NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort

The National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) is a non-profit Section 8 company operating under the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Backed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and DPIIT, NDBI offers a design-led incubation program that embeds design thinking into startups to create user-centric, market-ready products. The program also implements the Gujarat Startup/Innovation Policy. Selected startups receive facilitated access to seed funding; NDBI has directly provided approximately ₹72 lakh in grants to over 35 alumni companies, with notable examples like SwachhAI and Varanmika Agriprises. Additionally, alumni have collectively raised over ₹29 crore from external investors such as the O2 VC Fund. Beyond funding, participants get non-monetary support including co-working spaces in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, expert mentorship from NID faculty and industry professionals, IPR guidance, access to NID's design labs and prototyping facilities, networking opportunities with investors and corporate partners, and assistance with legal and company formation matters.

• Design-led incubator under NID Ahmedabad, supported by DST and DPIIT
• Open to Indian startups at prototype/MVP stage, incorporation ≤10 years, turnover ≤₹100 crore
• NDBI has provided ~₹72 lakh in grants to over 35 alumni
• Alumni collectively raised over ₹29 crore from external investors
• No equity taken; program fee ₹15,000
• Co-working spaces in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, plus mentorship, IPR support, and prototyping labs

The program is open to Indian startups focused on design-led innovation. Eligible entities must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm in India, or commit to registering within three months of selection. The startup's incorporation date must not exceed 10 years, and annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation. Startups must be engaged in innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services, and must be an original entity (not formed by splitting an existing business). Applicants must be at a minimum Prototype or MVP stage; startups with existing users or paying customers are encouraged. Both pre-seed and seed stage startups are welcome, regardless of prior funding or revenue.

NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort closed on 21 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups gain facilitated access to seed funding. NDBI has directly provided approximately ₹72 lakh in grants to over 35 alumni companies. The program also prepares ventures for external investment; alumni have collectively raised over ₹29 crore from investors like the O2 VC Fund. Additionally, participants receive comprehensive non-monetary support including:

• Co-working office spaces in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru
• Expert mentorship from NID faculty and industry professionals
• IPR guidance (design protection, patent filing)
• Access to NID's specialized design labs and prototyping facilities
• Networking opportunities with investors, corporate partners, and NID alumni
• Assistance with legal matters, company formation, and operational needs

NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort is offered by National Design Business Incubator (NDBI), a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via the NDBI website or the f6s.com cohort page. A preliminary screening by the NDBI team reviews applications for eligibility, innovativeness, market impact, and business model viability. Shortlisted startups are then invited to present their idea and business plan to the NDBI selection committee, which includes NDBI leadership, NID faculty, and industry experts. Final selection is based on the presentation evaluation and committee recommendations.

Before you apply to NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort, 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.