NDBI Incubation Program Dec 2025 – June 2026 Cohort
Offered By - National Design Business Incubator (NDBI)
About the Program
The NDBI Incubation Program is a design-led startup incubation initiative run by the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI) at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The program is designed for Indian startups and innovators who already have an innovative idea, prototype, or minimum viable product (MVP) and are looking for structured incubation support to build sustainable businesses.
NDBI is supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It also serves as a nodal institute under the Government of Gujarat Startup/Innovation Policy.
The incubation program focuses strongly on design-driven innovation, but the incubator also accepts non-design startups if the team demonstrates business potential and if NDBI believes it can meaningfully support the venture.
The December 2025 – June 2026 cohort is inviting startups and innovators from multiple sectors including:
- Agritech
- Ceramic, glass & sanitary ware products
- Furniture & décor
- Healthcare
- Mobility
- Space & defence
- Toys & games
- Other innovation sectors
The program provides a mix of physical infrastructure, business support, design ecosystem access, mentorship, and startup development resources. Selected startups may receive access to co-working facilities, design labs, networking support, IPR guidance, and potential access to seed funding opportunities.
Incubation support is structured for 18 months, with a possible extension of an additional 6 months if the incubator determines the startup requires continued support.
The incubation ecosystem operates across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru campuses as referenced in the official cohort material.
From a founder’s perspective, this opportunity is particularly relevant for early-stage Indian startups that already have some product validation or prototype development and want structured incubation support, design thinking integration, and ecosystem access rather than pure grant capital alone.
Offerings / Benefits:
- Co-working office space
- Mentorship support
- Networking opportunities
- IPR support
- Access to seed funding opportunities
- Access to design labs
- Legal and company formation support
- Incubation support for up to 18 months
- Possible extension support up to 6 additional months
Sectors Supported:
- Agritech
- Ceramic and sanitary products
- Furniture and décor
- Healthcare
- Mobility
- Space & defence
- Toys & games
- Design-led innovation startups
- Other innovation sectors
Key Offerings
Co Working Space
Corporate Partnerships
Investor Connect
Lab Access
Legal Support
Market Access
Mentorship
Networking
Workshops
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Open to startups registered in India
- Startup should qualify under Government of India startup definition
- Startup should be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or registered partnership firm
- Startup incorporation age should not exceed 10 years
- Startup turnover should not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Startup should be working on innovation, product improvement, process improvement, or service innovation
- Startup should not be formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business
- Startup should be at prototype or MVP stage
- If not registered at the time of selection, startups receive 3 months to complete registration formalities
Best suited for early-stage Indian startups seeking incubation, design mentorship, and ecosystem support.
Selection Process
- Online application submission
- Preliminary screening
- Shortlisted startups invited for presentation
- Evaluation by selection committee
- Final incubation selection based on presentation and committee recommendations
How to Apply
- Fill out the application form through the NDBI application portal
- Submit startup and business details
- Complete preliminary screening process
- Attend presentation round if shortlisted
- Await final selection decision from the incubator committee
Source & Verification
All information is compiled from publicly available sources. Refer to the links below for most accurate & updated details. Disclaimer
- Source 1: www.ndbiindia.org
This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute an endorsement by StartupGrantsHub.com. Exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Open to startups registered in India
- Startup should qualify under Government of India startup definition
- Startup should be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or registered partnership firm
- Startup incorporation age should not exceed 10 years
- Startup turnover should not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Startup should be working on innovation, product improvement, process improvement, or service innovation
- Startup should not be formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business
- Startup should be at prototype or MVP stage
- If not registered at the time of selection, startups receive 3 months to complete registration formalities
Best suited for early-stage Indian startups seeking incubation, design mentorship, and ecosystem support.