Call for Incubation

The IIM Nagpur Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development (InFED) runs a Call for Incubation program designed to empower entrepreneurs in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region and surrounding districts, including Nagpur, Wardha, Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandara. Recognizing that ideas alone are not enough, InFED provides a comprehensive ecosystem of mentorship, resources, and networks to help entrepreneurs build impactful ventures. The program is open to all stages and sectors, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs, rural youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs. As an equity-free incubation program, it ensures that founders retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and support.

• Equity-free incubation – no equity taken
• Open to all startup stages and sectors
• Focus on Maharashtra's Vidarbha region (Nagpur, Wardha, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Bhandara)
• Access to mentoring, market support, and legal assistance
• Funding facilitation to connect with investors and grants

The incubation program is open to startups, women entrepreneurs, rural youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs. There are no restrictions on sector or stage of the business. However, applicants should have a focus on Maharashtra's Vidarbha region and surrounding districts, specifically Nagpur, Wardha, Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandara. All types of entities are welcome, and no DPIIT or MSME registration is required.

Call for Incubation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Call for Incubation accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

InFED provides comprehensive equity-free incubation support, which includes:

• Business mentoring: One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors to refine business models and strategies.
• Market and branding support: Assistance with brand positioning, marketing strategies, and go-to-market plans.
• Market linkage opportunities: Connections to potential customers, partners, and distribution channels.
• Legal and compliance assistance: Help with registrations, contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
• Technical and product development support: Guidance on product design, development, and iteration.
• Networking and exposure: Access to a network of industry experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Funding facilitation: Assistance in connecting with external investors, grant providers, and other funding sources.

Call for Incubation is offered by InFED, IIM Nagpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by InFED, IIM Nagpur as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The selection process typically involves an initial screening of applications, followed by interviews or pitch sessions with the InFED team. Selected startups are then onboarded into the incubation program.

Before you apply to Call for Incubation, keep the following documents ready:

• 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.