IIMK LIVE is the business incubator and entrepreneurship development centre of IIM Kozhikode, established in June 2016 with support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The centre is envisioned as a National Centre of Excellence that promotes…
A five-lens breakdown scored against your startup's profile — exactly where you win on this grant and where you fall short, so you know before you apply.
Application Process
1
Submit Application
Submit your detailed startup idea and business plan, demonstrating a proof of concept or prototype.
You
2
Application Screening
IIMK LIVE reviews applications for eligibility, innovativeness, market potential, and scalability.
3
Present to Committee
Shortlisted applicants present their startup idea and business plan to the selection committee at IIMK Campus.
4
Evaluation & Selection
The committee evaluates presentations based on innovativeness, feasibility, team strength, and market opportunity for final selection.
5
Complete Registration & Onboarding
Selected ventures must complete company registration (if not already done) within three months and pay the incubation fee to onboard.
6
Begin Incubation
Commence the comprehensive incubation journey at IIMK LIVE, gaining access to all program resources and support.
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
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is LIVE?
LIVE is the Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Business Incubator at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. It is established by IIM Kozhikode and supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
How does LIVE support entrepreneurship?
LIVE is envisioned as a Business Incubator with the purpose of creating a National Centre of Excellence that promotes innovation, new business venturing, and entrepreneurship. It provides essential resources, mentorship, and services to foster startup growth.
What is the Business Incubation Program (BIP) all about at LIVE?
The BIP provides comprehensive support and services to startup enterprises, focusing on Business Model Validation and achieving Product-Market Fit. It supports ventures for a maximum period of two years from the year of first support, helping them refine ideas, build scalable businesses, and navigate early-stage challenges. Applicants must have a proof of concept or prototype and be registered as a company (or register within three months of admission).
What Do Startups Gain from the IIMK LIVE Incubation Program?
Incubatees gain access to smart co-working spaces, a vibrant peer community, exclusive events and learning opportunities, investor access through introductions to angels and VCs, and enhanced credibility with the 'Incubated at IIMK LIVE' tag, which also unlocks access to government startup schemes.
Is there any direct seed capital provided by IIMK LIVE?
As of now, LIVE is in the process of developing its own funds. There is no seed capital promised by LIVE immediately. However, the program provides access to various government funding schemes and investor networks to help startups secure external capital.
What are the eligibility criteria for the BIP?
The program is open to any entrepreneur or startup, regardless of affiliation with IIMK. Applicants must have a proof of concept or a working prototype and the venture must be registered as a company (or register within three months of admission confirmation). Ventures promoted by IIMK students, alumni, or faculty may receive priority if their idea holds similar merit.
Is there an incubation fee for the program?
Yes, the incubatee or resident company is required to pay a half-yearly incubation fee of ₹18,000 plus applicable taxes for each 6-month term throughout the incubation period. This fee contributes to the operational costs and resources provided by the incubator.
What kind of physical facilities are available?
Startups will have access to smart, Wi-Fi-enabled co-working spaces, fully equipped meeting rooms, and conference facilities at subsidized rates within the Atulya IT Complex, Infopark Campus, Kochi. These facilities are designed to support a productive and collaborative work environment.
Can a startup apply if it has already raised some funding?
Yes, the program does not restrict startups based on prior funding. The focus is on supporting early-stage ventures with innovative ideas and a clear path to product-market fit, regardless of their current funding status.
What is the expected duration of the incubation program?
The program offers support for a maximum period of two years from the year of its first support, allowing ample time for business model validation and achieving product-market fit.
Quick Answer
The IIMK LIVE Business Incubation Programme helps aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into successful ventures with expert mentorship, incubation support, and investor access.
The IIMK LIVE Business Incubation Programme (BIP) at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode's Kochi Campus is a meticulously designed initiative aimed at nurturing innovative ideas into successful, scalable startups. As an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Business Incubator, IIMK LIVE strives to foster a dynamic ecosystem that supports new business venturing and promotes innovation, aligning with its vision to be a National Centre of Excellence.
This program targets aspiring entrepreneurs who possess innovative ideas, proof of concept, or working prototypes, but require structured guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of early-stage startup development. The BIP is particularly focused on critical stages such as Business Model Validation and achieving Product-Market Fit, helping founders to refine their value propositions, identify their target markets, and build sustainable growth strategies.
Spanning a maximum period of two years from the initial support, the BIP offers a comprehensive suite of services and resources. These include expert mentorship from industry veterans and IIMK faculty, access to a vibrant startup ecosystem, physical incubation support within modern co-working spaces, and crucial connections to potential investors and various government funding schemes. By providing a conducive environment for innovation and growth, IIMK LIVE empowers entrepreneurs to overcome common challenges, accelerate their development, and ultimately transform their ideas into commercially viable and impactful enterprises. The program is open to startups from all sectors, reflecting a broad commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across diverse domains.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants would have to present the startup idea and business plan to the selection committee at IIMK Campus. Selection would be based on multiple criteria to evaluate business innovativeness, feasibility, strengths and market opportunity.
Benefits & Funding
Fund type
Grant
Equity
Equity-free
Repayment
Non-repayable
What You Get
While IIMK LIVE is in the process of developing its own direct seed capital funds, the Business Incubation Programme provides invaluable non-financial support alongside robust access to external funding opportunities. Startups benefit from:
Expert Mentorship and Advisory Services: Receive personalized guidance and strategic advice from experienced mentors, IIMK faculty, and industry leaders, helping to refine business models, develop strategies, and overcome operational challenges.
Structured Incubation Support: Access a comprehensive incubation framework tailored to facilitate Business Model Validation and achieve Product-Market Fit, ensuring a solid foundation for growth.
Access to Co-working Spaces: Utilize smart, Wi-Fi-enabled co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and conference facilities at subsidized rates at the Kochi campus, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Networking and Market Connect: Gain entry into a vibrant peer community of fellow startups, IIMK faculty, and students, along with extensive networking opportunities through exclusive events, seminars, and workshops. This facilitates market access and industry connections.
Investor Access and Fundraising Support: Benefit from introductions to a curated network of angel investors and venture capitalists, along with guidance to navigate external funding schemes, including government grants. While no direct seed capital is provided by LIVE immediately, the program actively facilitates connections crucial for securing external investment.
Credibility and Recognition: Leverage the 'Incubated at IIMK LIVE' tag, enhancing credibility and significantly improving access to various government startup schemes and external funding channels.
