Incubating Incubators
Initiative (i-Cube)

Strengthening incubation centres in underserved regions of India

In partnership with

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.

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

Leverage proven methodologies and trained internal teams

Explore different revenue streams and funding sources

Be able to measure your incubation effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we apply?

Applications for the upcoming cohort have now closed. Please register your interest here to receive notifications about the next cohort.

You can also schedule a call with our team by writing to ecosystem@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in to understand how else we might be able to support your incubator.

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 18 to 24 months depending on the kind of support and needs of your organization.

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.

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 (i-Cube) program, the cost will be subsidized by the SBI Foundation.

What if my question is not answered here?

Please write to us at ecosystem@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in or join our upcoming open office hours: https://lu.ma/nsrcel-icube