Tag Archive for: Startup India

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur

SIIC IIT Kanpur

Introduction

In India’s growing entrepreneurial landscape, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has become a key player in nurturing groundbreaking startups. Established in 2000 in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), SIIC was created to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market success.

Over the past two decades, it has helped build an ecosystem where early-stage founders can access mentorship, funding, research facilities, and strategic support to scale their ideas. The Seed Fund Incubator Program at SIIC IIT Kanpur, supported by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), empowers promising entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

If you are an early-stage founder with a strong business model and a working prototype, this guide will help you understand exactly how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at SIIC IIT Kanpur, the eligibility criteria, benefits, and key tips to strengthen your application.

About SIIC IIT Kanpur

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) is one of India’s oldest and most successful technology business incubators. Functioning under the Foundation for Research & Innovation in Science & Technology (FIRST), a Section 8 company promoted by IIT Kanpur, SIIC is a hub for innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

It has supported over 500 startups and 200+ innovators across sectors like CleanTech, AgriTech, MedTech, DeepTech, and Sustainable Development. SIIC provides physical incubation, virtual incubation, and funding support through government and corporate partnerships.

The centre is backed by multiple funding programs, including SIDBI, BIRAC, MeitY, and DST, allowing startups to access both seed funding and grants for product development and market entry.

Objective of the Seed Fund Incubator

The Seed Fund Incubator at SIIC IIT Kanpur aims to identify high-potential early-stage startups and provide them with both financial and infrastructural support to validate their ideas and achieve early market traction.

The program’s primary objectives are:

  • To enable innovators to transform prototypes into market-ready products.

  • To help startups achieve product-market fit and early customer validation.

  • To bridge the gap between idea-stage funding and venture capital readiness.

  • To provide access to IIT Kanpur’s labs, mentors, and research expertise.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, startups must ensure they meet the basic eligibility requirements for the Seed Fund Incubator at SIIC IIT Kanpur.

1. Startup Registration:
The startup must be recognized by DPIIT under the Startup India initiative.

2. Age of Startup:
The startup should be less than 2 years old from the date of incorporation at the time of application.

3. Type of Entity:
Startups registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm are eligible.

4. Stage of Development:
The startup should have a prototype or proof of concept (PoC) that can be validated within six months.

5. Innovation Criteria:
The idea should involve novel technology, social impact, or innovation in product, process, or service delivery.

6. Funding Limit:
Startups that have not received more than ₹10 lakh in funding from any other government program are eligible to apply.

Funding Support Offered

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, SIIC IIT Kanpur provides:

  • Prototype/PoC Development Funding: Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for product development, testing, or prototyping.

  • Market Entry and Commercialization Funding: Up to ₹50 lakh as a convertible debenture or debt-linked instrument for scaling and market validation.

  • Access to Mentors and Networks: Startups gain access to IIT Kanpur’s network of faculty experts, alumni entrepreneurs, and investors.

  • Infrastructure Support: Use of research labs, testing facilities, and co-working space within IIT Kanpur’s campus.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at SIIC IIT Kanpur:

Step 1: Visit the SIIC IIT Kanpur Website

Go to the official portal — https://siicincubator.com.

Navigate to the Programs section and select the Seed Fund Incubation Program.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the online application form, including:

  • Startup overview and problem statement

  • Product or solution details

  • Business model and revenue streams

  • Market potential

  • Team profile and expertise

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Attach all mandatory documents such as:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Startup India DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Pitch deck and business plan

  • Financial statements (if applicable)

  • Proof of concept (prototype images, testing results, etc.)

Step 4: Preliminary Screening

SIIC’s internal committee reviews your application for completeness and innovation viability.

Step 5: Evaluation by Expert Panel

Shortlisted startups are invited to pitch to an evaluation committee comprising IIT Kanpur faculty, investors, and domain experts.

Step 6: Due Diligence and Selection

After technical and financial due diligence, selected startups are onboarded into the incubation program and receive seed funding support.

Key Benefits of Joining SIIC IIT Kanpur

  1. World-Class Infrastructure
    Access to laboratories, testing equipment, rapid prototyping facilities, and co-working spaces at IIT Kanpur.

  2. Customized Mentorship
    Regular guidance from IIT Kanpur faculty, industry experts, and entrepreneurs in residence.

  3. Networking and Investor Access
    SIIC connects startups with investors, angel networks, and corporate partners.

  4. Brand Credibility
    Being incubated at IIT Kanpur adds credibility and enhances investor confidence.

  5. Knowledge Resources
    Startups gain access to workshops, entrepreneurship boot camps, and IP assistance.

  6. Comprehensive Support Ecosystem
    From ideation to scaling, SIIC supports every stage of a startup’s journey.

Documents Required

When applying, keep the following documents ready:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Startup India Recognition Certificate (DPIIT)

  • Detailed pitch deck

  • Business plan

  • Proof of prototype

  • Bank account details

  • Founders’ PAN cards and Aadhaar

  • Financial projections

Selection Criteria

Startups are evaluated based on:

  • Innovation and Technology Readiness

  • Team Capability and Execution Potential

  • Scalability and Market Fit

  • Social or Economic Impact

  • Sustainability and Long-term Vision

The evaluation panel also considers the feasibility of the business model and the clarity of the problem-solution fit.

Success Stories from SIIC IIT Kanpur

1. Noccarc Robotics:
A MedTech startup incubated at SIIC that developed the Noccarc V310 ICU ventilator in record time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Phool.co:
Started as a small idea to recycle temple flowers, Phool.co now produces eco-friendly incense sticks and biodegradable alternatives.

3. HelpUsGreen:
One of India’s most celebrated social impact startups, backed by SIIC, transforming floral waste into sustainable products.

4. E-Spin Nanotech:
A deep-tech venture developing nanofiber-based filtration technology with global applications.

Each of these startups demonstrates SIIC’s capability to transform innovation into scalable business models.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Ensure your pitch deck highlights innovation, scalability, and sustainability.

  • Clearly define your problem statement and how your startup provides a unique solution.

  • Provide realistic financial projections with a clear funding requirement.

  • Emphasize team strength and prior achievements.

  • Keep all documents concise and professional.

Conclusion

The Seed Fund Incubator at SIIC IIT Kanpur is a gateway for India’s next generation of entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impact. Whether you are working in technology, sustainability, healthcare, or social innovation, this incubator offers a powerful mix of funding, mentorship, and world-class facilities.

With over 20 years of experience and hundreds of successful startups, SIIC IIT Kanpur continues to shape India’s innovation-driven future. If you have a market-ready prototype and the passion to scale your startup, this is the opportunity to bring your vision to life.

To learn more or start your application, visit www.siicincubator.com.

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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at IIT Guwahati BioNEST

IIT Guwahati BioNEST

Early-stage startups in biotechnology, diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, and biomaterials face unique challenges: validating proof-of-concept, navigating regulatory requirements, accessing labs and diagnostic tools, and entering the market. For innovators in Northeast India and beyond, the IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST incubator provides a robust launchpad.

BioNEST at IIT Guwahati is a government-supported incubation center under BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council). It offers a holistic ecosystem: lab infrastructure, mentorship, business support, seed funding, and regulatory guidance. This guide explains how to apply for seed fund incubation at IITG BioNEST, including eligibility, process, funding options, and tips to strengthen your application.

What is IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST?

Bio-Incubation Centre

BioNEST is located on the IIT Guwahati campus under the Technology Innovation & Development Foundation (TIDF) umbrella, providing startups with state-of-the-art labs, instrumentation, and support facilities.

Supported by BIRAC

BIRAC, under the Government of India, supports BioNEST to foster biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Sector Focus

BioNEST primarily incubates startups in:

  • Healthcare diagnostics

  • Biomaterials & industrial biotechnology

  • Frugal diagnostics & agritech

  • Traditional & modern biomaterials

Ecosystem Support

  • Lab access: instrumentation, fabrication, testing, and characterization

  • Mentorship: IITG faculty, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs

  • Regulatory & IP guidance

  • Market access & certification support

Capacity & Impact

BioNEST currently supports 60+ incubatees, has graduated multiple startups, filed patents, commercialized technologies, and enabled startups to raise significant funds.

Seed Fund & Funding Programs

StartUp India Seed Fund

  • Up to ₹50 lakh (grant or investment) for biotech/deep-tech startups

  • Supports prototype development, proof-of-concept, and commercialization

NEC Ignite Grant

  • For startups registered in Northeastern states

  • Grant up to ₹10 lakh for prototype validation and early-stage development

Other Schemes

  • DST-NIDHI Seed Support System

  • SPARSH by BIRAC (agri-sector/social innovators)

  • HDFC Parivartan (clean energy & deep-tech startups)

Eligibility Criteria

Incorporation & Legal Status

  • Registered Company or LLP in India

  • Preferably DPIIT Startup India recognized

Sector & Innovation Orientation

  • Biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics, industrial biotech, biomaterials, agritech

  • Innovative solution with proof-of-concept or prototype

Geographic Preference

  • Emphasis on startups from Northeastern states (required for NEC Ignite)

Ownership & Control

  • At least 51% Indian promoter ownership

Stage of Development

  • Early-stage startups: ideation, validation, prototype, or MVP stage

  • Focused on commercialization, not just academic research

Commitment & Regulatory Readiness

  • Commitment to physical incubation and active engagement

  • Prior lab work, trials, or regulatory/IP readiness strengthens the application

Application Process

Step 1: Explore BioNEST Website & Schemes

  • Check available funding schemes, eligibility, and dashboards at bionestiitg.in

Step 2: Prepare Proposal / Letter of Intent (LOI)

  • Describe technology/product, problem, and solution

  • Indicate faculty engagement for mentoring or technical support

  • Share prototype status or proof-of-concept

Step 3: Submit Application / Registration

  • Complete online form with startup overview, team, business model, funding requirement, and milestones

Step 4: Screening & Evaluation

  • Alignment with BioNEST goals, innovation potential, team strength, feasibility

  • Reviewed by Dean of Incubation / Board of Directors / IITG faculty

Step 5: Pitch / Presentation

  • Shortlisted startups present to selection committee

  • Walk through product, prototype, financials, regulatory, and commercialization plan

Step 6: Incubation Agreement / MoU

  • Terms: duration, lab access, fees (if any), IP rights, graduation criteria

Step 7: Seed Fund Disbursement

  • Phased funding tied to milestones: prototype completion, validation, regulatory approvals

Step 8: Support & Monitoring

  • Mentorship, lab support, regulatory/IP guidance, market access

  • Periodic reviews, audits, and reporting

Step 9: Graduation / Exit

  • After milestones are met or commercial launch

  • Exit may involve royalty or graduation fee, depending on agreement

Infrastructure, Support & Facilities

  • Affordable office and lab space with conference rooms

  • Access to Centre for Nanotechnology (CFN) labs at IITG

  • Mentorship from doctors, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs

  • Regulatory compliance, IP filing, technology transfer support

  • Networking with investors, VCs, angel funds, and grant agencies

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly define problem, solution, and impact

  • Show a prototype or proof-of-concept, even partial

  • Highlight team expertise: biology, engineering, regulatory, commercialization

  • Demonstrate awareness of regulatory and IP requirements

  • Set realistic milestones & fund utilization plan

  • Show market understanding: users, scalability, competition

  • Align your proposal with the specific scheme (NEC Ignite, StartUp India Seed Fund)

Conclusion

The IIT Guwahati TIDF BioNEST incubator is a launchpad for biotech startups, especially in Northeast India. With strong teams, innovation, proof-of-concept, and commercialization planning, startups can leverage mentorship, lab access, funding, and networking. Prepare your idea, submit your application, and step into a structured ecosystem to transform your biotech innovation into commercial success.