Program Overview

Mission

Vision

Objectives

• Support early-stage ventures with high growth potential.
• Enable founders with training, mentorship, and access to networks.
• Facilitate market access and investor readiness.
• Encourage innovations aligned with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Startups registered in India with a validated Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Founding team with at least two members possessing relevant domain expertise.
• Focus on innovation, scalability, and social or economic impact.

Significance

Program Timeline

Selection Process

Incubated Cohort

Program Outcomes and Benefits

• Business Validation & Growth: Refine business models, validate solutions, and expand market reach.
• Structured Mentorship: Engage with top mentors from academia, industry, and startup ecosystems.
• Skill Development: Access intensive training on business strategy, finance, marketing, and compliance.
• Funding Access: Connect with angel investors, venture funds, and government grants.
• Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers, corporates, government bodies, and alumni.
• Alumni Engagement: Continue learning and collaboration through an active alumni community.
• Certification: Earn a program completion certificate from IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation.
• Impact Orientation: Support innovations aligned with SDGs and inclusive entrepreneurship.

Alumni Spotlight

Will be updated soon...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Indian startups with a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (PoC) and a team of at least two members.

Is there any fee to participate?

The program is currently offered free of cost for selected startups.

What documents are required for application?

Business plan, team details, product description, market analysis, and any validation or pilot data.

What is the duration of the program?

The program runs for approximately 12 months, including onboarding, training, mentoring, and review phases.

What support is available post-program?

Participants join an active alumni network and continue to receive mentoring and funding support opportunities.

Contact & Support

Email: admin.ihub@iimsambalpur.ac.in

Phone: +91-9078188468

Address: IIM Sambalpur Campus, Sambalpur, Odisha – 768200

Apply to the IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation Incubation & Acceleration Program 2024-2025

IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation invites applications for its flagship 6-Month Incubation and Acceleration Program designed to nurture early-stage startups across Agritech, Fintech, Textiles, Women-led, Tribal, and Social Impact sectors. This hybrid initiative supports 20–25 ventures through mentoring, product-market alignment, and investor readiness, concluding with a Demo Day.

• Empower early-stage startups with hands-on capacity building
• Catalyze innovation with social & economic outcomes
• Enable mentorship, funding, and investor access
• Promote inclusive entrepreneurship
• Strengthen sector-specific capabilities

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Startups applying to the Acceleration Program at IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

1. Registered Entity:
   The startup must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
2. Indian Ownership:
   At least 51% of the equity should be held by Indian citizens.
3. Stage of Development:
   
   • Early-Stage Startups: Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and started acquiring initial clients or pilot users.
   • Growth-Stage Startups: Should demonstrate revenue generation, market traction, and an established customer base.
4. Innovation & Scalability:
   The solution must be innovative, technology-driven, and have the potential for scaling across markets. IP, patents, or proprietary technology will be an added advantage.
5. Full-Time Commitment:
   At least one founder/co-founder should be working full-time on the startup.
6. Sectoral Alignment (Preferred but not mandatory):
   Startups working in the areas of Textiles, Agriculture, Defense, Disaster Management, Women & Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Arts & Tribal Enterprises, Digital & Financial Inclusion, and Social Impact will be given preference.
7. Non-eligibility Clause:
   The following will not be eligible:
   • Consultancy firms or training institutes.
   • Startups receiving similar benefits from another government-supported accelerator for the same idea.
   • Entities not committed to innovation or commercialization.

• Monthly masterclasses
• Peer progress reviews

1. Stage 1: Online screening
2. Stage 2: Evaluation using scoring rubric
3. Stage 3: Jury interviews
4. Stage 4: Final selection and onboarding

Key Criteria: Vision, innovation, inclusivity, scalability

The Acceleration Program by IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation is designed to fast-track high-potential startups by providing the right blend of mentorship, funding access, strategic guidance, and ecosystem connections. The program is outcome-driven and focuses on enabling measurable growth, market readiness, and long-term sustainability. Startups can expect to achieve:

• Accelerated Business Growth: Structured support to help startups refine their business models, validate customer segments, and prepare for rapid market expansion.
• Investor Readiness: Dedicated mentoring to improve fundraising strategies, pitch decks, and financial projections for successful engagement with investors.
• Product and Tech Maturity: Access to domain experts and technology mentors to enhance MVPs, improve usability, and prepare for market deployment.
• Ecosystem & Industry Access: Strategic connects with corporates, government stakeholders, domain mentors, and ecosystem partners to unlock new opportunities.
• Operational Excellence: Strengthening of internal systems with guidance on legal compliance, finance, governance, and team building.
• Market Visibility & Exposure: Visibility through demo days, digital showcases, and communication support to enhance brand presence and customer reach.
• Sustainable & Impact-Driven Models: Encouragement to build inclusive, responsible, and scalable ventures aligned with social and environmental goals.
• Performance-Based Funding: Startups demonstrating strong progress and impact during the program will be eligible for performance-based funding support from IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation.
• Post-Program Engagement: Continued support through alumni networks, future funding linkages, and access to long-term collaboration opportunities.

At IIM Sambalpur I-Hub Foundation, we are committed to nurturing startups that are ready to scale with impact, innovation, and resilience.