Introduction
Turning an innovative idea into a sustainable business requires more than just vision — it needs funding, mentorship, and the right ecosystem. For early-stage founders in India, KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI) serves as one of the most dynamic platforms driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
Located within Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, KIIT-TBI has established itself as a leader in nurturing startups through incubation, seed funding, and mentorship. Recognized by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, KIIT-TBI supports technology-driven startups in sectors like Biotechnology, Healthcare, Clean Energy, AgriTech, and Deep Tech.
This article serves as a detailed guide on how to apply for seed fund incubator KIIT-TBI, covering eligibility, funding schemes, application process, success stories, and tips for founders looking to secure funding and scale their startups.
What is KIIT-TBI?
KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI) is a not-for-profit incubation center established to promote innovation, research, and entrepreneurship across India. Backed by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), DST, and BIRAC, KIIT-TBI has supported hundreds of startups from ideation to commercialization.
Key Offerings of KIIT-TBI:
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Seed Funding: Financial assistance for prototype development, product scaling, and go-to-market activities.
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Mentorship: Access to domain experts, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs.
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Infrastructure: State-of-the-art labs, co-working offices, and testing facilities.
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Networking: Exposure to investors, corporate partners, and global innovation networks.
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Skill Development: Training, bootcamps, and capacity-building workshops for founders and teams.
KIIT-TBI’s strong research backing from KIIT University and collaboration with government innovation agencies make it a trusted ecosystem for early-stage founders.
Why Choose KIIT-TBI?
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Equity-Free Seed Funding under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
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Mentorship from IITs, IIMs, and industry veterans
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Infrastructure & Lab Access for research and prototyping
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Support for Innovation-Driven Sectors like HealthTech, AgriTech, AI, and Renewable Energy
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Networking & Investor Connects for scaling your startup globally
Whether you’re building a biotech product, an IoT-based device, or a deep-tech platform, KIIT-TBI offers a complete support system from ideation to market launch.
Seed Funding Opportunities
1. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Objective:
To support startups in validation, prototype development, and market entry.
Funding Amount:
Up to ₹50 lakh (equity-free).
Eligibility:
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DPIIT-registered startup.
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Incorporated in India as a Private Limited Company or LLP.
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Must have a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype.
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Less than 2 years old at the time of application.
Utilization:
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Product development & testing.
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Market entry and early operations.
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Business development activities.
2. BIRAC SEED Fund
Supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), this program funds startups working in life sciences and biotechnology.
Funding Amount: ₹30–₹50 lakh
Sectors: Biotech, MedTech, Healthcare, AgriTech
Support: Product validation, clinical testing, lab-to-market guidance
3. In-House KIIT-TBI Grant
KIIT-TBI also provides internal funding to incubated startups for pilot testing and scale-up.
Funding Amount: Up to ₹20 lakh
Mode: Equity, grant, or convertible note depending on the project stage
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for seed funding at KIIT-TBI, the startup must meet the following criteria:
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Must be registered as a Private Limited Company or LLP in India.
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At least 51% ownership must be held by Indian citizens.
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Startup should be DPIIT-recognized or in the process of registration.
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Should have a working prototype or MVP ready for testing.
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The innovation must be scalable and commercially viable.
Application Process
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to www.kiitincubator.in and explore the Seed Fund section.
Step 2: Register Your Startup
Create your profile on the portal with startup details, team background, and business overview.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Include details such as:
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Problem and solution statement
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Business model
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Target market and customer segments
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Competitive advantage
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Financial projections
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Fund utilization plan
Step 4: Upload Documents
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Certificate of Incorporation
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DPIIT Recognition (if available)
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Pitch Deck
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Founders’ CVs
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Financials (if applicable)
Step 5: Evaluation Process
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Screening: Applications reviewed for eligibility and innovation.
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Pitch Presentation: Shortlisted startups present to KIIT-TBI’s expert committee.
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Due Diligence: Assessment of scalability, market feasibility, and team capability.
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Funding Approval & Onboarding: Successful startups receive funding and join the incubation program.
Tips for a Winning Application
1. Show Market Readiness — Have a validated prototype or early traction.
2. Focus on Scalability — Clearly outline your growth plan and milestones.
3. Highlight a Strong Team — Complementary skills in tech, business, and marketing.
4. Be Transparent with Financials — Include fund utilization and realistic projections.
5. Craft a Compelling Pitch Deck — Make it clear, visual, and results-driven.
Success Stories
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MyLab Discovery: A biotech startup that developed diagnostic kits and scaled nationally with KIIT-TBI support.
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AgroAI: AI-powered agricultural analytics startup incubated and funded under SISFS.
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MedInnovate: HealthTech venture using IoT-based devices for patient monitoring.
Each of these startups transformed their idea into a scalable venture through mentorship, funding, and exposure at KIIT-TBI.
Benefits Beyond Funding
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Access to lab facilities and advanced R&D infrastructure
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Mentorship from global experts and investors
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Networking with corporate partners and venture funds
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Regular bootcamps, hackathons, and investor summits
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Exposure to government grants and global innovation challenges
KIIT-TBI not only provides funds but also builds an environment for long-term success.
Contact Information
📍 Address: KIIT-TBI, Campus 11, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
📞 Phone: +91-674-2725113
📧 Email: info@kiitincubator.in
🌐 Website: https://www.kiitincubator.in
Conclusion
If you’re an early-stage founder with a vision to disrupt industries through innovation, applying for seed fund incubator KIIT-TBI can be the first big step toward success. With world-class infrastructure, mentorship, and funding opportunities up to ₹50 lakh, KIIT-TBI provides everything a startup needs to scale.
Follow the application process, prepare a strong pitch, and make the most of this opportunity to turn your idea into impact!


