Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur
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Quick Answer
An 18-month equity-based incubation program for AI and DeepTech startups, offering up to ₹50 lakhs seed funding, GPU infrastructure, and GTM support in Nagpur.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- NERVE CoE, Nagpur
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by NERVE CoE, Nagpur. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
NERVE CoE is a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator bringing GPU infrastructure, seed funding, and hands-on mentoring to AI and DeepTech startups working in emerging sectors including HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. This is an 18-month programme based at STPI Nagpur.
What you get:
- GPU Infrastructure: Dedicated AI and GPU compute for training and deployment.
- Expert Mentoring: Bootcamp-style sessions on product validation, unit economics, and investor readiness.
- Seed Funding: Up to Rs. 50 lakhs in seed support, plus introductions to VCs and funding agencies.
- Go-To-Market Support: Dedicated GTM workshops, enterprise introductions, and market-access opportunities.
- IPR and Legal Support: Patent filing assistance, legal guidance, and accounting support.
- Workspace: Access to a 10,000 sq. ft. incubation facility at STPI Nagpur.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Go Premium to view.
Organizers
Overview NERVE CoE (Centre of Entrepreneurship) is a deep technology and Artificial Intelligence incubator set up by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) at its Nagpur IT Park, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected startups join an 18-month equity-based incubation programme at STPI Nagpur with seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh. NERVE CoE takes a nominal equity stake in exchange for the full support stack: dedicated GPU and AI compute, expert mentoring, go-to-market support, IPR & legal assistance, and a 10,000 sq. ft. incubation workspace. Startups also get warm introductions to VCs and funding agencies, enterprise GTM connects, and access to STPI's national ecosystem.
- Duration
- 18 months
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on innovation, team strength, product readiness and market potential. Shortlisted startups pitch to the NERVE CoE jury, where equity terms are discussed openly. Selected startups then sign agreements and onboard to the cohort with access to workspace, GPU infrastructure and the mentor network.
Application Process
- 1
Submit your application
Fill the online application form with team details, product stage and business plan.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
My company is not registered yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. Founders can apply before incorporation. If selected, you must register the entity within 3 months of your selection date.
Will NERVE CoE take equity in my startup?
For high-impact deep tech startups, NERVE CoE follows an equity-based incubation model. The exact stake is discussed during selection and aligned with the level of support; there is no uniform percentage and it is negotiated case by case.
Is the 18-month support period extendable?
Yes. The standard support period is 18 months, extendable by up to 6 months based on requirement and availability of a physical/virtual incubation batch.
Do I have to be based in Nagpur?
The incubation facility is at STPI Nagpur and startups are expected to operate from the CoE during the programme. Any remote or hybrid arrangement is discussed at onboarding.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
