Runway Incubator, UPES

Runway Incubator is the flagship startup incubation program of the UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE), operating under UPES and the Hydrocarbons Education & Research Society (HERS) in Dehradun. Launched in 2021 and recognised by the Government of Uttarakhand, Runway runs blended 8-to-10-week cohort programs that guide startups from ideation through business refinement to investor readiness. The incubator selects 20 to 30 ventures per cohort and provides mentoring, financial support, legal guidance, and access to UPES infrastructure. Exceptional ventures receive the Runway Ignition Grant of one lakh rupees, with potential for additional equity-based funding. Since launch, over 250 startups have been incubated and more than 20 crore rupees in external funding has been raised by portfolio companies.

Who Benefits

Early-stage founders and student entrepreneurs across sectors who need structured incubation, mentorship, and a pathway to fundraising. The program is particularly suited for startups in Uttarakhand and North India looking for a university-backed ecosystem with government recognition and industry mentor networks.