Strengthening incubation centres in underserved regions of India

Incubating Incubators Initiative (iCube)

About the Program

This initiative under NSRCEL’s Ecosystem Capacity Building Vertical and SBI Foundation’s Innovators for Bharat is designed to equip new and existing emerging incubators with localized strategic guidance, contextual program design, training, mentorship, and access to comprehensive and trademarked NSRCEL products and methodologies. Over the years, we aim to support and accelerate the establishment and enhancement of incubation centres in systemically underserved regions of India, including Northeast India, hilly regions, and Tier 2-3 cities.

Over the last year, we’ve gotten the opportunity to initiate our work with 5 incredible incubators across the country. You can find out about them along with other details about the program below. We now welcome our next cohort of incubators: If your incubator could benefit from strategy & design services, training, and access to NSRCEL trademarked products and methodologies, please fill out this interest form below.

Who is Eligible?

Innovation or Incubation Centres (Academic, Corporate, and Industry Bodies)

State Nodal Agencies and other Ecosystem Builders

What to Expect?

STRATEGIC DISCOVERY

Activities

Organization diagnostics study
Need Analysis
Workshop and build the Vision & Mission

Outputs

Discovery Report
Business Model Canvas for the incubator
Risks & Mitigation

CONTEXTUAL DESIGN

Activities

Design different programs based on sector/type/stages
Conduct workshops to co-design the incubation thesis and define outcomes

Outputs

A project plan
Incubation Thesis
Definite outcomes to track

PILOT PROGRAM

Activities

Train the team on different tracks – Marketing, Program Management, Operations and Employee engagement
Oversee the running of pilots for different tracks with 1:1 support

Outputs

A stakeholder map
Customized SoPs
Trained staff on the incubation team

MONITORING & EVALUATION

Activities

Assessment of success metrics and dashboard creation
Program and Process re-design (if needed)
Build a customized strategy roadmap for the future

Outputs

Updated SoPs and best practices
Roadmap for the next 12 to 24 months

Program Outcomes

Attract and nurture high quality founders

Explore different revenue streams and funding sources

Leverage proven methodologies and trained internal teams

Be able to measure your incubation effectiveness

Meet the First Cohort

Frequently asked questions

When should we apply?

To be considered for iCube Cohort-2, please fill in the interest form at the earliest; we will close applications around mid-January.

What will the application process involve?

The process has three stages:
(1) Submit the interest form
(2) After initial screening, an application link will be sent to you
(3) Selected applicants will have an interview with a panel consisting of NSRCEL and SBI Foundation team

Where will the program take place?

The program will be hybrid. Majority of the program will be conducted online with some in-person elements.

How long is this program?

The program duration can range from 12 to 18 months depending on the kind of support and needs of your organization.

Is there a cost attached to this program?

Yes, the cost will depend on the type of service you require, mode of delivery, and other factors. However, if you apply and come to us through the NSRCEL x SBI Foundation’s Incubating Incubators Initiative (iCube) program, the cost will be subsidized by the SBI Foundation.

What is expected of us through this program?

This is a hands-on program. So, if selected your teams will be expected to meet with us (virtually) on a weekly basis.

For the program to be effective, we also expect for you to provide us with details about your institution and access to your networks as we go along.

What if my question is not answered here?

Please write to us at ecosystem@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in