NDBI Incubation Program

NDBI's main programme, and the only one an outside founder can apply to. It runs 18 months, with a possible six-month extension if NDBI thinks you still need the support. Selected startups sit at either the Ahmedabad or the Bengaluru campus. Intakes are run as cohorts about once a year; the most recent call closed in June 2026, so the programme is currently between intakes.

What you get

• Co-working office space at the Ahmedabad and Bengaluru campuses, furnished and air-conditioned, with a desktop computer, a printer, high-speed internet and design software
• Mentorship from NDBI's panel of mentors, drawn from industry, design practice and academia
• Networking and introductions
• Help with intellectual property, through NID's IPR Cell and outside consultants for patent, copyright and trademark filing
• Access to design labs
• Help with seed funding, and with legal work and company formation

Who can apply

• Any startup registered in India — it is not limited to NID students
• Private limited company, LLP or registered partnership, incorporated not more than 10 years ago
• At least at prototype or MVP stage
• Working on the innovation, development or improvement of a product, process or service, and not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
• Within the turnover ceiling of the Government of India startup definition
• If you are not registered when you are selected, you get three months to finish the formalities
• Design-led ventures are the focus, but NDBI says it also backs others where it can add value and the business can become sustainable

How selection works: you submit the application form linked from NDBI's site. Applications go through a preliminary screening, and shortlisted startups are invited to present their idea and business plan to a selection committee. The committee's recommendation decides the intake.

How to apply: watch the application page on NDBI's site for the next call and fill the form linked there. Questions go to communication.ndbi@nid.edu, or ndbi.bengaluru@nid.edu for the Bengaluru campus. There is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee.