WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission
3-month pre-incubation program for women entrepreneurs by Kerala Startup Mission, offering mentorship and resources to turn ideas into MVPs.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Kerala Startup Mission (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
WE START is a structured 3-month pre-incubation program run by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), designed exclusively for women-led startups and aspiring women entrepreneurs. The program aims to bridge the gender gap in the startup ecosystem by providing a supportive environment for women to convert their innovative ideas into functional Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
Participants benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes structured learning, expert mentorship, workshops, and industry insights. The program covers the entire early-stage journey—from ideation to market readiness—equipping founders with essential business fundamentals, tools, and networks to build scalable and sustainable ventures.
KSUM launched WE START specifically to address the low participation of women in the startup ecosystem. The program is open to women entrepreneurs and women-led startups from across India, with priority given to technology-based startups, solutions addressing women-specific problems, and ventures aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlights
- Exclusively for women entrepreneurs and women-led startups across India.
- 3-month structured pre-incubation program with online and optional offline workshops.
- Priority for technology-based startups, women-specific problem solvers, and SDG-aligned ventures.
- Participants receive mentorship, workshops, and resources to build MVPs.
- Graduates become eligible for further incubation under KSUM’s WEGROW program.
- Application deadline: 15 February 2026.
Who can apply
WE START is open to women entrepreneurs and women-led startups from across India. Eligible stages include ideation, testing and validation, prototype development, and MVP development. Startups beyond the product stage are not eligible for this cohort.
Priority consideration is given to: technology-based startups, women-led startups, startups addressing women-specific problems, and solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selection is based on innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability, and scalability.
WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission closed on 15 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The program offers a 3-month pre-incubation period with online sessions and optional offline workshops. While the funding amount is not specified, participants gain access to expert mentorship, workshops, industry insights, and resources covering ideation to market readiness. Upon completion, founders become eligible for further incubation support under KSUM’s WEGROW program.
About the provider
WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission is offered by Kerala Startup Mission, 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted through the online registration form on the KSUM website. They are then screened based on eligibility, innovation, and feasibility. Shortlisted applicants are informed and invited to join the cohort.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the WE START Pre-Incubation Program?
WE START is a 3-month pre-incubation program by Kerala Startup Mission designed exclusively for women-led startups and aspiring women entrepreneurs. It provides mentorship, workshops, and resources to help turn ideas into functional MVPs.
Who can apply?
The program is open to women entrepreneurs and women-led startups from across India. Eligible stages include ideation, testing and validation, prototype development, and MVP development. Startups beyond the product stage are not eligible.
Is there any funding provided?
The funding amount is not specified. However, the program offers non-financial support such as mentorship, workshops, and resources. Upon completion, participants become eligible for further incubation under KSUM’s WEGROW program.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 15 February 2026.
How do I apply?
Submit your application through the online registration form available on the KSUM website. Applications are screened based on eligibility, innovation, and feasibility.
Does the program take equity?
No, as a pre-incubation program, it does not take equity. It is a grant-based support program.
What are the selection criteria?
Selection is based on innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability, and scalability.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for this program.
What happens after I complete the program?
Founders who complete the program become eligible for further incubation support under KSUM’s WEGROW program.
Can startups from any industry apply?
Yes, but technology-based startups, startups addressing women-specific problems, and solutions aligned with the SDGs receive priority consideration.
Who offers WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission?
WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission is offered by Kerala Startup Mission, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Kerala Startup Mission
Kerala Startup Mission runs 6 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission
Not sure WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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