DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program – Applications Invited Online
DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program
About the Program
The DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, in partnership with the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC), IIT Madras, to identify and nurture the most promising deep-tech startups based on STEM research in Indian Universities and Labs. The DST-GDC I-NCUBATE program was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (Independent Charge) in New Delhi on 6th September 2024.
DST was established in May 1971 to promote new areas of Science & Technology and play the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating, and promoting S&T activities in the country. DST’s vision is to continuously shape a seamless science, technology, and innovation ecosystem that is cutting-edge, collaborative, inclusive, relevant, and aligned to India’s national aspirations and priorities and build a vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
GDC is a center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IIT Madras, India’s leading engineering and technology institution. GDC works with faculty, researchers, students, and budding entrepreneurs in STEM colleges across India to enable them to commercialise their research-based ideas and create positive socio-economic outcomes at scale.
The DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program aims to catalyse STEM research and technologies from universities, research labs, and incubators across India by transforming innovations into deep-tech startups that create socio-economic impact at scale. It reflects DST’s and GDC’s deep commitment and shared vision to fostering and amplifying the talents of Indian researchers and startups, creating technology-inspired ventures across multiple domains, and accelerating the path to a developed India.
The first cohort under the DST-GDC Program (a cohort is a batch of about ten startup teams) will start on 8th December 2024 and end on 27th January 2025. A cohort will last for eight calendar weeks.
Who should apply?
- Stage of Evolution: Applicant teams/startups should be at the TRL 3, TRL 4, or TRL 5 stage of technology maturity, with a working prototype or any other acceptable proof of technology. The team should have either founded a startup or should be seriously considering founding a startup and taking their innovation to market.
- Domain: The applicant startup/project team can be from any domain of science and technology and should be basing their startup on an idea that has its roots in their STEM research..
- Team Composition: Each applicant startup/project team must include a Technology expert (a university faculty member, scientist, or a principal investigator at a lab) and at least two entrepreneurs (who could be researchers or students at a university or employees in a lab or corporate). The team members must have been working on the research/innovation together for at least six months before the date of application and be thoroughly familiar with the technologies underlying the innovation.
- Intellectual Property: The startup/project team should have valid registered intellectual property (IP) or have the intent and capability to create IP.
What benefits can you expect by participating?
- Ignite the entrepreneur in you and learn the scientific method of building deep-tech startups
- Prepare to scale up your technology with business mentorship from one of India’s leading entrepreneurship training entities.
- Prepare to scale up your technology with business mentorship from one of India’s leading entrepreneurship training entities.
- Gain exposure to one of India’s leading technology institutions and startup ecosystems
How to apply
1. Application
Click the Application link to start the process. Fill out the Application Form with all required details and submit
2. Interview
Our team will review your submission. If you meet our selection criteria, our selection committee will invite you for an interview.
3. Selection and Onboarding
Upon selection, teams will receive a Selection Letter, and once accepted, they will be onboarded into the cohort.
Interested in participating?
Applications are now OPEN for DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program Cohorts
Enquiry: For further details, please email Program Manager GDC, at [email protected] with any queries/clarifications.
Cohort Details
Duration:
- Each cohort will consist of about ten startups/project teams.
- The boot camp will last for 8 weeks.
Program Mode:
Hybrid Format:
- Initial sessions (3-4 days) will be held in-person at IIT Madras.
- Remaining sessions will be conducted online.
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