Zero Equity Incubation Program

The MeitY-nasscom Centre of Excellence has launched a Zero Equity Incubation Program aimed at strengthening India's emerging technology startup ecosystem. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the government body driving India's digital policy, and NASSCOM, the country's premier IT industry trade association representing over 3,000 companies. Together, they work to accelerate India's global standing in tech innovation.

Unlike traditional incubators that take a stake in your company, this program offers non-monetary support without demanding equity. It focuses on removing foundational hurdles so founders can dedicate their energy to product development. While direct cash grants are not provided, the program gives startups access to a subsidized co-working space, a prototyping lab for hardware and deeptech, shared GPU access, and cloud credits from leading providers. These resources help reduce operational costs and speed up development.

Additionally, startups get strategic market access with established enterprises and government bodies, helping them secure early customers and validate their solutions. Tailored mentorship from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and technical specialists is available. The program also facilitates investor networking through pitch sessions and events. Female founders receive an extra rental subsidy for their incubation seats, promoting greater participation of women in deeptech.

• Zero equity – MeitY-nasscom CoE takes no stake in your startup.
• Targets emerging tech: AI, ML, IoT, quantum, biotech, healthtech, robotics, drones, GenAI, LLMs.
• Subsidized co-working space, prototyping lab, shared GPU access, and cloud credits.
• Strategic market access, mentorship, and investor networking opportunities.
• Female founders get an additional rental subsidy for incubation seats.
• Rolling applications – no fixed deadline, always open.

Startups must be based in India. The program is open to ventures working on emerging technologies, including IoT, automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), quantum computing, biotechnology, healthtech, robotics, drone technology, Generative AI (GenAI), and Large Language Models (LLM). It accepts startups at the idea, product, or revenue stage. Female-led startups qualify for an additional rental subsidy. There are no specific requirements regarding DPIIT or MSME registration, entity type, or founder background beyond being an Indian company.

Zero Equity Incubation Program is open to startups at the idea, product and revenue stage working in deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise, health pharma biotech and space drone defense. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Zero Equity Incubation Program 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.

This zero-equity incubation program provides:

• Subsidized co-working space and a prototyping lab for product development.
• Shared GPU access and cloud credits from leading providers.
• Strategic market access with established enterprises and government bodies.
• Tailored mentorship from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
• Investor networking through pitch sessions and events.
• Rental subsidy for female founders to encourage women's participation.
• No direct cash grants are given, but the infrastructure support is equivalent to a significant funding boost.

Zero Equity Incubation Program is offered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), 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.

Startups submit a detailed online application through the program's portal. The application typically asks for information about the team, the solution, the problem addressed, market potential, and technological readiness. A panel of industry experts and MeitY-nasscom CoE representatives rigorously screens all submissions. Shortlisted startups are invited for virtual or in-person interviews to present their idea in detail and demonstrate their product. Final selection considers the innovation's potential impact, the team's strength, and alignment with the program's strategic objectives. Successful applicants are onboarded to access the full range of resources.

Before you apply to Zero Equity Incubation Program, 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.

Zero Equity Incubation Program is best suited for idea, product and revenue-stage deeptech electronics robotics, ai saas enterprise and health pharma biotech startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.