MahaJyoti-Bhau Incubation Program
A programme by Bhau Institute, COEP
A one-year programme for OBC, VJ, NT and SBC entrepreneurs in Maharashtra with a technology-based idea. The last intake has closed.
At a glance
| Best for | OBC, VJ, NT and SBC entrepreneurs in Maharashtra |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
| Run with | MahaJyoti |
About MahaJyoti-Bhau Incubation Program
MahaJyoti-Bhau supports aspiring entrepreneurs from the OBC, VJ, NT and SBC categories in Maharashtra who hold a valid Non-Creamy Layer Certificate. MahaJyoti provides the financial assistance and Bhau provides the mentoring, incubation and business guidance. The last stated deadline has passed, so treat it as between intakes and check the programme page before planning around it. Its focus sectors are IoT and AI or machine learning, cyber security, EV and smart mobility, healthcare technologies, grassroots innovation, renewable energy, agritech, food tech, edtech and sustainable innovation.
What you get
- Monthly financial assistance for up to a year, released against your progress reports and Bhau's recommendation
- Twelve months of incubation support, expert mentoring and business development assistance
Who can apply
- Residents of Maharashtra from the OBC, VJ, NT or SBC category with a valid Non-Creamy Layer Certificate
- You need a Maharashtra domicile certificate, caste certificate, caste validity certificate and non-creamy layer certificate; incomplete applications are not considered
- You need a technology-based innovative startup idea, and must build a prototype and turn it into a startup within one year
- You must work full time on the startup, attend the mentorship and evaluation sessions, submit periodic progress reports, and not take assistance under any other MahaJyoti scheme during the programme
How selection works: a maximum of ten innovators are selected.
How to apply: apply online through the MahaJyoti and Bhau Institute websites using the link on the programme page, when the next call opens.
Where to apply
Other Bhau Institute, COEP programmes
- Pre-IncubationAn entry track for students and first-time founders who are still working out whether their idea holds up.
- Physical IncubationThe selective, intensive on-site incubation track with structured training, targeted mentoring and funding support.
- Virtual IncubationIncubation for startups that cannot take, or do not want, space in the building.
- Corporate IncubationCustom programmes where a company uses Bhau as its external innovation and startup-creation arm, including a CSR route.
- NIDHI PRAYASA prototyping grant for individual innovators turning a new idea into a working prototype, run under the Department of Science & Technology's NIDHI umbrella.
- NIDHI EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence)A fellowship that lets a graduate or experienced professional work full time on a technology business idea instead of taking a job. Between intakes — the last call is closed.
- NIDHI Seed SupportEquity investment for startups already incubated at Bhau that need capital to bridge development and commercialization. Between intakes — the last call is closed.
- Startup India Seed Fund SchemeNational seed funding for proof of concept, prototype, product trials, market entry and commercialization, disbursed through Bhau as an implementing incubator.
- SARTHI-Bhau Incubation ProgramA twelve-month fellowship for Maharashtra graduates from the Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi and Kunbi-Maratha communities building a technology business.
- AMRUT-Bhau Incubation ProgramA twelve-month fellowship for Maharashtra graduates from the economically weaker section of the open category.
- Siemens Bhau Entrepreneurship Promotion ProgramA corporate incubation programme run with Siemens. Applications are closed.