NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort

The NDBI Incubation Program: Dec '25 Cohort is a dedicated initiative by the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) aimed at fostering innovation within the Indian startup ecosystem. This program specifically targets early-stage startups that are leveraging design as a core component of their product or service development.

It is structured to support ventures that are currently at the prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, helping them to refine their offerings and scale. The program is committed to promoting design-led innovation across various sectors in India.

As an incubation program, it provides a structured environment for growth, culminating in grant funding. A key feature is its non-dilutive nature, meaning NDBI does not take any equity stake from the participating startups.

• Design-led incubation program by National Design Business Incubator (NDBI).
• Open to Indian startups at the prototype or MVP stage.
• Offers non-dilutive grant funding; no equity is taken.
• Application fee of ₹15,000.
• Startups must be incorporated ≤10 years with turnover ≤₹100 crore.
• Application deadline is 2026-05-21.

This incubation program is open to Indian startups that are focused on design-led innovation.

Applicants must be at the prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage of their development.

To be eligible, startups must be registered in India. If not already registered, they must commit to completing their registration within three months of selection.

Furthermore, the startup should have been incorporated no more than ten years prior to the application date. Their annual turnover for any preceding financial year must not have exceeded ₹100 crore.

It is also a requirement that the startup has not been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.

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.

The NDBI Incubation Program provides financial support in the form of a grant, the specific amount of which varies depending on the startup's needs and evaluation.

A significant benefit of this program is its non-dilutive nature; the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) does not take any equity stake from the participating startups. This allows founders to retain full ownership of their company while receiving crucial financial assistance and incubation support.

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.

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.