NSRCEL Campus Founders Programme by IIM Bangalore
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Quick Answer
Incubation for student entrepreneurs and recent graduates with prototype or early traction.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore
- Application deadline
- —
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The NSRCEL Campus Founders Programme is an incubation initiative specifically designed for student entrepreneurs and recent graduates from across India. It is run by NSRCEL, the entrepreneurship centre at IIM Bangalore, which is renowned for fostering innovation and supporting early-stage ventures. As a privately and philanthropically backed entity, NSRCEL has a strong track record of nurturing startups across various sectors, including those supported through CSR and corporate-funded programs. This specific Campus Founders Programme leverages NSRCEL's extensive experience and network to guide the next generation of student and recent graduate entrepreneurs.
This program guides founders through a structured multi-stage journey, providing intensive support from prototype development and validation to achieving early growth. The curriculum is designed to impart essential entrepreneurial skills, strategic thinking, and market understanding, ensuring participants are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of startup creation and scaling.
The program offers potential funding support in the form of grants up to ₹5 lakh. This non-dilutive grant-in-aid is awarded to up to three promising ventures that successfully reach Phase 2 of the incubation journey. The financial support is intended to help these ventures scale their validated prototypes and advance their market entry strategies, providing crucial non-dilutive capital at an early stage. Beyond monetary grants, participants gain access to a comprehensive startup toolkit, which includes valuable discounts and credits from prominent partners such as AWS, RazorpayX, Stripe, and Zoho, significantly reducing initial operational costs. The program also provides extensive networking opportunities through NSRCEL's broad alumni and mentor ecosystem, facilitating valuable connections for business development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. Furthermore, founders benefit from structured peer learning sessions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among cohort members from various sectors to address common challenges and accelerate collective growth.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
NSRCEL, the NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning, is the startup incubator of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). It began in December 1999 as the institute's hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, set up with the support of N. S. Raghavan, a…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The program provides a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹5 lakh for up to three promising ventures reaching Phase 2. Additionally, participants receive a startup toolkit with discounts and credits from partners like AWS, RazorpayX, Stripe, and Zoho. Comprehensive support includes access to NSRCEL's alumni and mentor network, peer learning, and a structured multi-stage incubation journey.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 12 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process begins with an initial screening of applications, followed by group discussion rounds and individual interviews. Candidates are evaluated on innovation quality, entrepreneurial intent, and potential for impact. Final selection is communicated after due diligence, with selected founders onboarded into the campus-based program at IIM Bangalore.
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the NSRCEL Campus Founders Programme?
The program is open to current undergraduate/postgraduate students or recent graduates (less than 1 year since graduation) from any academic discipline across PAN India. Applicants must have a working prototype.
What kind of funding is offered through this program?
Up to ₹5 lakh in non-dilutive grant-in-aid is available for up to three promising ventures that successfully reach Phase 2 of the incubation journey.
What is the duration and format of the program?
The total program duration ranges from 3 to 12 months, depending on the venture's stage and progress. It follows a hybrid format, including virtual sessions and occasional physical events/meetups.
Is the program restricted to specific sectors or geographies?
No, the program is sector-agnostic, welcoming innovative ideas from any industry. It is open to founders from across PAN India.
What is the selection process for the NSRCEL Campus Founders Programme?
The selection process involves initial screening for eligibility, a telephonic interview, a pitch presentation to a mentor panel, a final program-fit assessment, and onboarding to the Foundational Pre-Incubation Phase.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
