Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research

Before you apply

• Bring an idea, a team or a startup. The incubator accepts idea-stage and incubation-stage startups.
• Check the APPLY NOW page for the steps. They run from ideation through prescreening and review to an interview with an expert.

How applications work

• Email info.bharathtbi@bharathuniv.ac.in for clarification or to start an application.
• The APPLY NOW page has no online form. Expect the team to ask you to pitch and to present a DPR.

How selection works

• Prescreening and review are done by the TBI team.
• A panel discusses the applications collectively, then an expert from the TBI interviews the team.
• Approval comes from the head of the TBI, followed by terms and conditions and a signed agreement.

Before you sign

• Ask what the agreement covers and whether the incubator takes any equity or charges any fee. The incubator's pages do not state either.

Bharath Technology Business Incubator (Bharath TBI) is the incubator of Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), a To-Be-Deemed University. It is based on the university campus at Agharam Road, Selaiyur, Chennai.

The incubator says it is supported by DST (Department of Science and Technology) and BIHER. It describes itself as a scaled incubator programme that incubates and accelerates start-ups.

Who can apply

The incubator says it is seeking idea-stage startups and incubation-stage startups, plus mentors and experts. Its page lists startups, individuals or teams with innovative ideas, and budding entrepreneurs as eligible. Startups at different stages of development can apply, and applications are open throughout the year.

How the incubator works

An applicant pitches a creative idea to the incubator. Selected incubatees go on to present a detailed project report (DPR), and then the startup is formed. Support includes access to domain mentors and industry experts, and design tools and design support.

Funding

The incubator says it provides funding to eligible startups through grants and through debt or equity investments. It also says it has the support of NIDHI-TBI, DST and the Government of India.

Facilities

The incubator lists co-working space, a dedicated incubation zone, a FAB Lab with laser cutting and 3D printing machines, and a conference room. The campus Innovation and Incubation Cell lists research and development labs, high speed internet and 3D printers.

The incubator is listed under the university's Innovation and Incubation Cell, alongside a second incubator society registered by the university for healthcare and bio-enterprises.