SIDBI Cohort Program – WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre – Up to ₹10 Lakhs

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Mumbai · Maharashtra · India

WISE (Women Innovation Startup Entrepreneurship) SNDTWU Incubation Centre is a Section 8 company hosted by SNDT Women's University in Mumbai, a 109-year-old institution with over 400 affiliated colleges and 85,000 women students. The centre focuses on fostering entrepreneurship…

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Application Process

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Submit Application
Applicants complete and submit the online application form with all required details and documents.
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How to apply

Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.

1
Draft your application
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Line up your documents
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3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the SIDBI Cohort Program?

The program is specifically designed for women-led startups registered as Private Limited Companies in India. A woman founder or co-founder must hold at least 30% equity and be actively involved in the startup's daily operations and strategic decisions. Startups can be at the Idea, Prototype, MVP, or Early Revenue stages, and we welcome innovative business models from any sector.

What kind of funding and support can I expect?

Selected startups can receive non-repayable grant funding of up to ₹10 Lakhs. In addition to funding, the program offers comprehensive incubation support, expert mentorship, business advisory, critical investor connections, market access assistance, and various capacity-building workshops. You'll also gain access to the extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtured by the WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre.

What are the key criteria used for selecting startups?

Applications are rigorously screened based on several key factors: the startup's eligibility as per the women-led and entity type criteria, the innovativeness of the business idea, its potential for scalability, and the overall strength of its business model and team. We look for ventures that can demonstrate a clear path to impact and growth.

Is there a deadline to apply for the program?

Yes, there is a strict application deadline. All applications for the SIDBI Cohort Program must be submitted by 20th July 2026. We encourage applicants to submit their forms well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

What is the application process like?

The application process involves submitting an online application form with accurate and complete information about your startup, your team, and your business model. This initial submission is followed by a screening phase. Shortlisted startups will then be invited to interact with a selection committee, which may involve presentations or interviews, before final selections are made.

Can startups from any sector apply?

Yes, the SIDBI Cohort Program is sector-agnostic. We welcome applications from women-led startups across all industries, provided they present innovative and scalable business models with strong potential. Our focus is on the quality of innovation and the entrepreneurial drive, not specific industry verticals.

The SIDBI Cohort Program, a collaborative initiative between the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre, is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across India. Hosted by the prestigious SNDT Women's University, the WISE Incubation Centre operates as a Section 8 Company, focusing on cultivating innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth within the women-led startup ecosystem. This program specifically targets high-potential women-led startups that demonstrate significant innovation, a clear path to scalability, and robust business potential.

In India, women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and networks. This program is designed to bridge these gaps by providing comprehensive support tailored to the needs of women founders. It aims to not only inject crucial early-stage funding but also to provide the strategic guidance, operational support, and market linkages necessary for these startups to thrive and create substantial impact. By fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, the SIDBI Cohort Program seeks to contribute significantly to economic empowerment and innovation-driven growth spearheaded by women leaders.

The selection process for the SIDBI Cohort Program is designed to identify high-potential women-led startups. Initially, all submitted applications undergo a thorough screening based on predefined eligibility criteria, including the women-led status, equity holding, entity type, and stage of the startup. Beyond basic eligibility, applications are evaluated for the innovativeness of their proposed solution, the scalability of their business model, and the overall strength and experience of the founding team. The business potential and market opportunity are also critical considerations. Shortlisted startups will then be invited to the next stage, which involves interactions with a dedicated selection committee. This phase may include detailed presentations by the founders, in-depth interviews, and Q&A sessions, allowing the committee to gain a deeper understanding of the startup's vision, execution capabilities, and alignment with the program's objectives. Final selections are made based on a comprehensive assessment during these interactions.

SIDBI Cohort Program – WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre

SIDBI Cohort Program – WISE SNDTWU Incubation Centre

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