Tag Archive for: Seed Fund Program

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at SPPU Research Park Foundation

SPPU Research Park

Introduction

In the ever-evolving startup landscape of India, innovation has become the lifeblood of economic growth. From technology-driven solutions to sustainable enterprises, entrepreneurs today are leading the change. But the journey from a brilliant idea to a market-ready business requires more than just creativity — it needs guidance, resources, and funding at the right time.

That’s where incubators like SPPU Research Park Foundation (SPPU-RPF) step in — bridging the gap between research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Based at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), this foundation is designed to nurture technology-based startups, offering them not only infrastructure but also access to mentorship, funding, and a thriving ecosystem of academia and industry.

This article is a complete guide for startup founders on how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubation Program at SPPU Research Park Foundation, along with eligibility, benefits, process, and practical tips to make your application stand out.

1. About SPPU Research Park Foundation

The SPPU Research Park Foundation is a not-for-profit Section 8 company established under the aegis of Savitribai Phule Pune University, one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions.

It acts as a link between academic research and commercial application, encouraging students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to convert their innovations into scalable businesses.

With a vision to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, SPPU-RPF facilitates research commercialization, startup incubation, and industry-academia collaboration.

Vision

To create a world-class research and innovation hub that promotes entrepreneurship, technological development, and job creation through effective incubation and seed funding.

Mission

  • Support startups with seed fund assistance and mentorship.

  • Build an ecosystem where research-driven ideas can turn into viable products.

  • Foster partnerships between universities, industries, and investors.

  • Drive innovation that contributes to national economic growth.

Core Objectives

  • Enable access to seed funding and infrastructure for early-stage entrepreneurs.

  • Provide domain-specific mentoring and business development support.

  • Encourage faculty-led and student-led startups from within the university ecosystem.

  • Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization.

2. Understanding the Seed Fund Incubation Program

The Seed Fund Program at SPPU Research Park Foundation is a key initiative that helps early-stage startups bridge the gap between proof of concept (PoC) and commercial readiness.

The support focuses on helping founders develop prototypes, validate markets, and scale operations.

Key Components of the Program

  • Seed Funding: Early-stage startups receive financial assistance (usually ₹5–₹25 lakhs) depending on their stage and requirement.

  • Incubation Support: Startups gain access to co-working space, mentorship, and industry networks.

  • Mentorship: Access to domain experts, entrepreneurs, and investors who guide startups in technology validation and business scaling.

  • Networking & Market Access: Connects startups with corporate partners, investors, and government bodies.

  • Training and Workshops: Specialized programs on business model innovation, legal compliance, fundraising, and leadership.

Objectives of the Seed Fund Program

  • Help startups cross the “Valley of Death” — the critical stage between prototype and commercialization.

  • Encourage innovation-led entrepreneurship in technology and science.

  • Support startups with potential for job creation and social impact.

  • Create successful case studies that can inspire new ventures in academia.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, startups must ensure they meet SPPU-RPF’s eligibility conditions.

Basic Eligibility

  • Startup Recognition: Must be a DPIIT-recognized startup or eligible for registration.

  • Entity Type: Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership.

  • Startup Age: Not more than 10 years from the date of incorporation.

  • Turnover: Annual turnover should be less than ₹100 crore.

  • Innovation: The product/service must be innovative, technology-driven, and have commercialization potential.

  • Stage: Ideally at prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) stage.

Additional Preferences

  • Startups connected to SPPU University alumni or faculty-led ventures.

  • Ideas addressing social or industrial challenges aligned with national missions (e.g., sustainability, healthcare, smart cities, agritech).

  • Ventures with early traction or pilot customers are preferred.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Seed Fund Incubation Program at SPPU Research Park Foundation involves a clear, structured process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the SPPU Research Park Foundation website and check the latest calls for applications under “Programs” or “Seed Fund.”

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents

Keep ready:

  • Startup pitch deck (problem, solution, target market, business model).

  • Prototype/demo details.

  • Financial projections.

  • Founder profiles and team background.

  • Incorporation certificate and startup recognition certificate (if available).

  • Letters of intent or early customer feedback (optional but beneficial).

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

Fill the online application form available on their website.
Provide accurate details of your venture, funding requirement, and expected outcomes.

Step 4: Screening and Evaluation

Applications are reviewed by an Expert Committee based on:

  • Innovation and technology depth.

  • Feasibility and market potential.

  • Team capability and commitment.

  • Alignment with incubator’s vision.

Step 5: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups are invited to present their pitch before the Selection Committee. This is a crucial round to demonstrate your passion, clarity, and business potential.

Step 6: Selection and Onboarding

Selected startups are incubated at SPPU Research Park. They receive a Letter of Acceptance and sign an incubation agreement outlining funding terms, equity structure (if applicable), and milestones.

Step 7: Funding Disbursement & Mentorship

Once onboarded, startups receive funding in tranches based on milestone achievement. Regular mentoring sessions, reviews, and progress assessments are conducted.

Step 8: Graduation and Post-Incubation Support

After completion, startups can continue to access SPPU’s network for scaling, partnerships, and investor outreach.

5. Benefits of Getting Incubated at SPPU Research Park Foundation

1. Access to Seed Funding

Get critical early-stage funding support to develop prototypes, build teams, and scale operations.

2. Academic-Industry Collaboration

Startups benefit from Pune’s rich academic ecosystem and access to researchers, faculty, and students.

3. Expert Mentorship

Guidance from successful entrepreneurs, domain experts, and investors ensures the right direction for growth.

4. World-Class Infrastructure

Incubation facilities, labs, conference rooms, and research facilities at SPPU help startups innovate faster.

5. Networking Opportunities

Engage with investors, corporates, and fellow entrepreneurs through demo days and innovation summits.

6. Credibility and Brand Association

Being incubated at SPPU, a prestigious university, builds immense trust with customers and investors.

7. Business Development Support

From legal compliance to go-to-market planning — startups receive 360° business advisory.

6. Focus Areas

SPPU Research Park Foundation supports startups in various domains including:

  • HealthTech and Biotech

  • AgriTech and Food Processing

  • CleanTech and Renewable Energy

  • IoT and Smart Manufacturing

  • AI/ML and Data Science

  • EdTech and Research Commercialization

This sector diversity ensures multi-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.

7. Success Stories

Over the years, SPPU Research Park has helped many ventures rise from idea to revenue stage.
Examples include:

  • Tech-driven AgriStartups that digitized farm monitoring and supply chains.

  • HealthTech innovators that developed affordable diagnostic solutions.

  • Clean energy startups focusing on sustainability and renewable alternatives.

Several of these startups went on to raise follow-on funding from investors and grants, validating the strength of SPPU’s incubation model.

8. Contact Information

📍 Address:
SPPU Research Park Foundation
Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus,
Ganeshkhind, Pune – 411007, Maharashtra

📧 Email: info@sppuresearchpark.in
🌐 Website: https://sppuresearchpark.unipune.ac.in

9. Why Choose SPPU Research Park Foundation

If you are a startup founder looking for seed funding, research support, and strong mentoring, SPPU Research Park Foundation offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial energy.

Its focus on innovation, access to expert faculty, and a well-structured seed fund make it one of India’s leading university-based incubators.

Being part of this ecosystem helps you refine your idea, secure funding, validate your product, and prepare for market launch.

10. Conclusion

Every startup journey begins with a bold idea — but it’s the right ecosystem that transforms it into a thriving enterprise.
The SPPU Research Park Foundation provides that crucial platform — where innovation meets impact.

From seed funding to mentorship and networking, it offers everything a startup needs to grow confidently.
If you’re ready to take your idea from lab to market, apply to the Seed Fund Incubation Program at SPPU Research Park Foundation and step into the future of innovation.

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at DLabs Incubator Association, Indian School of Business

DLabs ISB Hyderabad

Introduction

In India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, business incubators have become the backbone of early-stage innovation. Among the country’s top-tier incubation centers, DLabs Incubator Association at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, stands out for its global outlook, strong academic foundation, and structured support for entrepreneurs.

DLabs empowers startups to transform ideas into sustainable businesses through strategic mentorship, access to funding, and powerful industry networks. As a Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)-recognized incubator, it provides financial assistance to budding entrepreneurs, helping them develop prototypes, validate markets, and launch products successfully.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at DLabs ISB Hyderabad, along with eligibility requirements, benefits, and key insights into what makes DLabs a preferred choice for entrepreneurs.

1. About DLabs Incubator Association (ISB Hyderabad)

DLabs Incubator Association is the incubation and acceleration arm of the Indian School of Business (ISB), one of Asia’s leading business schools. Established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), DLabs operates as a non-profit incubator supporting technology-driven and impact-focused startups.

The mission of DLabs is clear — to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through research-driven mentoring, funding, and networking opportunities.

DLabs collaborates with corporations, government agencies, and investors to help startups achieve product-market fit and commercial scalability. It has supported over 200 startups and facilitated investments worth crores in early-stage ventures.

Its strategic location within ISB ensures access to world-class faculty, business leaders, and policy experts, giving startups a unique advantage.

2. Understanding the Seed Fund Program

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) at DLabs provides early-stage funding support to innovative startups to help them with proof-of-concept development, prototype creation, and commercialization.

The Seed Fund program is divided into two components:

  • 💡 Grant Support (Up to ₹20 Lakhs): For prototype development, testing, and initial validation.

  • 🚀 Seed Investment (Up to ₹50 Lakhs): Offered as debt, convertible debenture, or equity for startups ready for market entry or commercialization.

The fund is designed to fill the critical “funding gap” between idea validation and venture capital readiness, ensuring promising founders get the initial push needed to succeed.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Startups applying for seed funding through DLabs must meet the eligibility criteria defined by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and ISB’s internal selection guidelines.

The criteria include:

  1. ✅ DPIIT Recognition:
    The startup must be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

  2. ✅ Company Incorporation:
    Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm in India.

  3. ✅ Startup Age:
    The entity must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.

  4. ✅ Annual Turnover:
    Should not have exceeded ₹100 crores in any previous financial year.

  5. ✅ Innovation & Scalability:
    Must be working on a novel product, process, or service that demonstrates clear differentiation and market potential.

  6. ✅ Indian Ownership:
    At least 51% of the shareholding should be held by Indian promoters at the time of application.

  7. ✅ Stage of Development:
    The startup should ideally be at prototype or early-revenue stage, not yet raised substantial institutional funding.

4. Application Process

Applying to the DLabs Seed Fund Program involves several key steps to ensure only the most promising startups are selected for support.

Step 1: Register on Startup India Portal

Create an account on www.startupindia.gov.in and obtain your DPIIT recognition certificate.

Step 2: Choose DLabs ISB as Your Incubator

When applying under the SISFS, select “DLabs Incubator Association – ISB Hyderabad” as your preferred incubator.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Startups need to prepare:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Pitch Deck

  • Financial Statements (if available)

  • Business Plan

  • Founder Profiles

  • Market Research and Fund Utilization Plan

Step 4: Submit Application

Log in to the Startup India Seed Fund Portal or visit dlabs.isb.edu to submit your complete application online.

Step 5: Screening and Shortlisting

The DLabs team reviews all applications to shortlist startups that align with their focus sectors and demonstrate innovation potential.

Step 6: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted applicants are invited to pitch before an expert panel, including ISB faculty, investors, and industry mentors.

Step 7: Evaluation and Selection

The evaluation is based on parameters such as innovation, market size, team capability, and scalability.

Step 8: Fund Disbursement

Once approved, the funding is released in milestones tied to startup progress and deliverables.

5. Benefits of Joining DLabs ISB Hyderabad

Startups incubated under DLabs gain access to a comprehensive ecosystem designed to promote growth and innovation.

Here are the top benefits:

  1. 💰 Seed Funding:
    Financial assistance up to ₹50 lakhs to support prototype development and commercialization.

  2. 🧠 Mentorship from ISB Faculty:
    One-on-one mentoring from ISB professors, industry experts, and startup founders.

  3. 🌍 Networking Opportunities:
    Access to a network of investors, corporate partners, and government agencies.

  4. 📚 Business Support Services:
    Legal, accounting, marketing, and IP advisory services to strengthen business foundations.

  5. 🧩 Workshops and Bootcamps:
    Focused sessions on fundraising, scaling, and product-market fit.

  6. 🚀 Access to Global Ecosystem:
    ISB’s global partnerships provide exposure to international accelerators and investors.

  7. 🏢 Co-working Infrastructure:
    State-of-the-art workspaces and innovation labs located at ISB’s Hyderabad campus.

6. Focus Sectors at DLabs

DLabs supports startups in multiple domains, with special focus on:

  • Fintech

  • EdTech

  • AgriTech

  • CleanTech

  • HealthTech

  • DeepTech

  • Social Impact and Sustainability

This diverse portfolio ensures that both profit-driven and purpose-driven ventures find the right support structure.

7. Success Stories

DLabs ISB has played a pivotal role in supporting some of India’s most impactful startups:

  • EduFund: A financial planning platform helping Indian parents plan higher education investments.

  • Recykal: A digital platform enabling circular economy through waste management tech — now a leading CleanTech venture.

  • Kheyti: A social enterprise offering affordable greenhouses to small farmers, featured in global innovation platforms.

  • Quest Global & Uclean: Startups mentored and scaled through DLabs’ ecosystem.

These success stories demonstrate DLabs’ commitment to combining innovation with sustainable business outcomes.

8. Contact Information

📍 DLabs Incubator Association (ISB Hyderabad)
Indian School of Business, Gachibowli, Hyderabad – 500111, Telangana

📧 Email: dlabs@isb.edu
🌐 Website: https://dlabs.isb.edu
📞 Phone: +91-40-2318-7320

9. Conclusion

The DLabs Incubator Association at ISB Hyderabad represents the perfect blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial dynamism. With its strong focus on innovation, mentorship, and funding, DLabs provides early-stage startups the resources they need to build scalable, impactful ventures.

Whether you’re developing a disruptive technology, a sustainable business model, or an innovative social enterprise, DLabs can help you navigate from idea to impact.

By applying for the Seed Fund under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, entrepreneurs not only receive financial backing but also become part of ISB’s rich ecosystem — one that thrives on collaboration, learning, and leadership.