CNEST TBI 2.0 — KLE Tech Belagavi, Karnataka

The Centre for Next-Gen Entrepreneurship in Science & Technology Foundation (CNEST) is the Technology Business Incubator (TBI 2.0) situated at KLE Technological University, Belagavi. CNEST is one of eleven such incubators established by the Government of Karnataka's Department of IT, BT, under its TBI 2.0 initiative. Each parent institution receives substantial government support, amounting to ₹10 crore, to foster deep-tech entrepreneurship across Karnataka's tier-2 and tier-3 cities, extending beyond Bengaluru's traditional startup hub.

Operating from a dedicated 5,100 sq. ft. facility on the Dr M S Sheshgiri Campus in Udyambagh, Belagavi, CNEST builds upon the legacy of the former NAIN Centre at KLE Tech, which has been active since 2018. The incubator provides a structured pathway for startups, encompassing comprehensive mentorship, access to essential infrastructure like co-working spaces and specialized labs with equipment, and crucial support for prototype and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development. It also prepares ventures for investor engagement, facilitates industry networking, and offers national-level exposure.

CNEST is actively seeking applications from students, faculty-led ventures, alumni, early-stage innovators, and registered startups. The program specifically targets innovations in Smart Healthcare (MedTech), Sustainable AgriTech, AI/ML, and Smart Manufacturing. Additionally, ventures in related science and technology domains such as biotech, clean-tech, robotics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are also encouraged to apply.

The program's geographic scope is broad, explicitly welcoming deep-tech founders from Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. This positioning establishes Belagavi as a key tri-state incubation hub, extending its reach beyond Karnataka's borders. Successful applicants will receive up to ₹10 lakh in equity-free seed funding, which is disbursed in conjunction with the structured incubation program.

• Up to ₹10 lakh equity-free seed funding for startups.
• Part of Karnataka's TBI 2.0 initiative at KLE Tech Belagavi.
• Dedicated 5,100 sq. ft. incubation facility on campus.
• Open to founders from Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.
• Focus on Smart Healthcare (MedTech), Sustainable AgriTech, AI/ML, and Smart Manufacturing.

The CNEST TBI 2.0 program welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including students, faculty members, alumni, early-stage innovators, and individual entrepreneurs. Registered startups, specifically Private Limited companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Partnerships, are also eligible to apply. Applicants should be at either the idea or product stage of their venture.

Focus areas for innovation include AgriTech, MedTech, AI/ML, DeepTech, and other related science and technology domains such as biotech, clean-tech, robotics, and ICT. While there is a strong emphasis on founders from North Karnataka and the wider tier-2 / tier-3 regions of Karnataka, the program is open to residents of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Applicants are not required to have DPIIT registration, and MSME registration is also not mandatory. The program is open to individuals with innovative ideas, meaning prior incorporation is not a prerequisite for application. A key requirement is the applicant's willingness to actively engage with CNEST and KLE Tech Belagavi throughout the incubation period.

Applications for CNEST TBI 2.0 — KLE Tech Belagavi, Karnataka are open and the current deadline is Closes in 8d (13 Jun 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

Recipients of the CNEST TBI 2.0 program benefit from up to ₹10 lakh in equity-free seed support. This financial backing is complemented by access to a dedicated 5,100 sq. ft. incubation facility located at the Dr M S Sheshgiri Campus.

Beyond funding and physical space, the program provides a comprehensive suite of support services. These include structured mentorship, assistance with prototype and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development, and access to co-working spaces, specialized labs, and essential equipment infrastructure. Startups also receive investor readiness support, opportunities for industry networking, and valuable national-level exposure as part of Karnataka's broader TBI 2.0 ecosystem.

CNEST TBI 2.0 — KLE Tech Belagavi, Karnataka is offered by Centre for Next-Gen Entrepreneurship in Science & Technology Foundation (CNEST), KLE Tech, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Centre for Next-Gen Entrepreneurship in Science & Technology Foundation (CNEST), KLE Tech as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to CNEST TBI 2.0 — KLE Tech Belagavi, Karnataka, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

CNEST TBI 2.0 — KLE Tech Belagavi, Karnataka is best suited for idea and product-stage agri food rural, health pharma biotech and ai saas enterprise startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.