AIC-RNTU & TISS invite applications for the ‘Incubation Programme for Start-ups 2019-20’

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18: The Atal Incubation Centre at the Rabindranath Tagore University (AIC-RNTU) and the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) have launched a joint ‘Incubation Programme for Start-ups 2019-20’ to groom change leaders who show commitment to create a sustainable change in the society through their innovative enterprises. The programme is supported by Atal Innovation Mission of the NITI Aayog.

Talking about the Joint Incubation Programme, Mr. Ronald Fernandez, CEO AIC-RNTU Foundation said, “Our primary objective here is to create a startup ecosystem and familiarize the visionary brains with the business aspects of an idea and provide them a platform with necessary resources – culture, opportunities and amenities – to grow their startup units into business enterprises.”

The applications for the programme are invited under three categories - Ideate, Discover and Growth. The candidates need to have a venture idea with proof of concept to be eligible for the programme. They should also have a wish to grow their venture as well as create a sustainable impact in the marketplace/society.

Candidates selected for this programme will be provided co-incubation support, including co-working space, mentorship, network support, trainings, workshops, continuous review & monitoring as well as co-incubation opportunities with technology and business incubators.

Talking about the need for the programme, Prof Satyajit Majumdar, Professor of Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, School of Management and Labour Studies, TISS Mumbai, said, “There has been a remarkable growth in the number of first generation social entrepreneurs in the country over the years. Through this joint Incubation Programme, we are looking to train and support these budding entrepreneurs to help them create impactful and lasting solutions along with strengthening the startup ecosystem in the country.”

After submitting the applications, candidates will be given an opportunity to pitch their startups and venture ideas to the Jury comprising of members from both RNTU and TISS. Based on the pitches, the Jury will select the startups for the programme.