WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission — Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

The application deadline is 15 February 2026.

Submit your application through the online registration form available on the KSUM website. Applications are screened based on eligibility, innovation, and feasibility.

No, as a pre-incubation program, it does not take equity. It is a grant-based support program.

Selection is based on innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability, and scalability.

No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required for this program.

Founders who complete the program become eligible for further incubation support under KSUM’s WEGROW program.

Yes, but technology-based startups, startups addressing women-specific problems, and solutions aligned with the SDGs receive priority consideration.

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.