Incubation programme (Pre-Incubation, Virtual, Physical and Incubation Lite)
A programme by Bhau Institute of Innovation
Four incubation models, from idea validation to physical incubation, with mentoring, shared facilities, third-party services and networks.
At a glance
| Best for | Founders at idea, prototype or early startup stage, in Pune or elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – MVP |
| Format | Hybrid |
| Run with | COEP Technological University |
About Incubation programme (Pre-Incubation, Virtual, Physical and Incubation Lite)
The institute's incubation runs in four models. Pre-incubation takes an idea from validation to a detailed business plan. Virtual incubation suits founders who cannot move to Pune, with an in-person review once every 2 months. Physical incubation is selective and intensive. Incubation Lite gives early-stage founders the facilities at a nominal fee while they validate a plan.
What you get
- Mentoring on business, strategy, technology and intellectual property
- Shared offices, meeting rooms, software, machine tools and COEP labs
- Access to third-party legal, marketing, accounting and patenting services
- Introductions to angel, venture and corporate partners
How selection works: Apply on the website, get shortlisted, then pitch your first idea at a selection session before the programme starts.
How to apply: Submit the application form on bhau.org. There is no registration fee to apply.
Where to apply
Other Bhau Institute of Innovation programmes
- AMRUT-BHAU Incubation ProgramA 12-month fellowship for Maharashtra graduates from the targeted groups who turn a technology idea into a startup.
- SARTHI-BHAU Incubation SchemeA 12-month fellowship for Maharashtra graduates from the Maratha and Kunbi communities who turn a technology idea into a startup.
- MahaJyoti-Bhau Incubation ProgramA one-year programme with prototype funding and institute mentoring for OBC, VJ, NT and SBC innovators in Maharashtra. Applications closed on 20 July 2026.
- NIDHI-PRAYASA prototyping grant for young innovators turning an idea into a working prototype, run under the national NIDHI programme.
- NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence)A 12 to 18 month entrepreneur-in-residence fellowship with monthly support for science and engineering graduates. Applications are closed.
- NIDHI-SSP Seed SupportSeed investment for incubated startups, taken as equity under the national NIDHI seed support scheme. The call is closed.
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (via COEP's Bhau Institute)Government seed support for proof of concept, prototypes, product trials and market entry, disbursed through eligible incubators including the institute.
- Siemens-Bhau Entrepreneurship Promotion ProgramA corporate incubation programme with Siemens for startups in AI, AR and VR and machine learning. Applications are closed.