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How to Apply for Seed Fund Incubator at WEHUB Foundation

WEHUB Foundation

Introduction

In today’s competitive startup ecosystem, early-stage funding and strategic guidance are critical for transforming innovative ideas into scalable businesses. One such platform empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women-led startups, is the WEHUB Foundation.

Supported under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), WEHUB Foundation provides early-stage startups with mentorship, seed funding, and access to networks that help accelerate growth. The foundation is dedicated to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, providing resources, infrastructure, and business support to startups across India.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Seed Fund Incubator at WEHUB Foundation, including eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, benefits, sectoral focus, and success stories.

1. About WEHUB Foundation

The WEHUB Foundation is a premier incubator focused on empowering women entrepreneurs while supporting early-stage startups across sectors like technology, social innovation, healthcare, and more.

The incubator offers a comprehensive ecosystem, including mentorship from industry leaders, networking opportunities, infrastructure support, and seed funding. By bridging the gap between idea and execution, WEHUB Foundation ensures that startups not only survive but thrive in the competitive market landscape.

With a strong track record of incubating over 100 startups, WEHUB has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, especially for women entrepreneurs.

2. Overview of the Seed Fund Program

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), WEHUB Foundation provides financial assistance to startups to support prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.

Funding Components Include:

  • 💡 Grant Support up to ₹20 Lakhs:
    For proof-of-concept, prototype development, and initial testing.

  • 🚀 Seed Funding up to ₹50 Lakhs:
    For commercialization, early market entry, and scaling operations.

Funding is generally released in milestone-based installments, ensuring accountability and steady progress toward business goals.

The Seed Fund Program at WEHUB is specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs, though it is open to startups across all sectors.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Seed Fund Incubator at WEHUB Foundation, startups must meet the following criteria:

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

  2. ✅ Entity Type:
    Must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.

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

  4. ✅ Annual Turnover:
    Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.

  5. ✅ Innovation & Scalability:
    Must demonstrate a novel product, process, or service with high growth potential.

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

  7. ✅ Sectoral Focus:
    Startups working in technology, healthcare, social innovation, clean energy, or other high-impact sectors are preferred.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Seed Fund at WEHUB Foundation is a structured process designed to identify and support high-potential startups.

Step 1: Register on Startup India Portal

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

Step 2: Choose WEHUB Foundation as Your Incubator

Select WEHUB Foundation as your preferred incubator when applying under the SISFS.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Required documents include:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • DPIIT Recognition Certificate

  • Pitch Deck and Business Plan

  • Founder/Team Profiles

  • Financial Statements (if applicable)

  • Fund Utilization Plan

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your application online through the Startup India portal or WEHUB Foundation’s official website.

Step 5: Screening & Shortlisting

Applications are evaluated based on innovation, scalability, and team capability. Shortlisted startups are invited to a pitch session.

Step 6: Evaluation & Pitch

Startups present their ideas to a panel of mentors, investors, and industry experts. The evaluation focuses on the problem being solved, uniqueness of solution, market potential, and execution strategy.

Step 7: Fund Disbursement

Selected startups receive funds in tranches based on milestone achievements and performance evaluations.

5. Benefits of Incubation at WEHUB Foundation

Startups incubated at WEHUB Foundation gain access to a comprehensive support ecosystem:

  1. 💰 Seed Funding:
    Financial support up to ₹50 lakhs to fuel growth and scale operations.

  2. 🧠 Mentorship & Guidance:
    Access to experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and domain experts.

  3. 🏢 Infrastructure & Resources:
    Co-working spaces, labs, and prototyping facilities to support product development.

  4. 🌍 Networking Opportunities:
    Connections with investors, corporates, government agencies, and fellow startups.

  5. 📚 Workshops & Training Programs:
    Sessions on fundraising, marketing, operations, IP, and business strategy.

  6. 🧩 Women-Centric Support:
    Specialized programs for women entrepreneurs, including mentorship, funding, and visibility.

  7. 🚀 Global Exposure:
    Opportunities to participate in international accelerators, pitch competitions, and conferences.

6. Focus Sectors at WEHUB Foundation

WEHUB Foundation supports startups across multiple high-impact sectors:

  • Women-led enterprises

  • Technology & IT Solutions

  • HealthTech & MedTech

  • Clean & Renewable Energy

  • Social Enterprises

  • Education & Skill Development

  • AgriTech & Rural Innovation

This focus ensures that both technology-driven and social-impact startups are supported with tailored resources.

7. Success Stories

WEHUB Foundation has successfully incubated startups that have achieved funding, market traction, and social impact. Examples include:

  • SakhiTech: Digital solutions empowering women entrepreneurs across rural India.

  • GreenFuture: Clean energy startup providing affordable solar solutions.

  • SkillConnect: EdTech platform improving employability skills for underprivileged youth.

These success stories reflect the incubator’s ability to transform ideas into scalable ventures that create tangible impact.

8. Contact Information

📍 WEHUB Foundation
[City], India

📧 Email: info@wehubfoundation.org
🌐 Website: www.wehubfoundation.org
📞 Phone: +91-XXXXXXXXXX

9. Conclusion

The WEHUB Foundation is a leading platform for startups, especially women-led ventures, providing seed funding, mentorship, and infrastructure support. By leveraging the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, startups can access resources critical for turning innovative ideas into successful, scalable businesses.

If you are an entrepreneur aiming to make an impact, WEHUB Foundation offers the perfect ecosystem to accelerate growth, gain visibility, and build a sustainable business.