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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation

BIL-Ryerson Incubator

Introduction

India’s startup revolution is being driven by a new wave of entrepreneurs who are not just building businesses but shaping the future of innovation. However, for most early-stage founders, two barriers persist — access to funding and structured incubation support.

That’s where the BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation (BRTSIF) steps in.

Located in Mumbai, BRTSIF is a leading incubation platform established as a collaboration between Bombay Innovation and Leadership (BIL) and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Canada. Supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and other government bodies, it serves as a global-standard incubator for Indian startups.

This article provides a complete roadmap on how to apply for seed funding and incubation at BIL-Ryerson, along with details on eligibility, programs, benefits, and success stories — everything a founder needs to know to take their idea from concept to commercialization.

1. About BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation (BRTSIF)

The BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation was established in 2014 as a joint initiative between the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute Ltd. (BIL) and Ryerson University’s DMZ (Digital Media Zone), Canada — one of the world’s top university-based incubators.

This Indo-Canadian collaboration brings global startup expertise, mentorship, and access to international markets to Indian founders. The incubator is recognized under the Startup India initiative and is also supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and MSME ministry.

Vision

To create a globally competitive innovation hub that nurtures India’s most promising startups through mentorship, funding, and international exposure.

Mission

  • To empower entrepreneurs through structured incubation, seed funding, and access to global networks.

  • To bridge the gap between Indian startups and global innovation ecosystems.

  • To accelerate early-stage ventures in technology, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability.

2. Key Highlights of BRTSIF

✅ Joint India–Canada Collaboration:
Offers international exposure through Ryerson’s DMZ network in Toronto.

✅ Recognized Incubator:
Supported under Startup India, NIDHI, and other national innovation schemes.

✅ Funding Support:
Provides seed funding under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and other government programs.

✅ Strong Corporate & Academic Partnerships:
Collaborations with BSE Institute, Canadian universities, and Indian corporates.

✅ Global Exchange Opportunities:
Short-term residency and exchange programs for startups to explore North American markets.

✅ Over 200 startups supported, with many securing follow-on funding and global recognition.

3. Focus Sectors at BRTSIF

The incubator focuses on high-impact, innovation-driven sectors including:

  • FinTech & Financial Inclusion

  • EdTech & Learning Solutions

  • HealthTech & Life Sciences

  • CleanTech & Sustainability

  • AI, Data Analytics & IoT

  • Smart Cities & Mobility

  • MediaTech & Digital Platforms

The cross-border support structure allows these startups to not only grow in India but also tap into the North American market through Ryerson’s DMZ global network.

4. Understanding the Seed Fund and Incubation Program

BRTSIF’s incubation program combines seed funding, mentorship, investor access, and global learning. It operates in both pre-incubation and full incubation formats.

A. Pre-Incubation Phase

  • Duration: 3–6 months

  • Focus: Idea validation, business model design, and prototype development

  • Deliverables: MVP readiness and market validation

B. Full Incubation Phase

  • Duration: 12–24 months

  • Focus: Product-market fit, customer traction, investment readiness, and scaling

  • Support: Funding, mentoring, access to investors, and global linkages

C. Seed Funding Support

The incubator offers financial assistance through:

  • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):
    Up to ₹20 lakhs (grant) for prototype development.
    Up to ₹50 lakhs (investment) for commercialization.

  • BRTSIF Seed Fund:
    Additional financial support for market testing and pilot projects.

Funding is milestone-based and tied to performance and deliverables.

5. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for seed funding and incubation at BRTSIF, startups must meet these eligibility requirements:

✅ DPIIT-Recognized Startup
Must be registered as a DPIIT-recognized entity under Startup India.

✅ Entity Type
Should be a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.

✅ Age of Startup
Less than 10 years from the date of incorporation.

✅ Turnover Limit
Not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year.

✅ Stage of Development
Proof of concept, prototype, or early commercialization stage.

✅ Innovation Requirement
The product/service should involve innovation or improvement in technology, process, or business model.

✅ No Prior SISFS Funding
Startups that have already received SISFS support from another incubator are not eligible for a second grant.

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how to apply for incubation or seed funding at BRTSIF:

Step 1: Registration on Startup India Seed Fund Portal

Step 2: Select BRTSIF as Incubator

Choose BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation from the list of SISFS-approved incubators.

Step 3: Submit Application

Prepare and upload the following:

  • Business plan/pitch deck.

  • Problem-solution fit and innovation details.

  • Prototype or MVP information.

  • Founder and team details.

  • Financial projections and milestone plan.

Step 4: Screening & Evaluation

Applications are reviewed by the Seed Fund Evaluation Committee comprising industry experts, investors, and faculty members.

Evaluation parameters:

  • Market potential and scalability.

  • Founding team competence.

  • Technology and innovation level.

  • Social or economic impact.

Step 5: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups pitch their ideas before the Selection Committee.

Step 6: Selection & Onboarding

Successful applicants are selected for incubation, followed by signing of an MoU and onboarding into BRTSIF’s program.

Step 7: Funding Disbursement

Seed fund is released in tranches based on milestone achievements and progress reports.

7. Benefits of Incubation at BRTSIF

Here’s what makes BRTSIF one of India’s most sought-after incubators:

✅ Seed Funding Support
Get up to ₹50 lakhs in milestone-linked seed funding.

✅ Global Mentorship
Access mentors from both Indian and Canadian startup ecosystems.

✅ International Market Exposure
Opportunity to connect with global investors, mentors, and accelerator programs.

✅ Investor Connects & Demo Days
Pitch directly to angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate funds.

✅ Infrastructure Support
Co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and access to BSE Institute facilities.

✅ Training & Workshops
Entrepreneurship programs, leadership workshops, and investor readiness bootcamps.

✅ Networking & Collaboration
Regular events, startup showcases, and global exchange programs via Ryerson DMZ.

✅ Follow-on Funding & Scale Support
Assistance in raising Series A or institutional investment.

8. Success Stories

Over the years, BRTSIF has incubated and supported 200+ startups, many of which have achieved remarkable milestones.

  • Peel-Works: A retail-tech platform connecting FMCG brands with small retailers, now expanded across India.

  • Arth Design: Developed smart urban infrastructure solutions, now working with Indian Smart City Missions.

  • uTrade: Built a fintech platform offering algorithmic trading tools; raised institutional funding.

  • CureAI: Health analytics startup providing AI-based diagnostic tools used globally.

These stories underline how BRTSIF helps founders transform innovation into business success.

9. Why Choose BIL-Ryerson (BRTSIF)?

Here’s why BRTSIF stands out among India’s incubation programs:

✅ Backed by international expertise via Ryerson DMZ, Toronto.
✅ Access to BSE’s financial and corporate ecosystem.
✅ Supported by Startup India, DST, and MSME.
✅ Offers global market exposure — a rare advantage for Indian startups.
✅ Track record of nurturing high-impact, scalable ventures.

If your startup is innovation-led and growth-ready, BRTSIF provides the ideal platform to grow locally and scale globally.

10. Contact Information

📍 Address:
BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation
BSE Institute Ltd., Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400001, India

📧 Email: info@brtsif.com | incubator@bseindia.com
🌐 Website: https://brtsif.com
📞 Phone: +91-22-2272 1234

Conclusion

The BIL-Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator Foundation (BRTSIF) represents the perfect blend of Indian entrepreneurial energy and global innovation best practices.

With its Indo-Canadian collaboration, robust mentorship network, and funding opportunities, BRTSIF provides early-stage founders with everything they need — from incubation to internationalization.

If you are a startup founder looking to scale your innovation with global support, applying to BRTSIF could be your most strategic next move.

Innovation knows no borders — and at BIL-Ryerson, your ideas get the wings they deserve.