India’s startup ecosystem is expanding faster than ever, from fintech innovators in major metros to agritech pioneers in smaller towns. What often goes unnoticed, however, are the support systems behind many of these success stories, government-backed incubators.
These incubators, run by various ministries and departments, do more than provide funding. They offer mentorship, access to labs and co-working spaces, networking opportunities, guidance from experts, and crucial links to markets and investors. Importantly, many of these programs extend beyond metropolitan hubs, empowering startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to scale both nationally and internationally.
Here’s a look at eight standout government-backed incubators making a difference across India.
1. Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)
Ministry: NITI Aayog
Department: Atal Innovation Mission
AICs are spread across India to foster structured and scalable entrepreneurship.
Benefits & Features: Mentorship, funding support, access to labs, networking.
Eligibility: Startups at various stages can apply.
Apply: AIM – Atal Incubation Centres
2. T-Hub
Ministry: Telangana Government
Department: Department of ITE&C
T-Hub is a public-private partnership that accelerates startups with global ambitions.
Benefits & Features: Co-working space, mentorship, investor connections, global networking.
Eligibility: Early-stage to growth-stage startups.
Apply: T-Hub
3. AIC RAISE – Bhopal Smart City
Ministry: NITI Aayog
Department: Atal Innovation Mission
Focused on smart city solutions, sustainability, and social impact startups from Tier 2 cities like Bhopal.
Benefits & Features: Mentorship, infrastructure support, funding access.
Eligibility: Startups tackling urban and social challenges.
Apply: AIC RAISE
4. SIIC – Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur
Ministry: Ministry of Education
Department: IIT Kanpur Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science and Technology (FIRST)
One of India’s oldest academic incubators, supporting deep-tech, med-tech, and hardware startups.
Benefits & Features: Lab access, mentorship, market connections.
Eligibility: Technology-driven startups, early to growth stage.
Apply: SIIC
5. FIED – IIM Kashipur
Ministry: Ministry of Education
Department: Indian Institute of Management, Kashipur
FIED supports agri-tech, rural development, and women-led startups in semi-urban and rural areas.
Benefits & Features: Mentorship, networking, funding access.
Eligibility: Startups in agriculture, rural development, or led by women entrepreneurs.
Apply: Venture Center
6. Venture Centre – Pune
Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology
Department: National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL)
Venture Centre focuses on IP-heavy startups in engineering, material sciences, and biotech.
Benefits & Features: Lab access, funding, mentorship, industry linkages.
Eligibility: Startups in deep-tech sectors.
Apply: Venture Centre
7. AIC NIFT-TEA, Tiruppur
Ministry: NITI Aayog
Department: Atal Innovation Mission
Located in India’s knitwear hub, this incubator supports fashion, textiles, and circular economy startups.
Benefits & Features: Mentorship, co-working spaces, industry access.
Eligibility: Startups in textiles, fashion, and sustainable business models.
Apply: AIC NIFT-TEA
8. GUSEC – Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council
Ministry: Government of Gujarat
Department: Department of Education
GUSEC is a zero-equity incubator supporting students, researchers, and first-time founders.
Benefits & Features: Mentorship, infrastructure, networking, funding opportunities.
Eligibility: Early-stage startups, student-led or researcher-led ventures.
Apply: GUSEC
Why These Incubators Matter
These government-backed incubators are launchpads for the next generation of changemakers, especially in smaller towns and underserved regions. For early-stage founders, they provide access to funding, mentorship, and a full support system. Whether your startup is in biotech, agri-tech, fashion, or deep-tech, there’s likely an incubator that fits your needs. Apply, build, and scale, wherever you are in India.
