Call for Incubation Applications 2026 - GGV Startup Foundation
By GGV Startup Foundation (GSF)
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Quick Answer
Applications are open for incubation at GGV Startup Foundation, offering prototype grants up to ₹10 lakhs, mentorship, and access to lab infrastructure for science and technology-based ideas.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- GGV Startup Foundation (GSF)
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by GGV Startup Foundation (GSF). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Call for Incubation Applications 2026 by GGV Startup Foundation (GSF), an integral part of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, and a recognized DST-iTBI Incubator, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, GSF is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in science and technology domains. This program is designed to provide comprehensive support to innovators, students, researchers, faculty members, and startup founders who possess groundbreaking ideas or early-stage startups with a strong technological foundation. GSF aims to accelerate the journey from innovative concepts to commercially viable ventures by providing a robust ecosystem of support, resources, and strategic guidance.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV) runs an incubation centre in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, for early-stage startups, students, researchers and local innovators. Its incubator is the Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI), set up under the NIDHI programme of the Department…
Learn moreDepartment of Science & Technology (DST), India The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is a central government department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established on 3 May 1971, DST serves as the nodal body for organising,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Prototype Grant Support: Eligible startups can receive non-repayable financial assistance of up to ₹10 Lakhs. This grant is specifically designed to support the development and refinement of prototypes, helping innovators transform their ideas into tangible products and validate their concepts. The funds are disbursed based on agreed milestones to ensure effective utilization.
- One-to-One Mentorship: Benefit from personalized guidance from a network of seasoned industry experts, successful startup mentors, and academic professionals. Mentors provide critical insights on business strategy, technology development, market entry, and operational challenges.
- Business Development & Commercialization Support: Receive comprehensive assistance in formulating robust business strategies, identifying market opportunities, and developing effective commercialization pathways for your innovative products or services. This includes guidance on market sizing, go-to-market strategies, and revenue models.
- Market Validation & Customer Discovery: Get support in conducting thorough market research, validating your product-market fit, and identifying your target customer segments. GSF helps you refine your value proposition based on real-world feedback.
- Product Development & Prototype Support: Access specialized resources and expertise for refining your product, enhancing its features, and iterating on your prototype. This support is crucial for moving from concept to a market-ready solution.
- Access to Lab & Technical Infrastructure: Utilize state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, advanced equipment, and technical infrastructure available at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, providing a conducive environment for research, development, and testing.
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Guidance: Receive expert advice on protecting your innovations, including patent filing, trademark registration, and other IPR-related matters, ensuring your intellectual assets are secure.
- Investor Connect & Funding Opportunities: Gain valuable access to GSF's network of angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding agencies. The program facilitates pitch sessions, investor meetings, and guidance on fundraising strategies.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a vibrant community of fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academic scholars, and government representatives, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership building.
- Training & Capacity Building: Participate in workshops, seminars, and expert sessions covering essential entrepreneurial skills, technology trends, business management, and legal aspects, enhancing your capabilities and knowledge base.
- Startup Registration & Compliance Guidance: Get assistance with the legal and regulatory aspects of establishing and operating a startup, including company registration, statutory compliance, and government scheme navigation.
- National Startup Ecosystem Exposure: Benefit from connections to the broader national startup ecosystem, including opportunities to participate in DST-supported programs and events, enhancing visibility and growth prospects.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the GGV Startup Foundation Incubation program is rigorous and multi-faceted, designed to identify high-potential science and technology-based innovations. Applications are first screened by an internal committee comprising experts from GSF and Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya for alignment with program criteria and initial merit. Shortlisted applicants then proceed to an intensive interview or pitch round, where they present their ideas to a diverse panel of judges, including industry veterans, academic faculty, and potential investors. The evaluation focuses on the uniqueness of the technology, market viability, scalability, team strength, and the potential for creating significant impact. Final decisions are made based on a holistic assessment of these factors, ensuring that the selected cohort represents a strong pipeline of future-ready startups.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Online Application
Innovators and startup founders submit their detailed application and supporting documents via the online portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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 kind of ideas or startups are eligible for this incubation program?
We are looking for innovative science and technology-based ideas or startups. This includes a wide range of sectors where technological innovation is central to the solution. Applicants can be students, research scholars, faculty members, or any innovator with a compelling tech-driven concept. The program aims to support ventures that leverage scientific advancements to address real-world challenges.
Is there any financial support provided as part of the incubation program?
Yes, selected and eligible startups can receive a prototype grant of up to ₹10 Lakhs. This grant is non-repayable and is intended to help develop and refine your product prototypes. It is disbursed based on achieving specific milestones, ensuring effective utilization towards your venture's development.
Do I need to have a registered company to apply for this program?
No, you do not necessarily need a registered company at the time of application. The program is open to innovators, students, research scholars, and faculty members with science and technology-based ideas, even if they are in the pre-incorporation stage. However, formal company registration might be encouraged or required at a later stage of the incubation for receiving certain benefits like grants.
What is the duration of the incubation program, and is physical presence required?
The program offers comprehensive incubation support for a flexible duration tailored to the startup's needs, typically ranging from 6 to 24 months. As this is explicitly a "Physical Incubation" program, selected participants are expected to physically relocate or maintain regular presence at the GGV Koni, Bilaspur facility to fully leverage the lab infrastructure and engage with mentors and the community.
What kind of mentorship and technical support can I expect?
You will receive one-to-one mentorship from a pool of industry experts, startup veterans, and academic professionals. This covers business strategy, product development, market access, and fundraising. Additionally, you will gain access to state-of-the-art lab and technical infrastructure at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, crucial for product development and testing. IPR guidance and compliance support are also integral parts of the program.
