Virtual Incubation
A programme by Bhau Institute, COEP
Incubation for startups that cannot take, or do not want, space in the building.
At a glance
| Best for | Founders outside Pune who want mentoring without a desk |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – MVP |
| Format | Online |
| Cost | No equity |
About Virtual Incubation
Virtual Incubation exists for companies that do not get space at the facility or choose not to have a physical desk but still want the incubation programming. The institute is explicit that you do not have to move to Pune for it, and that most business and technical mentoring happens remotely.
What you get
- Mentoring on business opportunity validation
- Access to training programmes
- Limited access to networking events
Who can apply
- Founders based outside Pune or unable to commit to a desk
How selection works: the same route as the other incubation tracks — a form, then a first idea pitch, then selection.
How to apply: submit the application form on the institute's website. Plan for being physically present for a detailed review once every two months, at investor events, and at specific technical and business training and workshops.
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.
- 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.
- MahaJyoti-Bhau Incubation ProgramA one-year programme for OBC, VJ, NT and SBC entrepreneurs in Maharashtra with a technology-based idea. The last intake has closed.
- Siemens Bhau Entrepreneurship Promotion ProgramA corporate incubation programme run with Siemens. Applications are closed.