva TBI is shaping the next generation of innovators and aims to:

• Expand incubation outreach to Tier-II and Tier-III cities

• Launch specialized AgriTech, HealthTech, and AI clusters

• Introduce an in-house seed fund for early-stage innovators

• Foster international research and startup collaborations

By integrating entrepreneurship with education and sustainability, Vishva TBI is helping India move closer to a self-reliant innovation ecosystem.

---

Conclusion

The Vishva Technology Business Incubator (Vishva TBI) is not just an incubator — it’s a launchpad for innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

If you have an idea that can change the world, Vishva TBI offers the tools, mentorship, and network to make it real.

💡 Visit the official Vishva TBI website, prepare your proposal, and apply today — your startup journey begins here.