RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University

riidl — Research Innovation Incubation Design Labs — sits at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai, and reads differently from most incubators. Its five stated pillars are Research, Innovation, Incubation, Design and Laboratory, and design thinking is named as a method rather than a service.

The lab mix tells the story. A digital fabrication lab and a DIY Bio Lab, an AI/ML lab, and separate AR/VR and media labs. That is a set built for interaction design, immersive media and hardware — an unusual combination, and one that suits teams whose product is as much experience as engineering.

You can book the labs without being incubated. riidl runs a dedicated facility-booking page, so equipment access does not require joining a programme. If what you need is a fabrication run or an AR/VR setup rather than a desk, that is the fastest route in.

What incubation includes: 24/7 access to workspace, meeting rooms and lockers, plus in-house expertise across IT, electronics, microbiology, marketing and business development. riidl describes support running from incubation through to Series A, with angel and VC introductions via its partnerships.

Best fit: design-led hardware, immersive media and interaction-heavy products, particularly for founders already in the Mumbai ecosystem. Booking charges and incubation terms are quoted on request.