The Pioneer Incubator

The Pioneer Incubator was set up in the university on 27 September 2019 with the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, under the state's Chief Minister's Start-up / Innovation Projects / New Industries Scheme. No intake window, batch number or deadline is published, so the route reads as open rather than cohort-based.

What you get

• Workspace on the Hamirpur campus
• Mentorship
• Funding support (terms are not published — ask)
• Networking opportunities
• Legal and accounting support
• Marketing and branding help
• Idea validation, business development, technical support, and training and workshops

Who can apply

• Residents of India — the cell states it is open to all of them, not only to university students or Himachal Pradesh residents
• People with an innovative idea, as well as early-stage startups
• Ventures with potential to scale and to have positive impact
• No incorporation requirement is stated

How selection works: a selection committee reviews the proposals that come in, shortlists, and invites shortlisted applicants for an interview. Once in, startups are monitored against milestones with regular feedback, and graduate out of the cell when they reach financial stability and scaling milestones. Graduates are encouraged to return as mentors.

How to apply: send a business plan or project proposal setting out the idea, the market potential and your team's capabilities. There is no online application form. Incubation queries go to cputec@cpuh.edu.in. The incubator states that members' ideas and business plans are kept confidential and are not disclosed to third parties without consent.