Call for
NDBI Incubation Program June 2025 Cohort
Organisation Name:
National Design Business Incubator (NDBI)
Application Deadline:
31 July 2025
About Organisation
The National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) is an independent, non-profit organization incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It operates within the premises of the National Institute of Design (NID) and was established with support from the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. Since its inception, NID has provided continued mentorship and operational assistance to NDBI. As a business incubator, NDBI plays a crucial role in fostering design-led innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It functions as a bridge between design education and industry by supporting startups that bring creative and innovative ideas to life.
NDBI is also recognized as one of the nodal institutes responsible for implementing the Government of Gujarat’s Startup/Innovation Policy. With campuses in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, it provides a collaborative ecosystem for entrepreneurs, helping them develop sustainable ventures that contribute to India’s design and innovation landscape. Through mentorship, infrastructure, funding opportunities, and access to resources such as design labs and legal support, NDBI nurtures startups towards scalability and market-readiness.
About the Grant
The National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) offers an 18-month incubation program designed to support early-stage startups working on innovation-driven products, services, or processes. The program is hosted by NID and backed by key government agencies such as the Department of Science & Technology and the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
NDBI provides a wide range of support services to selected startups, including co-working office spaces at its Ahmedabad and Bengaluru campuses, one-on-one mentorship, networking opportunities, intellectual property rights (IPR) assistance, and legal and business formation guidance. In addition, startups get access to NID’s design labs and potential seed funding support, further enhancing their chances of success in the market.
The program’s focus is to empower startups through design-thinking and innovation, helping them grow sustainably and effectively. After the initial 18-month incubation period, an optional 6-month extension may be granted if additional support is deemed necessary. This comprehensive backing allows entrepreneurs to transform their prototypes or MVPs into viable business solutions capable of addressing real-world problems and market demands.
Who can Apply?
Startups interested in applying for the NDBI incubation program must meet the Government of India’s definition of a startup. Eligible applicants should be entities registered as a private limited company, a limited liability partnership (LLP), or a registered partnership firm. The incorporation date of the startup must not be older than 10 years from the date of application.
Additionally, the annual turnover of the startup should not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since its registration. The startup should focus on innovation, improvement, or development of new products, services, or processes, and must not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.
To be considered for incubation, the startup must have reached at least the prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) stage, indicating some level of technical and developmental maturity.
This program is best suited for founders and teams who seek not only infrastructure and funding support but also design-led mentorship and ecosystem exposure. Entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including design, engineering, sustainability, and social innovation, are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the criteria and demonstrate potential for scalable impact.
How to Apply?
Application Deadline
Applications for the NDBI Incubation Program must be submitted by 31st July 2025. Submissions beyond this date will not be considered for the current incubation cycle.
Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for the NDBI startup incubation program is 31st July 2025. Ensure your complete application is submitted before this deadline to be considered.
Grant Amount
Startups selected for the program may receive access to seed funding support as determined by NDBI. The exact amount depends on the needs and potential of each startup within the incubation cycle.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
