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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at i-RISE (IISER-Raising Innovative and Sustainable Enterprises) – TBI IISER Mohali

i-RISE (IISER Mohali) – Technology Business Incubator

Introduction

In India’s thriving innovation landscape, where research meets entrepreneurship, the i-RISE – Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, stands out as a dynamic platform driving deep-tech and sustainable innovations.

Rooted in the ethos of science, sustainability, and scalability, i-RISE aims to convert breakthrough scientific ideas into viable, market-ready solutions. As a government-supported initiative under Startup India and Department of Science & Technology (DST), this incubator empowers researchers, students, and early-stage entrepreneurs to bring science-led innovations to life.

Let’s explore how i-RISE TBI-IISER Mohali is shaping India’s innovation ecosystem — and how you can apply for its Seed Fund Incubation Program.

About i-RISE (IISER Mohali)

The i-RISE – IISER-Raising Innovative and Sustainable Enterprises is more than an incubator; it’s a bridge between scientific research and entrepreneurial application. Established within the IISER Mohali campus, it leverages the institution’s strong foundation in basic and applied sciences to promote sustainable business ventures rooted in innovation and technology.

The incubator’s mission is clear — to transform scientific excellence into entrepreneurial success, creating an ecosystem where ideas born in the lab can solve real-world problems in society and industry.

By supporting startups working in sectors like Biotechnology, Healthcare, Green Energy, Materials Science, AgriTech, and Environmental Sustainability, i-RISE ensures that the next wave of innovation contributes not just to economic growth but also to social impact and ecological balance.

Vision and Mission

Vision:
To become a national hub for science-driven innovation, fostering sustainable enterprises that deliver economic, social, and environmental value.

Mission:

  • To nurture early-stage startups emerging from research and technology.

  • To provide incubation, mentoring, and funding support to innovators.

  • To build strong industry–academia linkages that enable commercialization of scientific discoveries.

  • To promote sustainability-led entrepreneurship among scientists, researchers, and students.

Focus Areas

The TBI-IISER Mohali incubator supports startups across a diverse range of deep-tech and impact-driven domains, including:

  • Biotechnology & Life Sciences

  • Healthcare & Diagnostics

  • Agritech & Food Technology

  • Clean Energy & Green Technologies

  • Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology

  • Environmental Solutions & Waste Management

  • IoT and AI for Sustainability

These areas align with India’s long-term vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging innovation that uplifts communities while protecting the planet.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Located within the IISER Mohali campus, i-RISE provides access to state-of-the-art research and prototyping infrastructure, which is often a major barrier for early-stage startups.

Some of its key facilities include:

  • Fully equipped wet and dry laboratories

  • Access to advanced instrumentation and testing equipment

  • Co-working and office spaces for startup teams

  • High-speed internet, meeting rooms, and shared resources

  • Prototype development support for hardware and scientific innovations

  • Mentorship and investor connect sessions

  • Networking opportunities with IISER’s vast research community

This unique integration of academic excellence and startup infrastructure allows innovators to fast-track their journey from idea to product.

Programs at i-RISE (TBI IISER Mohali)

i-RISE offers multiple support programs tailored to startups at different growth stages.

1. Pre-Incubation Program

For students and early researchers exploring startup ideas. This program provides guidance, market understanding, and basic business model support.

2. Incubation Program

For startups with a validated idea or prototype. The program includes workspace, lab access, mentorship, and funding linkages.

3. Seed Fund Support

Through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), selected startups receive financial support to develop prototypes, conduct trials, and enter the market.

4. Entrepreneurship Development & Training

Workshops, bootcamps, and expert sessions on IP, product design, fundraising, and regulatory compliance.

5. Industry Collaboration Program

Partnership opportunities with corporates and research organizations for co-development and commercialization.

Eligibility Criteria for Seed Fund Incubation

To apply for Seed Fund at i-RISE (IISER Mohali), startups must meet the following eligibility criteria:

✅ Registered as a private limited company (as per Companies Act, 2013) or willing to register before funding.


✅ The startup should be less than 2 years old at the time of application.


✅ Should not have received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support from other government schemes for the same project.


✅ Should have a prototype or proof-of-concept (PoC) ready for validation.

✅ The innovation should be technology-based and have potential for scalability.

✅ The startup should be focused on creating sustainable and impactful solutions.

Application Process: How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubation at i-RISE (IISER Mohali)

Applying for the seed fund incubation at i-RISE is a structured and transparent process designed to identify high-potential innovators.

Step 1: Online Application

Visit the official i-RISE IISER Mohali website and fill out the Seed Fund Application Form. You’ll need to submit details about your team, startup idea, business model, and prototype.

Step 2: Preliminary Screening

The i-RISE team reviews all applications to check eligibility, innovation potential, and market readiness.

Step 3: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted applicants are invited to present their idea to a Selection Committee, comprising domain experts, investors, and incubator mentors.

Step 4: Due Diligence

A detailed evaluation of your startup’s business model, financials, and technology validation is conducted.

Step 5: Seed Fund Approval

Selected startups receive financial support, incubation space, and access to mentorship for product development, testing, and go-to-market planning.

Step 6: Incubation & Mentorship

Once onboarded, startups benefit from regular mentoring sessions, networking, and performance monitoring throughout the incubation cycle.

Funding and Support Provided

Through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and institutional partnerships, i-RISE provides:

  • Grants up to ₹20 lakh for prototype development or product trials.

  • Equity or convertible debt funding up to ₹50 lakh for market entry or scaling.

  • Mentorship and investor connect programs.

  • Support for IP filing, business registration, and regulatory approvals.

This combination of funding and technical guidance ensures that startups don’t just survive — they grow with direction and purpose.

Impact and Success Stories

Over the years, i-RISE has supported several startups that have created meaningful impact across domains. Some have developed eco-friendly materials, sustainable food alternatives, and healthcare innovations that originated from deep scientific research.

These ventures not only strengthen India’s innovation capacity but also highlight how academic research can drive social entrepreneurship when supported by the right ecosystem.

Why Choose i-RISE TBI IISER Mohali?

Here’s what makes i-RISE a preferred destination for science-driven entrepreneurs:

  • Strong academic and research foundation.

  • Access to high-end scientific labs.

  • Sustainable innovation focus.

  • Personalized mentorship and funding support.

  • National and international collaborations.

For startups born out of scientific curiosity and driven by sustainable goals, i-RISE offers the ideal platform to grow.

Conclusion

The i-RISE (IISER-Raising Innovative and Sustainable Enterprises) – TBI IISER Mohali is redefining what it means to be a science entrepreneur in India.
By merging research excellence with business incubation, it’s creating a new generation of founders who innovate not just for profit, but for purpose.

If you’re a scientist, student, or researcher with a big idea — now is your time.
Apply for the Seed Fund Incubation Program at i-RISE IISER Mohali and take your innovation from the lab to the marketplace.