Applications open for Navākur Cohort 5.0 Incubation Program (India)

The focus areas of this programme are the startup business idea should be addressing real world problem, clearly stating problem statement with real-world examples and data that highlight the problem; solution should clearly articulate how your startup idea addresses the problem and highlight what makes your solution unique compared to existing options; identify stakeholders and specify who is affected by the problem and who will benefit from your solution; market size and growth with correct data on the market size, growth trends, and demand for your solution; competitor landscape to analyze competitors and their solutions noting your competitive advantage.

Business model to explain how you plan to make money including pricing strategy and revenue streams; roadmap outlining the key milestones for developing and launching your solution; team composition with at least three members including the applicant; key team members and their relevant skills and experiences; incubation support including dedicated workspace, meeting rooms and access to DFIIE facilities; mentorship with expert mentors from industry, academia and the startup ecosystem; technical support through guidance for prototype development, lab access as permitted and technical validation; business support including help in business model development, market research and go-to-market strategies; training and workshops such as entrepreneurship sessions, IP awareness, pitch training and skill-building; funding and opportunities through support for grant applications, investor connects and startup events; networking through interaction with industry leaders, innovators and partner organizations; ecosystem access to connect with DBATU IIC, MSInS and DFIIE partner networks; and showcasing and certificates including opportunities to present your idea at events along with certification.

This programme offers a supportive framework that helps innovators and early-stage teams build strong foundations for their startup journey. By requiring clearly defined problem statements supported by real-world data, it ensures that applicants work on genuine challenges with measurable impact. The emphasis on solution clarity and uniqueness helps entrepreneurs refine their value proposition and understand where they stand in comparison to existing alternatives.

The programme also places importance on understanding market dynamics. By outlining market size, growth potential and demand, applicants can better evaluate the feasibility and scalability of their ideas. Competitor analysis further strengthens the strategic positioning of the proposed solution. A sound business model is a key component, requiring teams to clearly explain revenue generation and pricing structures.

Support through incubation adds significant value for selected teams. Access to workspace, meeting rooms and institutional facilities enables smoother development. Mentorship from experts provides strategic direction, while technical support aids in prototype creation and validation. Business development assistance, including market research and go-to-market planning, helps teams prepare for future expansion.

The programme further strengthens entrepreneurial capabilities through workshops, training sessions and IP awareness activities. Funding support and investor connections open opportunities for financial growth, while networking with industry leaders builds long-term partnerships. Showcasing opportunities enable teams to present their innovations and gain visibility.

Applications are open to individual innovators or teams, idea-stage and prototype-stage projects, and all domains including AI, digital technologies, health, biotechnology, agriculture, sustainability, mobility, robotics and renewable energy.

For more information, visit MSInS.