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How to Apply for Seed Fund & Incubation at Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre

Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre

Introduction

In today’s India, entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business — it’s about solving deep-rooted problems through innovation, technology, and impact.
And when it comes to inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship, Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre (Catalyst AIC) stands out as a pioneering hub that blends business with purpose.

Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Catalyst AIC is one of the premier incubators supported by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and hosted by Catalyst Group — known for its work in financial inclusion and rural impact.

The incubator’s mission is to support high-impact startups working in sectors like fintech, livelihood, sustainability, women entrepreneurship, and rural innovation, helping them grow from idea to scale through structured mentoring, funding, and ecosystem access.

If you are an early-stage startup aiming to create inclusive, scalable, and impact-oriented ventures, this detailed guide will walk you through everything — eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and why Catalyst AIC could be the turning point in your entrepreneurial journey.

1. About Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre (Catalyst AIC)

Catalyst AIC was established in 2018 under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of the Government of India, with support from NITI Aayog.

It’s hosted by Catalyst Group, a social enterprise initiative known for driving digital financial inclusion and sustainable development projects across India.

The incubator focuses on nurturing and accelerating early-stage startups working to solve socio-economic challenges — especially in Tier II and Tier III India.

Vision

To create an ecosystem that nurtures and scales inclusive innovations addressing India’s most critical challenges in livelihood, financial access, and sustainability.

Mission

  • To support startups that use technology and design thinking for social impact.

  • To bridge the urban-rural divide through digital and financial inclusion.

  • To provide a platform for innovators to access funding, mentors, and markets.

  • To accelerate women-led and youth-led startups in underserved regions.

Focus Areas

  • FinTech and Digital Payments

  • Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods

  • Sustainability and Circular Economy

  • Skill Development and JobTech

  • Women Entrepreneurship

  • Social Impact and Inclusion

2. Programs and Offerings

Catalyst AIC offers a mix of pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration programs. Each is tailored for startups at different stages — from idea validation to market expansion.

🌱 Pre-Incubation

For early founders with innovative ideas but no formal business structure.
Focus: Problem validation, prototyping, early mentorship.
Duration: 3–6 months.

🚀 Incubation

For startups with prototypes or early revenue seeking business support and funding access.
Focus: Business model refinement, product-market fit, fundraising.
Duration: 6–12 months.

🌍 Acceleration

For growth-stage startups aiming to scale operations, raise investment, or expand markets.
Focus: Growth strategy, partnerships, investor connects.
Duration: 3–6 months.

3. Seed Fund Support

One of Catalyst AIC’s strongest offerings is access to seed funding through Atal Innovation Mission and partner investors.

💰 Funding Support Includes:

  • Seed fund tickets: ₹10–25 lakhs (typical range) for startups ready to scale.

  • Grant support: Smaller grants for validation and prototype testing.

  • Investor networks: Connect with angel investors, impact funds, and CSR-based programs.

Catalyst AIC also collaborates with government and CSR-led initiatives to support startups working on sustainability, social inclusion, and livelihood impact.

4. Infrastructure and Ecosystem

The Catalyst AIC campus in Jaipur provides world-class facilities for innovation and collaboration:

🏢 Co-working and incubation space — equipped with Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and prototyping support.
💡 Access to labs and testing facilities — for digital and financial technology validation.
🤝 Mentorship network — includes entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and domain experts.
🌐 Corporate and policy linkages — with banks, NBFCs, and government agencies for pilot projects.
🎯 Investor & Demo Days — where startups showcase progress to investors and partners.

5. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure your startup aligns with Catalyst AIC’s mission and meets these core criteria:

Basic Eligibility

  • Applicant must be an Indian startup or entrepreneur.

  • Must have a valid DPIIT Startup India registration (or in process).

  • Startup should be less than 10 years old since incorporation.

  • Business must be working in innovation-led or impact-oriented sectors.

Preferred Startup Profiles

  • Social enterprises or for-profit startups working on financial inclusion, livelihood, or sustainability.

  • Startups with validated ideas, prototypes, or early traction.

  • Founders passionate about solving rural or inclusion-based challenges.

  • Women-led or youth-led startups are encouraged to apply.

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how you can apply for incubation or seed fund support at Catalyst AIC:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to www.catalystaic.org.
Navigate to the “Programs” or “Apply” section.

Step 2: Choose Your Program

Select from pre-incubation, incubation, or acceleration based on your stage.
Check for any open call for applications or cohorts.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Provide detailed startup information:

  • Problem statement and solution

  • Founding team background

  • Product/market traction

  • Funding requirement and milestones

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

  • DPIIT certificate

  • Incorporation documents

  • Pitch deck or business plan

  • Financial summary (if available)

Step 5: Screening and Shortlisting

A selection panel reviews applications based on innovation, scalability, and social impact.

Step 6: Pitch Round

Shortlisted founders present their startup to the Catalyst AIC selection committee.
Pitch includes business viability, team, traction, and use of funds.

Step 7: Onboarding and Support

Selected startups are incubated for 6–12 months. They gain access to:

  • Mentorship

  • Co-working space

  • Funding and partnerships

  • Pilot opportunities

Step 8: Graduation

After completing milestones, startups graduate with investor introductions and long-term network support.

7. Benefits of Getting Incubated at Catalyst AIC

Catalyst AIC provides an end-to-end support system that goes beyond funding.

✅ Seed & Grant Funding

Access to AIM-supported and CSR-based funds for prototype and scale-up.

✅ Business Mentorship

Industry experts and ISB/IIM alumni guide startups on growth strategy, marketing, and operations.

✅ Access to Markets

Partnerships with financial institutions, corporates, and government programs for pilot testing and distribution.

✅ Investor Network

Connect with impact investors, venture capitalists, and angel networks.

✅ Brand Credibility

Being incubated under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM, NITI Aayog) adds immense credibility to your startup.

✅ Knowledge Resources

Regular workshops on legal, fundraising, IP, marketing, and digital growth.

✅ Community and Collaboration

Access to a vibrant founder community building for Bharat’s next billion users.

8. Key Impact and Success Stories

Catalyst AIC has supported 150+ startups and helped mobilize over ₹40 crores in follow-on funding.

Some of the standout startups include:

  • Fintech startups building last-mile digital payment systems for rural India.

  • Agri-livelihood startups enabling farmer collectives and cooperatives.

  • Women-led social enterprises offering employment to rural artisans.

Through its impact-driven programs, Catalyst AIC has created thousands of rural livelihood opportunities, empowering both entrepreneurs and communities.

9. Why Choose Catalyst AIC

Catalyst AIC isn’t just an incubator — it’s a movement of inclusive entrepreneurship.
Here’s why it’s a top choice for founders:

  • Strong backing from Atal Innovation Mission (Government of India).

  • Focus on social impact and financial inclusion — unique in India’s incubator ecosystem.

  • Deep network across government, finance, and development sectors.

  • Access to both seed capital and real-world pilots.

  • Mentorship from domain experts in fintech, sustainability, and rural innovation.

  • Located in Jaipur, a growing hub for social startups in North India.

If your idea is built to impact lives while building a business — Catalyst AIC gives you the ecosystem to make it happen.

10. Contact Information

📍 Address:
Catalyst AIC
G1-G4, Ajmer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302021

📧 Email: info@catalystaic.org
🌐 Website: www.catalystaic.org
📞 Phone: +91-XXXXXXXXXX

Conclusion

The Catalyst Atal Incubation Centre is redefining how India supports impact-led innovation. It empowers startups that are building for inclusion — combining technology, social purpose, and business acumen.

If your venture is driven by purpose, Catalyst AIC offers the funding, mentorship, and partnerships to help you grow sustainably and make measurable change.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right ecosystem to turn your vision into action, Catalyst AIC might just be that launchpad.

Because building for India’s future starts with building for everyone. 🌍💡