DST–GDC I-NCUBATE Program Cohort 10
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Quick Answer
An 8-week hybrid program by DST and GDC, IIT Madras, supporting deep-tech innovators and early-stage startups to commercialize STEM research through structured learning, mentorship, and customer discovery.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- GDC, IIT Madras
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The DST–GDC I-NCUBATE Program, Cohort 10, is a joint initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) at IIT Madras. This intensive, practice-oriented program is designed to identify and nurture promising deep-tech startups and research teams based on STEM innovations from Indian universities and labs.
Launched with a vision to catalyze STEM research into scalable ventures, the program aims to transform lab-based inventions into high-impact startups that address India's complex socio-economic challenges. It provides participants with a transformative learning experience focused on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, enhancing business acumen, and mastering customer discovery methodologies. The program emphasizes a structured learning and validation journey, moving innovations from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-5 towards market readiness.
Throughout the 8-week boot camp, participants engage in a hybrid learning model, combining in-person workshops at IIT Madras with weekly online webinars, one-on-one office hours with instructors, and mentorship sessions with business experts. A significant component involves extensive customer discovery exercises, requiring teams to conduct numerous stakeholder interactions to validate their assumptions and refine their value propositions. This program reflects a deep commitment from both DST and GDC to fostering technology-inspired entrepreneurship and accelerating India's path to becoming a developed nation.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) was established in 2017 at IIT Madras by IIT alumni Kris Gopalakrishnan (Infosys co-founder) and Desh Deshpande (serial startup founder and philanthropist). GDC's primary objective is facilitating the…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Participants in the DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program gain comprehensive support designed to transform deep-tech innovations into successful startups. The primary financial benefit is the reimbursement of travel and stay costs for attending the mandatory in-person opening workshop at IIT Madras, provided as per GDC norms. Beyond direct financial aid, the program ignites entrepreneurial potential by providing intensive training in business tools and techniques like Value Proposition and Business Model Canvas, alongside crucial interviewing and communication skills. Teams receive extensive business mentorship from GDC-assigned mentors and instructors, leveraging IIT Madras's leading technology institution and startup ecosystem. The curriculum focuses on customer discovery, helping teams identify early-adopter segments and formulate strategies for scaling their technology, product-market fit, and fundraising. This holistic support ensures founders are well-equipped to build scalable, high-impact ventures.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Duration
- 2 months
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applicants will undergo an initial review of their submitted application forms. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an online interview with Team GDC, which forms a critical part of the final selection process. The selection committee evaluates teams based on their deep-tech innovation, prototype maturity (TRL 3-5), entrepreneurial commitment, team composition, and potential for scalable socio-economic impact.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Complete and submit the online application form with all required details about your team and innovation.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program?
It is an 8-week hybrid boot camp, jointly run by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and GDC, IIT Madras. It aims to help research teams and early-stage startups commercialize deep-tech innovations from STEM research.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
The program is open to research teams and early-stage startups comprising faculty, researchers, and students from Indian STEM institutions. Innovations should be between TRL 3 and TRL 5, with a working prototype or proof of technology. Teams of 3-4 members with a Faculty Lead and 2-3 Entrepreneur Leads, who have worked together for at least six months, are preferred.
What kind of financial support does the program offer?
While the program does not offer direct grants or equity investments, it provides reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs for attending the in-person workshops at IIT Madras, as per GDC norms. The primary benefits are intensive training, mentorship, and business development support.
What is the time commitment required from participants?
The program is intensive. Faculty Leads should commit about 40 hours over the 8 weeks, including workshops and webinars. Entrepreneur Leads are expected to devote at least 50 hours of instruction time/office hours, plus 50% of their working hours each week for customer interviews and preparatory work, for the entire 8-week duration. 100% attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
Is intellectual property (IP) required to apply?
No, it is not a prerequisite to have a registered patent or published paper. However, the startup/project team should either possess valid registered intellectual property or demonstrate the intent and capability to create IP based on their innovation.
When does Cohort 10 begin?
Applications are currently open for Cohort 10, which is scheduled to start on 25 October 2026. Specific application deadlines will be communicated upon submission and review of completed forms.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
