Startups at Venture Center
Technology incubator at NCL Innovation Park, Pune, for science-based startups and spin-offs from research institutions.
Startups at Venture Center at a glance
| Address | Venture Center, 100 NCL Innovation Park, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune - 411008 |
|---|---|
| Programmes | 9 standing programmes |
| Stages supported | Idea, Prototype |
| Equity | 1 of 2 programmes that state a policy take no equity |
| Official website | venturecenter.co.in |
| frontdesk@venturecenter.co.in |
Which Startups at Venture Center programme fits you
9 programmes compared by who they are for, the stage they accept, how long they run and what they cost.
By stage
- Idea
- Grants
- Prototype
- Grants
| Programme | Best for | Stage | Duration | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Incubation | Startups that want to be based on the NCL Innovation Park campus. | — | — | — | — |
| Virtual Incubation (Associate Incubatee Program) | Research-based science companies not based on the campus. | — | — | — | — |
| Pre-incubation (Ignition and Kickstart) | Early-stage technology projects that may become a startup. | — | — | — | — |
| Lab2Mkt | Technologies from research labs that need a business plan and proof of concept before forming a company. | — | — | — | Takes equity |
| Leap Global Accelerator (NIDHI DST Accelerator) | Deep-tech startups in healthcare, environment and sustainability that want to scale globally. | — | — | — | No equity |
| Investor Readiness Program | Startups preparing to raise funds. | — | — | — | — |
| Seed Investments | Science and technology-led deep-tech startups and inventive enterprises. | — | — | — | — |
| Grants | Idea-stage and prototype-stage innovators, mainly in physical products, biotech and healthcare technology. | Idea – Prototype | — | — | — |
| Fellowships (SIIP, NIDHI-EIR, BFI-BIOME) | Entrepreneurs and innovation fellows, depending on the programme. | — | — | — | — |
Track record
What Startups at Venture Center reports about its portfolio.
The centre's pages give two different counts of the startups it has supported, so this page quotes the 2024 figure from its history page and does not reconcile them.
All figures self-reported — venturecenter.co.in, as of 2024.
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Startups at Venture Center, separate from the funding calls above.
Most programmes list no intake date. Check the programme pages before you apply, and check the status of the Leap Global batch.
Resident Incubation
IncubationOn-campus incubation at NCL Innovation Park with office or lab space, mentoring and shared facilities.
Best for: Startups that want to be based on the NCL Innovation Park campus.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Resident incubation gives startups office, lab or desk space at NCL Innovation Park, along with mentoring, library membership and access to the centre's facilities.
What you get
- Expert mentoring and one-to-one guidance
- Office space from 175 to 300 sq ft, or lab space modules of 300 sq ft
- Plug-and-play desk space in a shared office
- Discounted access to NCL's analytical services
How to apply: Write to managerincubator@venturecenter.co.in. Eligibility and selection guidelines are published by the centre.
For research-based science companies that are not physically located on the Venture Center premises.
Best for: Research-based science companies not based on the campus.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Associate Incubatee Program is for science-led companies that are not based on the premises. Start-ups, individuals, existing organisations planning a new venture, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations can apply, provided the business is research-based and relatively early stage.
Resident incubatees cannot join this programme.
How to apply: Write to managerincubator@venturecenter.co.in.
Pre-incubation (Ignition and Kickstart)
IncubationTwo pre-incubation tracks for early technology projects: Ignition for technology readiness and Kickstart for business planning.
Best for: Early-stage technology projects that may become a startup.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Ignition focuses on technology readiness. Kickstart emphasises business planning and market entry. Both help a project with commercial potential move toward a startup, with technology and IP assessment, proof-of-concept planning, business plan mentoring and soft pitching to investors.
Who can apply: early-stage technology projects with substantial commercial potential, preferably with a provisional patent filed, and a key team member committed to starting a company.
How to apply: Write to frontdesk@venturecenter.co.in.
Lab2Mkt
IncubationA three-stage programme that takes a research invention to a spin-off company, with Venture Center taking an equity stake.
Best for: Technologies from research labs that need a business plan and proof of concept before forming a company.
- Takes equity
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Lab2Mkt covers technology and IP due diligence, risk identification and a proof-of-concept plan, a commercialisation strategy, then seed funding, incorporation and building the team. Venture Center works with angels, venture capitalists, domain experts and government funders along the way. It takes an equity stake in the spin-off in exchange for taking on business risk.
How to apply: Write to lab2mkt@venturecenter.co.in.
A six-month, equity-free, cohort-based accelerator for deep-tech startups in healthcare, environment and sustainability.
Best for: Deep-tech startups in healthcare, environment and sustainability that want to scale globally.
- No equity
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Leap Global is supported by DST NIDHI. It helps deep-tech startups use mentoring, networks and expertise to scale internationally, and it focuses on opening up markets beyond India.
How to apply: Write to managerincubator@venturecenter.co.in.
Investor Readiness Program
AcceleratorA 24-week programme to prepare startups for fundraising, ending in a pitch showcase for investors.
Best for: Startups preparing to raise funds.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The programme combines tailored mentoring with access to the Venture Center ecosystem, and ends with a startup showcase for pitching to investors.
Seed Investments
FundEarly-stage seed investment in science and deep-tech startups, through the seed funds the centre lists.
Best for: Science and technology-led deep-tech startups and inventive enterprises.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Venture Center says it wants to fuel the growth of science-led startups from the ground up. It invests through seed funds that include government schemes, and it expects to support investees through later investment rounds. Investees can also join the Venture Center community and its network.
Who can apply: science and technology-led deep-tech startups and inventive enterprises. Check the pitch deck guidelines published on the site.
Grants
Grant schemeGrant schemes listed for idea-stage and prototype work, including NIDHI-PRAYAS for prototype development.
Best for: Idea-stage and prototype-stage innovators, mainly in physical products, biotech and healthcare technology.
- Idea – Prototype
- Grant support for selected startups
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The centre lists grant schemes for idea-stage entrepreneurs with a physical product who need prototyping support, and for biotech and healthcare technology projects. Schemes are run by the funding bodies named on the page, and eligibility is set by those schemes.
Fellowships (SIIP, NIDHI-EIR, BFI-BIOME)
FellowshipThree fellowship programmes: the Social Innovation Immersion Programme, NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence and the BFI-BIOME Fellowship.
Best for: Entrepreneurs and innovation fellows, depending on the programme.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
The Social Innovation Immersion Programme, supported by DBT-BIRAC under the SPARSH scheme, focuses on sustainable ventures that address societal problems. The NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence programme, supported by DST, helps entrepreneurs turn knowledge-based ideas into startups. The BFI-BIOME Fellowship builds a cohort of innovation fellows working on healthcare problems.
Incubation tracks
Startups at Venture Center runs a virtual track, so you can join without relocating.
Resident and virtual incubation differ on campus access. Pre-incubation is for projects before a company exists.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident IncubationOffice space; lab space modules of 300 sq ft are also offered. | Resident incubation | 175–300 sq ft | high speed internet, basic utilities, parking, security |
| Virtual Incubation (Associate Incubatee Program)For science-based companies not located on the premises. | Virtual incubation | — | — |
| Pre-incubation (Ignition and Kickstart)Ignition for technology readiness, Kickstart for business planning. | Pre-incubation | — | — |
| Leap Global AcceleratorSix-month, equity-free, cohort-based accelerator for deep-tech startups. | Acceleration | — | — |
| FellowshipsSIIP, NIDHI-EIR and BFI-BIOME fellowship programmes. | Fellowship | — | — |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Most facilities are at NCL Innovation Park. Analytical services are provided through the host institute at a discount.
Office space at NCL Innovation Park
Offices from 175 to 300 sq ft, and dedicated full-service offices.
Plug-and-play desk space
Desk space in a shared office for resident incubatees.
Lab space modules
300 sq ft modules with fume hoods, for biotech and science startups.
MedTech Cleanroom
Cleanroom facility for medtech startups.
Protoshop Design & Simulation Lab
Design and simulation lab for prototyping.
Analytical and measurement support
Access via CSIR-NCL
Resident startups get a 50% discount on NCL's analytical services.
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Mentoring and IP support are listed for members.
IP & patents
IP services, available with library membership under the associate programme.
Business advisory
Advisory and mentor support, including one-to-one mentoring for resident incubatees.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
Recognitions listed on the centre's own history and about pages.
Approved incubator of DST-NSTEDB
Approved by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board of the Department of Science and Technology.
NIDHI Centre of Excellence
Selected by DST as a NIDHI Centre of Excellence.
BIRAC BioNest
Recognised as a BIRAC BioNest centre.
How to apply to Startups at Venture Center
Choosing the right route
- Still at idea or prototype stage with a technology project? Pre-incubation (Ignition or Kickstart) is for early technology projects with commercial potential, preferably with a provisional patent filed.
- Research invention from a lab? Lab2Mkt takes technologies through a three-stage process to a spin-off, and Venture Center takes an equity stake in the company.
- Ready to work from the NCL Innovation Park campus? Resident incubation gives office, lab or desk space, with mentoring and facilities.
- Not on the campus? The virtual Associate Incubatee Program is for research-based science companies that are not physically located there.
How applications work
- Write to the enquiry address for the programme you want.
- Resident incubation has published eligibility and selection guidelines, so read those before you apply.
What reviewers look for
- A research-based business with a clear technology.
- Companies that are relatively early stage, with ethical and environmental, health and safety considerations addressed.
About Startups at Venture Center
Venture Center is a technology business incubator for science and technology startups. It is run by Entrepreneurship Development Center, a Section 8 company set up as an initiative of the CSIR National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), and works from NCL Innovation Park in Pune, Maharashtra.
Venture Center says it is sector agnostic, with its strengths in science-based technologies. It focuses on inventive enterprises and spin-offs from R&D institutions, and it describes itself as a place where know-how providers, entrepreneurs and financiers can meet and form business teams.
Programmes
Venture Center runs resident and virtual incubation, pre-incubation, a spin-out commercialisation programme, an equity-free accelerator for deep-tech startups, an investor readiness programme, seed investments, grant listings and three fellowships. The resident and virtual tracks are the core incubation offers. Pre-incubation covers early technology projects, with Ignition for technology readiness and Kickstart for business planning and market entry. Lab2Mkt takes technologies from research labs and works with them until a company is formed, and Venture Center takes an equity stake in the spin-off.
The Leap Global Accelerator is a six-month, equity-free, cohort-based programme for deep-tech startups in healthcare, environment and sustainability. It is supported by DST NIDHI. The Investor Readiness Program is a 24-week programme that ends with a pitch showcase for investors.
Facilities and support
Resident incubatees get office space from 175 to 300 square feet, lab space modules of 300 square feet with fume hoods, and plug-and-play desk space in a shared office. Services include one-to-one mentoring, library membership, a MedTech cleanroom, the Protoshop design and simulation lab, and discounted access to NCL's analytical services. Associate members get advisory and mentor support with library and IP services membership.
Who it is for
Venture Center supports inventive enterprises and spin-offs from research institutions. Resident incubation is for companies based at the NCL Innovation Park campus. The virtual Associate Incubatee Program is for research-based science companies that are not on the premises. Start-ups, individuals and existing organisations planning a new venture can apply, and social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations are also eligible. Resident incubatees cannot join the virtual programme.
Track record
Venture Center's history page says it has supported 900 or more entrepreneurs as of 2024. Its home page gives a different count of startups, over 750 since its founding, so the two figures are not reconciled here. The history page also says 11 spinout companies have emerged from NCL. The organisation lists national and international recognition, including the AABI Incubator of the Year award for 2018, and it is recognised as a DST NIDHI Centre of Excellence and a BIRAC BioNest centre.
How to apply
Send enquiries to the front desk at frontdesk@venturecenter.co.in. Resident incubation enquiries go to managerincubator@venturecenter.co.in, and Lab2Mkt enquiries go to lab2mkt@venturecenter.co.in. Resident incubation has published eligibility and selection guidelines, and the site lists pricing policies and a letter of intent policy for resident services.
Get in touch
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Who they work with
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Frequently asked questions about Startups at Venture Center
What is Startups at Venture Center?
Startups at Venture Center is an incubator based in Pune, Maharashtra.
What does Startups at Venture Center do?
Venture Center is a technology business incubator for science and technology startups. It is run by Entrepreneurship Development Center, a Section 8 company set up as an initiative of the CSIR National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), and works from NCL Innovation Park in Pune, Maharashtra.
Where is Startups at Venture Center located?
Startups at Venture Center is located at Venture Center, 100 NCL Innovation Park, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune - 411008.
What programs does Startups at Venture Center run?
Startups at Venture Center runs Resident Incubation, Virtual Incubation (Associate Incubatee Program), Pre-incubation (Ignition and Kickstart) and Lab2Mkt, among others.
Which Startups at Venture Center programme should I apply to?
It depends on how far along your startup is. Idea stage: Grants. Prototype stage: Grants. Check the programme's own eligibility before applying — several programmes are sector-specific.
Does Startups at Venture Center take equity?
It depends on the programme. Leap Global Accelerator (NIDHI DST Accelerator) take no equity, while Lab2Mkt takes equity.
Does Startups at Venture Center provide funding?
Selected startups in some Startups at Venture Center programmes can receive grant support, including Grants. 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 Startups at Venture Center offer?
Startups at Venture Center offers Office space at NCL Innovation Park, Plug-and-play desk space, Lab space modules, MedTech Cleanroom and Protoshop Design & Simulation Lab. Incubatees also get access to Analytical and measurement support through its host institution.
Is Startups at Venture Center government recognised?
Startups at Venture Center holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Approved incubator of DST-NSTEDB, NIDHI Centre of Excellence and BIRAC BioNest.
How do I apply to Startups at Venture Center?
- Still at idea or prototype stage with a technology project? Pre-incubation (Ignition or Kickstart) is for early technology projects with commercial potential, preferably with a provisional patent filed. - Research invention from a lab? Lab2Mkt takes technologies through a three-stage process to a spin-off, and Venture Center takes an equity stake in the company.
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