Deadline: 20 July 2025
The Exploration Program is now open to empower early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators who are at the prototyping or product development stage of their startup journey.
Objectives
- Primary objective of the program is to guide startups in transitioning from prototype development to refined and market-ready solutions. Provide the support they need to become a validated & viable initiative to be incubated for further support.
Key Features
- Curated mentoring sessions & workshops to provide personalized guidance, industry insights, and tailored support. Mentors will work closely with founders to address specific challenges, refine strategies, and accelerate progress.
- The program offers a structured curriculum of curated workshops and intensive bootcamps.
- Clear milestones will be established for each startup, providing a roadmap for development and success. Their team will closely monitor progress and offer guidance to ensure startups stay on the path to achievement.
- Mentorship to startups in refining their business models, revenue strategies, and go-to-market plans, which will help them identify competitive advantages, target markets, and market positioning.
- Expert guidance on legal aspects, including business structures, contracts, and intellectual property protection.
Expected Outcomes
- Refined Product or Solution: Startups are expected to emerge from the program with a significantly improved and refined prototype or product. The program will guide them in enhancing the quality, functionality, and scalability of their offerings.
- Market Readiness: The startup will be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to prepare their product for the market. This includes understanding target audiences, conducting market research, and devising effective market entry strategies.
- Network Expansion: The program will enable startups to expand their professional network, connecting them with mentors and advisors who can contribute to their growth and success.
- Path to the next level of Incubation: Ultimately, the desired outcome is to have the startup well-positioned to enter the next level of support programs, having addressed critical early-stage challenges.
Participant Profile
- Participants should have a strong desire and commitment to building a startup and bringing their innovative ideas to market. Ideal participants are at the prototyping or product development stage, meaning they have moved beyond the ideation phase and are actively working on creating a prototype or developing a product.
For more information, visit IIT Mandi Catalyst.
