Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India has a thriving ecosystem of “launchpad” organisations — ranging from Government-backed hubs to university incubators and corporate accelerators — that have supported some of the country’s most successful innovative projects.
T-Hub (Hyderabad)
Known as the world’s largest innovation campus, T-Hub is a public-private partnership that has supported over 1,800 start-ups.
Skyroot Aerospace: Based in Hyderabad and supported by T-Hub, they were the first private Indian company to launch a rocket (Vikram-S) into space in 2022.
StaTwig: A blockchain start-up that uses internet of things to track products like vaccines and food from “farm-to-table” to ensure transparency and safety.
NSRCEL – IIM Bangalore
This is one of India’s top academic incubators, focusing on idea-stage ventures through its Launchpad Programme.
Gud Gum: A start-up that created plastic-free, biodegradable chewing gum made from tree sap (chicle) and real fruit, tackling the environmental pollution caused by regular synthetic gums.
Sunbird Straws: Developed the world’s first biodegradable straws made from fallen coconut leaves, providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic while creating jobs for rural women.
Niramai: A health-tech start-up that developed a non-invasive, radiation-free, and low-cost AI-based breast cancer screening solution.
Google for Start-ups Accelerator (India)
Formerly Google Launchpad, this programme provides deep-tech mentorship to high-potential Indian start-ups.
ShareChat: Now a “unicorn,” this social media platform was supported in its early stages to build its regional language-focused networking tool.
SigTuple: Uses AI and machine learning to automate manual microscopy, allowing for faster and more accurate blood and urine analysis in diagnostic labs.
RailYatri: A popular platform that leverages big data and crowdsourced content to provide real-time information and services for long-distance train travellers.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
The Government’s flagship initiative AIM has established over 70 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) across the country.
AIC-SMU (Sikkim): Specifically supports start-ups in the North Eastern Region to solve local problems that can be scaled to other underserved areas.
Banasthali Vidyapith (Rajasthan): India’s first and largest women-centric business incubator, which has supported over 100 women-led start-ups.
Private University Launchpads
Jain Launchpad (Bengaluru): Offers a “Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme” to help students move from prototype to market entry.
Campus Tank (Chandigarh University): Launched a $6 million funding pool specifically for innovators under 30 to secure seed investment.