MIT WPU TBI
MIT World Peace University
Technology Business Incubator of MIT World Peace University in Pune, offering physical and virtual incubation and seed funding to startups.
MIT WPU TBI at a glance
| Part of | MIT World Peace University |
|---|---|
| Established | 2016 |
| Address | S.No.124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038 |
| Programmes | 4 standing programmes |
| Official website | mitwpu.edu.in/innovation/mit-tbi |
| info@mittbi.org |
Which MIT WPU TBI programme fits you
4 programmes compared by who they are for, the stage they accept, how long they run and what they cost.
| Programme | Best for | Stage | Duration | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIT TBI Physical Incubation | Product and service-based startups that need office space and labs | — | — | In person | — |
| MIT TBI Virtual Incubation | Service-based startups that want remote support | — | — | Online | — |
| MIT TBI Seed Funding (Startups India Seed Fund Scheme) | Early-stage startups selected by the TBI | — | — | — | — |
| CBIE Startup Accelerator (Launchpad) | Early-stage startups that want investor connections and fundraising help | — | — | — | Takes equity |
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at MIT WPU TBI, separate from the funding calls above.
MIT TBI Physical Incubation
IncubationOffice and cubicle space, labs and workshops for product and service-based startups.
Best for: Product and service-based startups that need office space and labs
- In person
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Physical incubation is for product and service-based startups that need a workspace. The TBI offers office and cubicle space in a dedicated facility, with access to labs and workshops.
What you get
- Office and cubicle space in a dedicated facility
- Access to labs and workshops
Who can apply
- Product and service-based startup companies. The TBI says it supports early-stage entrepreneurs, including students, as well as experienced startups.
How to apply: Use the 'Apply for Incubation' link on the TBI page. The site does not show an intake deadline.
MIT TBI Virtual Incubation
IncubationRemote mentoring, fundraising support and virtual services for service-based startups.
Best for: Service-based startups that want remote support
- Online
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Virtual incubation gives service-based startups remote support without a desk at the TBI.
What you get
- Mentoring
- Fundraising support
- Access to all virtual services of the TBI
Who can apply
- Service-based startup companies.
How to apply: Use the 'Apply for Incubation' link on the TBI page. The site does not show an intake deadline.
A grant and soft loan for selected startups under the Startups India Seed Fund Scheme.
Best for: Early-stage startups selected by the TBI
- Grant support for selected startups
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The TBI says it is actively providing grants and seed funding to select startups under the Startups India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). The grant is paired with a soft loan. The site does not state amounts, selection criteria or dates.
Who can apply
- Startups the TBI selects. The site does not list eligibility rules.
How to apply: The site does not describe a separate application route. Ask the TBI about the current call.
CBIE Startup Accelerator (Launchpad)
AcceleratorFundraising and investor-connection support for early-stage startups, run by the university's Centre for Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Applications are closed.
Best for: Early-stage startups that want investor connections and fundraising help
- Takes equity
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Centre for Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CBIE) runs a startup accelerator that connects early-stage startups to investors, HNIs and venture capitalists. It supports fundraising for 3 to 4 rounds or a Series A, with guidance on pitch decks, financials and go-to-market strategy, and fortnightly or monthly operational review calls.
What it takes
- The centre takes 9% sweat equity upfront, which covers seed funding, fundraising and go-to-market strategy.
- It charges an investment banking fee of 5% for the fundraise.
- The centre states that an initial fund for startups comes as a grant from MIT WPU Startup Incubation, a Section 8 company.
Who can apply
- Early-stage startups seeking investor connections.
How to apply: The application form is no longer accepting responses. Check the centre for the next intake.
Incubation tracks
MIT WPU TBI runs a virtual track, so you can join without relocating.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical incubationFor product and service-based startup companies. | Resident incubation | — | office and cubicle space, access to labs and workshops |
| Virtual incubationRemote incubation support for service-based startup companies. | Virtual incubation | — | mentoring, fundraising support, access to virtual services |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Co-working office space
Co-working office spaces inside the TBI's 11,000 square foot facility on the MIT-WPU campus in Kothrud.
Rapid prototyping lab
Composite 3D printing for carbon fibre parts, plus design and machining facilities for commercial use.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
Recognised Technology Business Incubator (Government of India, DST)
The TBI states it is recognised as a Technology Business Incubator by the Government of India and operates with the support of the Department of Science and Technology.
How to apply to MIT WPU TBI
Choosing the right route
- For a workspace and lab access, look at physical incubation. It suits product and service-based startups.
- For remote support, look at virtual incubation. It suits service-based startups.
- For funding, the TBI links seed funding to selected startups under SISFS. Selection criteria are not on the site.
- For investor connections, the related centre's accelerator is currently closed.
How to apply
- Use the 'Apply for Incubation' link on the TBI page. The form requires a sign-in, so check that the intake is open before you start.
- Ask the TBI whether founders from outside MIT-WPU can apply, because the site does not say.
What reviewers look for
- The site does not publish selection criteria for incubation or seed funding.
About MIT WPU TBI
MIT-WPU Technology Business Incubator (MIT TBI) is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of MIT World Peace University in Pune. It was established in 2016 and says it is recognised as a Technology Business Incubator by the Government of India, operating with the support of the Department of Science and Technology.
What the TBI offers
The TBI offers physical incubation for product and service-based startups, with office and cubicle space and access to labs and workshops. It also offers virtual incubation for service-based startups, with mentoring, fundraising support and remote access to its services. Selected startups can receive a grant and soft loan under the Startups India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
Who can apply
The TBI says it supports early-stage entrepreneurs, including students, as well as experienced startups. Its incubation space is aimed at startups founded by students, and MIT-WPU students and alumni are offered a one-year waiver on office rent. The site does not say whether founders from outside the university may apply, so ask the TBI before applying.
The campus and facilities
The TBI is on the MIT World Peace University campus in Pune's Kothrud area, with 11,000 square feet of dedicated space. The space includes co-working office space and a rapid prototyping lab offering composite 3D printing, design and machining.
Recognition and donations
The TBI says it is registered for CSR activities and approved under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, so it can receive CSR funds and donors can claim tax benefits. It also lists startups it works with, including Agrofix, Vashi, Virra Engineers, Wega Labs, Wissenkraft Labs and Zerton Education Technologies.
Related centre
The university's Centre for Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship runs a separate startup accelerator that connects early-stage startups to investors. Its application form is currently closed.
Get in touch
Send a message to MIT WPU TBI — we'll forward it on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions about MIT WPU TBI
What is MIT WPU TBI?
MIT WPU TBI is an incubator based in Pune, Maharashtra.
What does MIT WPU TBI do?
MIT-WPU Technology Business Incubator (MIT TBI) is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of MIT World Peace University in Pune. It was established in 2016 and says it is recognised as a Technology Business Incubator by the Government of India, operating with the support of the Department of Science and Technology.
Where is MIT WPU TBI located?
MIT WPU TBI is located at S.No.124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038.
What programs does MIT WPU TBI run?
MIT WPU TBI runs MIT TBI Physical Incubation, MIT TBI Virtual Incubation, MIT TBI Seed Funding (Startups India Seed Fund Scheme) and CBIE Startup Accelerator (Launchpad).
Does MIT WPU TBI provide funding?
Selected startups in some MIT WPU TBI programmes can receive grant support, including MIT TBI Seed Funding (Startups India Seed Fund Scheme). Grant amounts are set per programme and cohort, and selection into a programme does not guarantee a grant — check the programme's own page for current terms.
What facilities does MIT WPU TBI offer?
MIT WPU TBI offers Co-working office space and Rapid prototyping lab.
Is MIT WPU TBI government recognised?
MIT WPU TBI holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Recognised Technology Business Incubator (Government of India, DST).
How do I apply to MIT WPU TBI?
- For a workspace and lab access, look at physical incubation. It suits product and service-based startups. - For remote support, look at virtual incubation. It suits service-based startups. - For funding, the TBI links seed funding to selected startups under SISFS. Selection criteria are not on the site. - For investor connections, the related centre's accelerator is currently closed.
When was MIT WPU TBI founded?
MIT WPU TBI was founded in 2016. It is an incubator.
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