ARK
A programme by IKP Knowledge Park
A year-long venture-building programme for MedTech and HealthTech startups that already have a working prototype.
At a glance
| Best for | MedTech and HealthTech startups with a working prototype |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Free, takes equity |
About ARK
ARK embeds IKP's own specialists inside a MedTech or HealthTech company for a year, working through regulatory, manufacturing and commercialisation together rather than offering advice from the sidelines. It runs across three phases: an opening residential stretch, a period of weekly working sessions, and a longer founder-led build phase where IKP stays on as a partner.
What you get
- Milestone-based capital, released as the programme progresses
- Embedded specialists in regulatory affairs, manufacturing and commercialisation
- Access to clinical and regulatory expertise, including CDSCO, FSSAI and biosafety requirements
- Manufacturing support and design-for-manufacture review
- Access to IKP's SmartFab prototyping infrastructure and legal/finance support
- Curated mentors matched to each startup's specific domain
Who can apply
- MedTech and HealthTech startups only — software and consumer-tech companies are not a fit
- A working proof of concept is required; idea-stage teams should look at Genesis or the Life Sciences Incubator first
How to apply: Reach out to the programme lead directly, or write to ark@ikpknowledgepark.com.
Where to apply
Other IKP Knowledge Park programmes
- GenesisA 12-month venture-building programme that takes early-stage deep science into an investor- and regulator-ready company.
- Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)BIRAC's flagship early-stage biotech grant, run nationally through eight implementation partners including IKP.
- Agri Grand Challenge (AgGC)A two-stage challenge, run with BIRAC, that funds field testing for scalable agri-tech solutions aimed at small and marginal farmers.
- BFI BIOMEA fellowship and kickstarter programme, run with Blockchain For Impact, for idea-stage and validation-stage healthcare innovators.
- Life Sciences Incubator (LSI)IKP's standing resident incubation programme in Hyderabad, offering wet-lab space and life-sciences support.