Deshpande Startups
Deshpande Foundation
DST-recognized Technology Business Incubator in Hubli, Karnataka, empowering Tier II and III city entrepreneurs with seed funding, co-working space, and mentorship.
Deshpande Startups at a glance
| Part of | Deshpande Foundation |
|---|---|
| Established | 2016 |
| Address | Hubli, Karnataka, India |
| Programmes | 9 standing programmes |
| Official website | deshpandestartups.org |
Programs by Deshpande Startups
2 past programs · Filter all programs
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Deshpande Startups, separate from the funding calls above.
YUVA Entrepreneurship Program
ProgrammeTurn your ideas into action. Learn, experiment, and launch your first venture with hands-on mentoring and real-world exposure.
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Ideal for: Student entrepreneurs
Grind2Growth
ProgrammeA 6-month entrepreneurship development program for committed founders from North Karnataka.
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Ideal for: Early-stage or pre-revenue startups
MeitY EIR
FellowshipGet up to ₹10 lakh and incubation support to help you take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
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Ideal for: Early-stage or pre-revenue startups
NIDHI EIR
FellowshipEntrepreneur-in-Residence support to help you take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
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Ideal for: Founders transitioning from prototype to startup
NIDHI PRAYAS
Grant schemeGet funding and lab access to convert your innovative idea into a working prototype.
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Ideal for: Innovators and early-stage tech founders
MeitY GENESIS Pilot
IncubationSupport for startups using technology to solve Bharat-centric challenges.
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Ideal for: Startups addressing social and rural challenges
SISFS
Grant schemeFinancial support and strategic guidance for startups aiming for next-level growth.
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Ideal for: Startups looking for seed funding and visibility
Bridge2Bharat Hubballi
PlatformA unique platform connecting Bharat-focused startups to markets, corporates, and opportunities.
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Ideal for: Startups seeking market expansion and partnerships
MeitY Matching Fund
Grant schemeContribution of up to ₹50 Lakhs to startups from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities that have raised capital from investors.
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GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) is MeitY s flagship initiative designed to boost startup growth in India s emerging cities. This matching fund program provides up to ₹50 Lakhs to qualifying startups, helping bridge the funding gap and accelerate their journey from idea to market success. Deshpande Startups proudly partners with this initiative. Eligibility Criteria: Registered Indian Private Limited Company (min. 51% Indian ownership), Based in Tier-II or Tier-III city, Valid DPIIT certificate holder, Tech-based product/software in Deep-tech, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, IoT, Blockchain, Fintech, Ed-tech, or Health-tech, Market-ready product (ideally revenue-generating), Preference to startups with granted patents, No legal disputes, 1:1 equity matching grant up to ₹50 Lakhs, based on private (non-government) capital raised, Not previously supported under TIDE 2.0 (Scale up) or Samridh schemes. Only investor funding counts toward the matching criteria. Government grants and schemes are excluded from the matching calculation. You must have actually received the institutional funds in your bank account. Commitments or signed agreements without fund transfer don t qualify. Registration in a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city is mandatory for eligibility.
Incubation tracks
The routes into Deshpande Startups, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IncubationWe charge equity of 2%. | Resident incubation | — | Comprehensive guidance and resources for startups past the prototyping stage, Ecosystem support provides technical and business services, mentoring, and research assistance, Specialised labs, prototyping, and batch production facilities for product development, Networking events, dialogues, and connections with potential partners and investors, Founder-focused 1-1 mentorship, Fundraising Support, Access to Rural ecosystem through the Deshpande Foundation, Access to the Startup community of the Deshpande Startups ecosystem, Access to partners (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Notion, Dell, Mathworks, and more), World-class Infrastructure |
| AccelerationWe charge equity of 2%. | Acceleration | — | Business training modules focused on rapid growth and productivity enhancement, Mentorship and guidance for business promotion strategies and marketing plans, Networking opportunities with peers, and identifying partnerships for accelerated growth, Interface sessions with potential investors, funding sources, and financial institutions for funding prospects, Market Access & Scale-Up Support, Fundraising Support, Founder Focused Learning Labs, Peer to Peer Learning, Startup Toolkit, Networking Opportunities |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Mechanical Lab
ESDM Lab
Electronics Lab
Co-Working Spaces
Dedicated Office Spaces
Prototyping Spaces
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
About Deshpande Startups
Deshpande Startups, formally known as the Foundation for Sandbox Startup Initiatives (FSSI), is a DST-recognized Technology Business Incubator based in Hubballi, Karnataka. Established in 2016 as a Section 8 not-for-profit, it is affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and supported by K-Tech, Government of Karnataka.
Founded on the vision of the Deshpande Foundation (established in 1996 by Dr. Gururaj and Jaishree Deshpande), the incubator focuses on empowering Tier II and Tier III city entrepreneurs with seed funding, co-working space, mentoring, network support, technology assistance, and go-to-market strategies. The program is sector-agnostic, providing government funding, expert mentorship, and market access tailored for opportunities beyond metro cities.
Deshpande Startups has supported and nurtured more than 80 startups and over 100 early-stage entrepreneurs.
Who Benefits
Early-stage entrepreneurs and startup founders in Tier II and III cities of Karnataka and neighboring states seeking affordable incubation, seed funding, and mentorship outside major metro ecosystems.
Who they work with
Stage
Sectors
Technology
Tags
Frequently asked questions about Deshpande Startups
What does Deshpande Startups do?
Deshpande Startups, formally known as the Foundation for Sandbox Startup Initiatives (FSSI), is a DST-recognized Technology Business Incubator based in Hubballi, Karnataka.
Where is Deshpande Startups located?
Deshpande Startups is based in Hubli, Karnataka, India.
What programs does Deshpande Startups run?
Deshpande Startups runs YUVA Entrepreneurship Program, Grind2Growth, MeitY EIR and NIDHI EIR, among others.
What sectors does Deshpande Startups support?
Deshpande Startups works with startups in Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Education and Social Impact.
What stage of startup does Deshpande Startups support?
Deshpande Startups supports startups at the Ideation, Validation and Early Revenue stages.
What facilities does Deshpande Startups offer?
Deshpande Startups offers Mechanical Lab, ESDM Lab, Electronics Lab, Co-Working Spaces, Dedicated Office Spaces and Prototyping Spaces.
Is Deshpande Startups government recognised?
Deshpande Startups holds the following recognitions and affiliations: MeitY Partner, DPIIT SISFS Program and NIDHI supported.
When was Deshpande Startups founded?
Deshpande Startups was founded in 2016. It operates as a ngo / foundation.
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