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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology

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

  • To transform innovative ideas into commercial ventures.

  • To provide an enabling environment through mentorship, technical resources, and financial support.

  • 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

  • AgriTech & Food Processing

  • IoT & Embedded Systems

  • Renewable Energy & CleanTech

  • Biotechnology & Healthcare

  • Robotics & Automation

  • Electric Vehicles

  • Waste Management & Sustainability

  • 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.

  • Idea validation & market analysis

  • MVP development

  • Business model design

B. Incubation Program (12–24 Months)

For startups ready to launch and scale.

  • Access to workspace, mentorship, and funding

  • Networking with investors and corporates

  • 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):

  • Up to ₹20 lakhs as grant for prototype development.

  • Up to ₹50 lakhs as investment for market entry and scale-up.

DST & NSTEDB Programs:

  • Prototype grants and product validation support.

CSR & Institutional Grants:

  • 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:

  • Business plan / pitch deck

  • Problem-solution summary

  • Prototype or MVP details

  • Founder background and team structure

  • 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. 🚀

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development

IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development

Introduction

India’s startup landscape is thriving like never before. From small towns to big cities, young entrepreneurs are reshaping industries with ideas powered by technology, innovation, and passion. However, while ideas are abundant, access to funding, mentorship, and the right guidance often decides whether a startup succeeds or stalls.

That’s where incubation centres like the IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED) step in.

Based at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur), InFED is a premier incubation centre supported by NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).

Through its structured incubation and seed funding support, InFED empowers startups to move from idea to impact, offering access to mentorship, networks, and financial assistance.

If you’re an aspiring founder looking to scale your business idea into a viable enterprise, this guide gives you a complete roadmap — from understanding InFED’s offerings to the step-by-step process of applying for its Seed Fund Program.

1. About IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED)

The IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED) was established as the entrepreneurship development arm of IIM Nagpur, one of India’s top management institutes.

InFED aims to nurture innovation-driven startups and create a culture of entrepreneurship that drives socio-economic change. It combines academic excellence, industry exposure, and practical business support to help founders navigate the early challenges of building a company.

Vision

To create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and supports the growth of sustainable, scalable ventures that contribute to India’s economic progress.

Mission

  • Empower entrepreneurs through incubation and acceleration programs.

  • Facilitate access to funding, mentorship, and technical support.

  • Promote technology-led innovation in priority sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and agritech.

  • Encourage inclusive entrepreneurship among women, students, and rural innovators.

Key Highlights

✅ Located within the IIM Nagpur campus, providing access to world-class academic resources.
✅ Recognized incubator under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
✅ Supported by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and DPIIT.
✅ Over 120 startups incubated with measurable social and economic impact.
✅ Runs flagship programs like the Women Startup Program and InFED Cohort for Emerging Entrepreneurs.

InFED stands out for blending IIM Nagpur’s management expertise with practical entrepreneurship support, ensuring startups are both innovative and business-ready.

2. Understanding the InFED Seed Fund Program

The InFED Seed Fund Program operates under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), an initiative by the Government of India to support early-stage startups that need financial assistance for prototype development, product trials, and market launch.

Many startups fail in the early stage not due to poor ideas, but because they lack access to seed capital. InFED’s Seed Fund bridges this “valley of death” — the stage between concept validation and securing investor funding.

Funding Structure

1. Grant Support (up to ₹20 Lakhs)

This is provided for proof-of-concept, prototype development, testing, and product validation. Startups at the idea or early prototype stage are ideal candidates.

2. Investment Support (up to ₹50 Lakhs)

Offered as debt or convertible instruments to startups that are ready for market entry, commercialization, and scaling.

Funding is disbursed in tranches, with clear milestones defined by the InFED Evaluation Committee.

This ensures that startups not only receive financial support but also gain strategic direction and mentorship for long-term growth.

3. Objectives of the InFED Seed Fund Program

The InFED Seed Fund has been designed to address the most critical needs of early-stage startups. Its key objectives include:

🌱 Promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship among students, researchers, and professionals.
🔬 Support prototype development and technology validation to make ideas market-ready.
💡 Encourage technology commercialization through mentorship and funding.
🏭 Strengthen Central India’s startup ecosystem, especially in Nagpur and nearby regions.
👩‍💼 Enable inclusive entrepreneurship by promoting women-led and social enterprises.

InFED’s holistic approach ensures that every startup not only receives funding but also develops a strong business foundation.

4. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the InFED Seed Fund, ensure your startup meets the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) guidelines and InFED-specific requirements.

✅ DPIIT Recognition

Your startup must be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative.

✅ Legal Entity

Should be registered as:

  • Private Limited Company

  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

  • Registered Partnership Firm

✅ Startup Age

Should not be older than 10 years from the date of incorporation.

✅ Turnover Limit

The startup’s annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.

✅ Innovation-Based Product or Service

The startup must work on an innovative idea that has commercial potential and the ability to solve a real-world problem.

✅ Stage

Should be at proof-of-concept, prototype, or early commercialization stage.

✅ No Prior SISFS Funding

Startups that have already received ₹10 lakh or more under SISFS are not eligible.

5. Focus Sectors Supported by InFED

InFED supports startups across diverse technology and impact-driven sectors, with special emphasis on sustainability and inclusion.

Key Sectors Include:
🌾 AgriTech & Food Processing – Improving efficiency and income in agriculture.
🏥 HealthTech & BioTech – Developing affordable healthcare innovations.
⚡ CleanTech & Renewable Energy – Promoting sustainable industrial solutions.
💻 AI, ML, and IoT – Digital transformation and data-driven business models.
🎓 EdTech & FinTech – Technology solutions for learning and financial inclusion.
♻️ Waste Management & Circular Economy – Enabling sustainability through innovation.
🚗 Mobility & Logistics – Smart transportation and urban mobility solutions.
🌍 Social Impact Enterprises – Focused on rural development and social innovation.

This broad coverage ensures that startups from various domains find relevant mentorship and funding pathways.

6. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for InFED Seed Fund

Applying for the InFED Seed Fund is simple, but attention to detail is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Register on the SISFS Portal

Visit the Startup India Seed Fund Portal.
If you’re not already registered, first apply for DPIIT Startup Recognition.

Step 2: Select IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED)

From the list of approved incubators, choose IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development as your preferred incubator.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Provide key details including:

  • Startup overview and problem statement

  • Product or service description

  • Innovation and market fit

  • Business model and scalability plan

  • Team details and expertise

  • Funding requirement with milestone plan

Step 4: Upload Necessary Documents

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • PAN and KYC of founders

  • Pitch Deck / Business Plan

  • Prototype documentation or validation report

Step 5: Evaluation and Shortlisting

Applications are reviewed by InFED’s Seed Fund Evaluation Committee, which assesses:

  • Innovation and technology feasibility

  • Market potential

  • Team capability

  • Scalability and socio-economic impact

Step 6: Pitching Round

Shortlisted startups present their ideas to a panel comprising IIM faculty, investors, and industry experts.

Step 7: Selection & Funding

Once approved, startups are onboarded into the InFED incubation program, where they receive funding in tranches and continuous mentorship support.

7. Benefits of Incubation at InFED

InFED goes beyond financial assistance — it offers a full-fledged growth ecosystem for startups.

🌱 Seed Funding Support

Get access to up to ₹50 lakhs for prototype development and commercialization.

🎓 Mentorship from IIM Faculty

Benefit from guidance by experienced IIM Nagpur professors and industry leaders.

🏢 Incubation Space

Work from modern co-working spaces, conference halls, and labs within the IIM Nagpur campus.

🤝 Investor & Industry Network

Connect with angels, venture capitalists, and corporate partners during demo days and networking events.

⚙️ Business Support Services

Access legal, financial, branding, and IP registration assistance.

📚 Entrepreneurship Training

Participate in investor readiness bootcamps, leadership development workshops, and domain-specific training programs.

🌍 Community & Collaboration

Join a vibrant community of innovators and changemakers solving real-world problems.

8. Success Stories from InFED

The InFED incubator has played a pivotal role in helping several startups reach national and international recognition. Here are a few inspiring examples:

🚜 Agrowave – A mobile-based agritech startup connecting farmers directly to retail markets, ensuring better margins and reduced wastage.

💡 Enrico Engineering – Focused on waste-to-energy technologies, enabling small towns to convert municipal waste into electricity.

📲 Finivo – A fintech startup helping small businesses manage finances using AI-driven insights.

🧬 BioGrit – A biotech startup creating affordable diagnostic kits for semi-urban and rural healthcare setups.

Each of these startups began as an idea — and with InFED’s guidance, turned into scalable, impact-driven ventures.

9. Why Choose InFED

Here’s why IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED) stands out among India’s top incubators:

✅ Institutional Credibility: Backed by IIM Nagpur, known for academic and managerial excellence.
✅ Government Recognition: Supported by Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
✅ Comprehensive Support: Funding, mentorship, training, and networking all in one place.
✅ Inclusive Ecosystem: Strong focus on women-led and rural innovation startups.
✅ Proven Track Record: Over 120 startups nurtured, with many achieving market success.

For founders seeking a launchpad that combines funding with business wisdom — InFED is the ideal partner.

10. Contact Information

📍 Address:
IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED)
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur,
MIHAN Campus, Nagpur, Maharashtra – 441108

📧 Email: infed@iimnagpur.ac.in
🌐 Website: www.iimnagpur.ac.in/infed
📞 Phone: +91-712-710-0000

Conclusion

The IIMN Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED) is not just an incubator — it’s a movement to empower entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and create meaningful impact.

By offering structured incubation, seed funding, mentorship, and a strong academic-industry interface, InFED bridges the gap between ideas and implementation.

Whether you are an innovator from a small town or a student with a global vision, InFED offers you the ecosystem to convert your concept into a company.

If you have an idea that can change the world, this is your opportunity — apply today through the Startup India Seed Fund Portal and start your journey with InFED.