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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

IIM Kozhikode

Introduction

In India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the role of academic incubators has been instrumental in shaping the next wave of innovators. Among these, the IIM Kozhikode LIVE (Laboratory for Innovation Venturing and Entrepreneurship) stands tall as one of the country’s most forward-thinking incubation centers.

Created under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), this incubator combines academic excellence, research insights, and market-driven mentoring to foster high-impact entrepreneurship.

Recognized under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), IIMK LIVE offers early-stage funding and structured support to startups in diverse domains such as technology, sustainability, social innovation, AI, and deep tech.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at IIM Kozhikode LIVE, including eligibility, funding structure, benefits, and insider tips to help your application stand out.

1. About IIM Kozhikode LIVE

IIMK LIVE was established in 2016 as a not-for-profit Section 8 company to promote innovation and entrepreneurship both within and beyond the IIM community.

Its mission is to create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can transform bold ideas into scalable businesses through a blend of mentoring, networking, research, and funding support.

Supported by DST, Government of India, and accredited by Startup India, LIVE has supported over 100+ startups, mentored hundreds of founders, and facilitated funding through government grants and private investors.

LIVE works on four pillars:

  • Incubation & Mentorship

  • Seed Funding & Grants

  • Innovation & Research Collaboration

  • Entrepreneurship Development & Training

Through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), IIMK LIVE provides financial support for early-stage startups to validate ideas, build prototypes, and enter markets confidently.

2. Understanding the Seed Fund Program

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme empowers startups that are in the ideation, prototype, or early-market stages.

At IIMK LIVE, the seed fund program supports founders who are building solutions with strong innovation potential, commercial viability, and scalable models.

Funding Support Categories:

  1. Prototype Development / Product Validation:

    • Grant support of up to ₹20 lakhs for proof of concept, MVP, and testing.

  2. Market Entry / Commercialization:

    • Debt or convertible debentures of up to ₹50 lakhs for scaling and commercialization.

The funds are disbursed based on milestone-based progress tracking and performance evaluation by the Seed Fund Management Committee (SFMC).

3. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for seed funding at IIMK LIVE, startups must fulfill the following requirements:

Basic Eligibility (as per SISFS):

  • Must be recognized by DPIIT under Startup India.

  • Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership.

  • Startup should be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.

  • Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crores in any financial year.

  • Should not have received more than ₹10 lakhs from any other government seed fund.

Additional Eligibility (specific to IIMK LIVE):

  • Should have a clearly defined problem statement and an innovative, technology-led solution.

  • Founding team should demonstrate domain expertise and commitment.

  • Preference is given to startups in sectors like:

    • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

    • FinTech & EdTech

    • Sustainability & CleanTech

    • Healthcare & Biotechnology

    • Social Impact Ventures

    • Digital Transformation & Rural Tech

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the IIMK LIVE Seed Fund is a transparent and structured process.

Step 1: Register Your Startup

Register on the Startup India portal and obtain a valid DPIIT certificate.

Step 2: Apply via SISFS Portal

Visit the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme portal, choose IIMK LIVE as your preferred incubator, and start the application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal

You’ll be required to provide:

  • Company and founder details

  • Description of the product/service

  • Innovation and uniqueness

  • Market potential and target customers

  • Revenue model

  • Financial projections

  • Utilization plan for seed funding

Step 4: Screening & Shortlisting

Applications undergo screening by LIVE’s internal evaluation team to shortlist promising ventures.

Step 5: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups present to the Seed Fund Management Committee (SFMC) consisting of investors, mentors, and domain experts.

Step 6: Due Diligence & Selection

Finalists go through due diligence covering legal, technical, and financial aspects.

Step 7: Funding & Incubation

Selected startups are onboarded to LIVE’s incubation ecosystem and receive seed funding in milestones tied to performance.

5. Benefits of Joining IIMK LIVE

Joining IIM Kozhikode LIVE offers unparalleled advantages to startups seeking to build a solid foundation.

Key Benefits Include:

  • 💰 Seed Funding: Access up to ₹70 lakhs under SISFS.

  • 🧭 Structured Mentorship: Guidance from IIMK faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans.

  • 🧠 Knowledge Access: Use of IIMK’s vast research resources and management insights.

  • 🏢 Infrastructure: Access to co-working spaces, labs, and business support facilities.

  • 🌍 Networking: Connect with investors, corporates, and international partners.

  • 🎯 Capacity Building: Participate in workshops on business modeling, fundraising, and market entry strategies.

  • 🤝 Community Support: Become part of an elite network of innovators and leaders.

6. Notable Success Stories

Some of LIVE’s most successful incubatees have scaled nationally and globally, including:

  • Mindpax: A mental health AI startup that developed predictive wellness solutions.

  • FarmIT: An agri-tech venture revolutionizing smart farming using IoT.

  • Univest: A financial literacy startup that helps individuals manage investments efficiently.

  • SustainaTech: A green-tech initiative enabling companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

These success stories underline how LIVE’s ecosystem transforms early ideas into scalable businesses.

7. Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Highlight Your Innovation: Be specific about what makes your idea different.

  2. Market Validation: Back your idea with customer feedback or pilot results.

  3. Strong Business Model: Demonstrate revenue potential and sustainability.

  4. Team Strength: Show expertise and a clear division of responsibilities.

  5. Social Impact: If applicable, emphasize community or environmental benefits.

  6. Clear Utilization Plan: Explain how the funding will drive measurable growth.

8. Contact Information

IIM Kozhikode LIVE – Laboratory for Innovation Venturing and Entrepreneurship
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, Kerala – 673570
📧 Email: live@iimk.ac.in
🌐 Website: https://liveiimk.com
📞 Phone: +91-495-2809100

Conclusion

IIMK LIVE represents the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that India needs to scale globally.

By combining the intellectual rigor of IIM Kozhikode with the practical wisdom of successful founders, LIVE provides a 360° support system for startups to thrive.

From funding and mentorship to strategic networking — LIVE’s ecosystem enables early-stage ventures to grow sustainably and impactfully.

If you’re a founder ready to take your idea from prototype to profitability, the Seed Fund Incubator at IIM Kozhikode LIVE is your launchpad to success. 🚀