Venture Incubation Programme (VIP)
A programme by ARTPARK, IISc Bengaluru
ARTPARK invests in incorporated deep-tech startups with a working prototype and gives them infrastructure at IISc and a path to follow-on capital, for equity.
At a glance
| Best for | Incorporated Indian deep-tech startups with a working prototype and early product-market fit. |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Duration | 12–18 months (one page says 12+, another up to 18) |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Takes equity |
About Venture Incubation Programme (VIP)
VIP is ARTPARK's investment programme for companies that already exist. ARTPARK takes equity and, in return, backs the startup with direct investment, IISc-anchored infrastructure and a route to follow-on capital. The 2026 intake is closed and no date for the next one is announced. One page on the main site calls it the Startup Incubation Program; it is the same investment track.
What you get
- Direct equity investment from ARTPARK
- Infrastructure and workspace at ARTPARK and IISc
- A path to follow-on capital
- You keep all of your intellectual property; ARTPARK takes standard investor rights only
Who can apply
- An Indian-registered private limited company, with DPIIT recognition preferred
- A working prototype at technology readiness level 4 or above, with early signs of product-market fit
- A founding team of two to four people
- Deep-tech in AI, robotics, novel materials, sensors, mechatronics or cyber-physical systems
- Willingness to work mainly from ARTPARK and IISc in Bengaluru
- Not a fit: a company not yet incorporated (apply to TIR), technology below readiness level 4, a priced Series A round or later, an encumbered cap table, or incremental or mainly software products
How selection works: ARTPARK's programme page does not describe a selection process beyond the application.
Terms to note: the instrument is CCPS (compulsorily convertible preference shares) or priced equity on standard terms. The portal gives an indicative dilution that scales with the size of the investment, plus a further share for workspace and infrastructure access.
How to apply: Use the online form on the ARTPARK application portal, with your pitch deck, a demo, your cap table and your team profiles. Email, social media and third-party submissions are not accepted. The 2026 window has closed; ARTPARK's two sites give the closing date as mid-June and later in June.