Vel Tech TBI

Vel Tech TBI runs incubation in two stages, pre-incubation and post-incubation, and describes resident and virtual tracks for startups. The incubator says it gives space, funding, mentoring, networking and training.

What you get

• Space and facilities, including subsidised access to equipment for digital services, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, and other technology areas.
• Mentoring from experienced industry professionals and domain experts.
• Networking with other startups, investors and industry partners.
• Training on entrepreneurship topics such as technology, finance, e-commerce and product management.

Who can apply

Registered startups and would-be entrepreneurs. The application form asks for company registration details.

How selection works: the site does not describe a selection process for incubation as a whole.

How to apply: use the application form on the incubator's site or email incubation@veltechtbi.com.

The Seed Support System is a flagship scheme under NIDHI, run by the Department of Science and Technology. It gives early-stage financial support to promising startups incubated in recognised incubators, to help them build prototypes, test markets and launch products.

What you get

• Seed funding to build prototypes, test markets and launch products.
• Mentoring and advisory support from experienced mentors and domain experts.
• Access to infrastructure and co-working space in the host incubator.
• Market readiness support, including branding, customer outreach and go-to-market help.

Who can apply

• A registered company in India, preferably DPIIT-recognised or with a DPIIT application in progress.
• At least 3 months of association with the incubator in its resident or virtual programme.
• A clear USP validated through customer interaction and market feedback.
• Indian promoters holding at least 51% of the equity.
• Startups that are not an Indian subsidiary of a multinational or foreign corporation.

How to apply: contact the Seed Support System lead at the incubator.

NIDHI PRAYAS helps young and aspiring innovators turn an idea into a prototype. The priority areas are manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, clean-tech, energy, water and the Internet of Things, along with other technology areas.

What you get

• Grant support from idea to prototype, paid to the innovator or the startup.
• Use of the incubator's prototyping facilities, including its Fab Lab.

Who can apply

• Indian citizens aged 18 or older, applying as an individual innovator, a team, or a startup.
• Startups must be incorporated in India, with at least 51% of the equity held by Indian citizens, and no more than 7 years old at the time of application.
• Innovators must own the project know-how and the intellectual property, and must be registered with the incubator for pre-incubation or incubation for the whole programme.
• Pure software, e-commerce, service and app-based solutions are not considered.

How selection works: applicants go through the incubator's own selection process. Preference is given to bootstrapped innovators, those with a clear road map to commercialisation, women innovators and young innovators.

How to apply: the current call for applications is closed. Contact the NIDHI PRAYAS team at the incubator for future calls.

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme is a national scheme from DPIIT. The seed fund is disbursed to eligible startups through eligible incubators across India. Vel Tech TBI is one of those incubators.

What you get

• Financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation. Support is offered as a grant or as a convertible debenture.

Who can apply

• A startup recognised by DPIIT and incorporated no more than 2 years before application.
• A product or service that uses technology in its core offering, business model or distribution.
• Indian promoters holding at least 51% of the shares at the time of application to the incubator.
• A startup that has not received more than a set limit of monetary support under other central or state government schemes.

How to apply: through the incubator. Contact incubation@veltechtbi.com.

The Innovation Voucher Programme is a grant-in-aid scheme from the Government of Tamil Nadu, run by the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute of Tamil Nadu. Vel Tech TBI is its knowledge partner, and the programme encourages research and innovation among MSMEs and startups in the manufacturing sectors.

What you get

• Voucher A, for early-stage ideation and prototype development, such as feasibility studies, design research and market analysis.
• Voucher B, for commercialisation support, such as product testing, certification, prototyping and IP filing.

Who can apply

• Tamil Nadu-based manufacturing MSMEs.
• A CIBIL score of 750 or more.
• Willingness to co-finance the work as the programme norms require.
• No prior contract with the knowledge partner.

How to apply: register through the EDII Tamil Nadu application page, or send your interest to incubation@veltechtbi.com.

TIDE 2.0 is a MeitY scheme that supports technology startups using emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, blockchain and robotics in areas of national priority. Vel Tech TBI is an approved TIDE 2.0 centre. The EIR route is for validating and developing an idea.

What you get

• A fellowship grant for the idea-development period, access to networks, mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, and an environment for building the idea.
• A 12-month programme timeline.

Who can apply

• Indian citizens under 35 years of age with a basic graduation.
• Applicants must be physically incubated at the centre for the whole idea-development period.
• Applicants must register their own company within 3 months of acceptance.
• Preference for women entrepreneurs, ideas with a granted or provisional patent, and well-structured teams.

How to apply: email veltechtbi@veltech.edu.in or incubation@veltechtbi.com.

The TIDE 2.0 grant route is for a valid proof of concept that needs to become a prototype or a minimum viable product. It gives product development help, access to technical experts and mentoring. Vel Tech TBI offers co-working space, lab and workshop facilities and mentoring to selected entrepreneurs.

What you get

• A grant for the development period, plus product development help, technical experts and mentoring.
• Access to lab, workshop and co-working facilities at the incubator.

Who can apply

• Indian citizens under 35 years of age.
• An individual innovator or a nascent startup less than 2 years old at the time of application.
• A non-startup applicant must be willing to incorporate a company within 2 months of acceptance.
• Preference for women entrepreneurs, ideas with a granted or provisional patent, and well-structured teams.

Timeline: 12 months, which can be extended to 18 months in special cases with the committee's approval.

How to apply: email veltechtbi@veltech.edu.in or incubation@veltechtbi.com.

Seed Spark is an online programme from the Stanford Graduate School of Business for early-stage entrepreneurs to build their strategy, grow their network and strengthen their business skills. Vel Tech TBI invites its startups to take part.

Who can apply

• Early-stage startups with a minimum viable product, service or working prototype, not just an idea.
• A registered business, with a founder working full time on it and a dedicated team.
• Founders who are comfortable with an entirely online programme and have a reliable internet connection.

What you get: the skills, tools and mindset to grow a startup, mentorship from an experienced entrepreneur, and a peer network of founders.

How to apply: reach out to incubation@veltechtbi.com. The programme charges a fee.