National Institute of Design incubation

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving startup ecosystem of India, design-driven innovation has emerged as a key differentiator between products that merely function and those that truly transform industries. However, for many early-stage entrepreneurs, access to design expertise, prototyping facilities, mentorship, and seed funding remains a significant challenge.

This is where the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad plays a vital role. Established with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, NDBI serves as a hub for nurturing design-led startups, empowering them to transform creative concepts into viable, scalable businesses.

If you’re a designer, innovator, or entrepreneur looking to build a business at the intersection of design, technology, and innovation, this guide will help you understand everything about NDBI — its mission, application process, seed funding opportunities, and the immense benefits it offers to design-led ventures.

1. About National Design Business Incubator (NDBI)

The National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) was established in 2005 as part of the National Institute of Design (NID) to promote design-based entrepreneurship in India. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its National Initiative for Design Innovation, NDBI has since evolved into one of India’s premier incubators dedicated to nurturing startups that leverage design thinking and innovation to create meaningful impact.

Vision

To catalyze India’s transition into a design-driven innovation economy by supporting entrepreneurs who integrate design, creativity, and technology to develop products and services with global relevance.

Mission

To encourage designers and innovators to translate creative ideas into commercially viable ventures.
To provide design mentorship, prototyping support, and business incubation facilities.
To foster a community where creativity meets entrepreneurship.
To develop India as a hub for design-led startups with global competitiveness.

2. What Makes NDBI Unique

Unlike conventional incubators that focus purely on technology or business, NDBI blends design with entrepreneurship. It helps founders explore how user experience, form, function, and sustainability can be integrated into products and services for better market success.

Key Features

✅ Located within the National Institute of Design (NID) — India’s apex design institute.
✅ Supported by DST and aligned with the Startup India mission.
✅ Offers both Pre-Incubation and Full Incubation Programs.
✅ Provides access to world-class prototyping labs, workshops, and design mentors.
✅ Focuses on industrial design, digital design, sustainability, social innovation, and creative enterprises.
✅ Has incubated over 100+ startups in diverse sectors — from healthcare and fashion to education and mobility.

3. Understanding the NDBI Incubation & Seed Fund Program

NDBI’s incubation model offers two major phases — Pre-Incubation and Incubation — each aimed at helping entrepreneurs progress from concept to commercialization.

Pre-Incubation Program

This stage is ideal for innovators who have an idea or concept but are yet to validate it. NDBI provides design guidance, business mentoring, and helps founders refine their idea into a structured business plan.

Full Incubation Program

Once startups are ready with a validated concept or prototype, they enter the full incubation phase. Here, NDBI provides:

Office and workspace within NID’s innovation ecosystem.
Mentorship from NID faculty and industry experts.
Access to labs and prototyping facilities.
Seed funding support for proof-of-concept, testing, or scaling.
Investor connect programs and demo days.

4. Funding Support at NDBI

As a recognized incubator under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and supported by DST, NDBI offers financial assistance to startups in the early stages of their journey.

Funding Structure

Grant Support (up to ₹20 lakhs)
For idea validation, prototype development, and proof-of-concept.
Investment Support (up to ₹50 lakhs)
For product development, pilot launches, and market expansion through convertible instruments or equity-based funding.

The disbursement is milestone-based, evaluated by NDBI’s expert Seed Fund Committee.

5. Focus Areas of NDBI

NDBI supports startups across a wide range of sectors, but all share a common thread — design innovation.

Key Focus Sectors

Industrial & Product Design
UX/UI and Digital Product Design
Fashion & Textile Innovation
HealthTech & MedTech Devices
Sustainability & Circular Economy
Social Impact & Inclusive Design
Smart Mobility & IoT Solutions
Educational & Learning Tools
Architecture & Space Design
AR/VR and New Media Experiences

This diversity allows startups to work across industries while applying core design principles that enhance usability, desirability, and impact.

6. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for incubation and funding support, startups must meet the following criteria:

✅ Be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership in India.
✅ Must have DPIIT recognition under Startup India.
✅ Should not be more than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.
✅ Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore.
✅ The idea must be innovation-led and design-centric.
✅ Founders should demonstrate commitment and capacity to build the venture full-time.
✅ Startups should not have received more than ₹10 lakhs under any other SISFS grant.

7. Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s a detailed roadmap for applying to the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI):

Step 1: Prepare Your Startup Profile

Define your problem statement and explain how design plays a key role in your solution.
Prepare a concise pitch deck or business plan showing innovation, scalability, and market potential.
Gather relevant documents: DPIIT certificate, incorporation details, and founder bios.

Step 2: Visit the SISFS Portal

Step 3: Select NDBI as Incubator

From the list of approved incubators, select National Design Business Incubator (NDBI), Ahmedabad as your preferred incubator.

Step 4: Fill Application Details

Include your product summary, market validation, traction, prototype stage, and funding requirement.

Step 5: Screening & Shortlisting

Your application will be evaluated by NDBI’s expert committee based on innovation, design impact, and feasibility.

Step 6: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups are invited for a pitching session with the selection panel.

Step 7: Onboarding & Funding

Selected startups receive funding support (in tranches) and incubation services under NDBI’s structured program.

8. Key Benefits of Incubating at NDBI

Joining NDBI opens doors to a vibrant ecosystem combining design excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

✅ Design Mentorship

Access to India’s best design mentors and NID faculty who guide you on product design, usability, and aesthetics.

✅ World-Class Prototyping Labs

Use cutting-edge facilities for 3D printing, fabrication, materials testing, and digital prototyping.

✅ Funding & Investor Connect

Opportunities to pitch at demo days, investor meets, and access to DST & SISFS funding.

✅ Networking & Industry Access

Collaborate with corporates, government bodies, and innovation networks to scale faster.

✅ IP & Business Support

Assistance with patents, trademarks, legal structuring, and business compliance.

✅ Visibility & Recognition

Incubated startups gain credibility through NID’s brand and national-level exposure.

9. Success Stories from NDBI

Over the years, NDBI has incubated several startups that have made their mark across India and globally:

🚲 TILT — A sustainable mobility startup that designs smart electric bicycles and urban mobility systems.

🪑 Desmania — Known for innovative industrial design solutions that merge form, function, and usability.

👕 Tuni Textiles — A sustainable fashion startup reviving traditional Indian textiles through contemporary design.

🧠 Brainwired — A design-tech company developing IoT-based cattle health monitoring solutions.

These success stories show how NDBI’s design-driven approach transforms creative ideas into scalable enterprises.

10. Why Choose NDBI?

Here’s why NDBI stands out as a preferred incubator for design-led startups:

✅ Backed by DST and part of NID, India’s top design institute.
✅ Access to world-class design mentors, labs, and industry connections.
✅ Integrated focus on design thinking + business viability.
✅ Recognized under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
✅ Track record of nurturing 100+ creative entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re developing a physical product, digital solution, or sustainable innovation, NDBI gives you the tools, network, and credibility to scale.

11. Contact Information

📍 Address:
National Design Business Incubator (NDBI)
National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad – 380007, Gujarat, India.

📧 Email: info@ndbiindia.org
🌐 Website: www.ndbiindia.org

Conclusion

The National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) is more than just an incubator — it’s a platform where design meets entrepreneurship to create innovation with impact. For startups that believe in the power of design to solve real-world problems, NDBI offers the perfect ecosystem to validate, build, and scale.

If your startup blends creativity with purpose, it’s time to step into India’s design innovation hub and transform your idea into a thriving business.

🚀 Apply today — and turn your design dream into a sustainable enterprise with NDBI.

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How to Apply for Seed Fund & Incubation at National Design Business Incubator