DST NIDHI i-TBI
DST NIDHI i-TBI – Technology Business Incubators (DST NIDHI i-TBI)
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, plays a pivotal role in promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship across the country. Through its NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) program, DST supports Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to foster the growth of Technology-led and Knowledge-driven Startups.
KIT's IRF is proud to be supported under the DST NIDHI i-TBI program, with a sanctioned budget of ₹5 Cr. for three years. This support has strengthened the Incubation Center's purpose to nurture and support Startups by providing access to Expertise, Infrastructure, and Mentoring. The grant also empowers Startups with funding opportunities such as the Ignition Grant, aiding in the development of Innovative Solutions.
With DST's support, KIT's IRF continues to build a vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem that drives Impactful Technological Innovations.
Operational Board, DST NIDHI i-TBI
Dr. Mohan B. Vanarotti
PI & Chairman
Dr. Chandra Shekhar Yadav
Scientist C, DST, Govt. of India
Dr. Pramod Kamble
Asso. Prof. and Head, Dept of Environmental Science
Mr. Rakshit Kalyani
COO, IIT Dharwad’s Research Park
Mr. Dipak Chougule
Partner Director, Bharat Udyog
Mr. Prasad Gulavani
Member, GOSHIMA, Kolhapur
Mr. Sushant Phadnis
C.A., Kolhapur
Mr. Chaitanya Nagmal
Director, Chaitanya Research and Technology
Mr. Devendra Pathak
Incubation Manager, KIT’s IRF
Mr. Sudhir Arali
Member Secretary & CEO, KIT’s IRF
Team KIT's IRF for DST NIDHI i-TBI
Dr. Mohan Vanarotti
PI and Chairman, Operational Board, NIDHI i-TBI
At KIT's IRF, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in building successful ventures. We equip startups with the right tools, mentorship, and ecosystem to transform ideas into impactful solutions.
As Chairman of the Operational Board and Director of KIT's College of Engineering, the host institute of our incubation center, I take pride in the synergy between our academic excellence and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The vibrant campus of KITCoEK provides a strong foundation for research, innovation, and collaboration, further empowering our startups.
Whether you're at the idea stage or scaling your business, KIT's IRF is here to walk with you on your journey to excellence. Let’s innovate, grow, and make a difference together!!
Sudhir M. Arali
CEO
KIT's IRF
We are dedicated to creating a thriving ecosystem where startups can grow, innovate, and succeed. By providing entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and networks they need, we help transform their ideas into impactful ventures.
As CEO, I believe in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Backed by the legacy of KIT’s College of Engineering, our incubation center bridges academia and industry, offering a unique platform for startups to access cutting-edge research and practical insights. This vibrant synergy ensures a robust foundation for sustainable growth.
Our incubation center is a space where creativity meets opportunity, empowering startups to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable milestones. We invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. Together, let’s drive innovation, build impactful solutions, and contribute to a brighter future.
Mr. Devendra Pathak
Incubation Manager, Business and Operations
Mr. Parth Hajare
Incubation Associate, Connects and Outreach
DST supported TBIs typically provide the following types of services
Physical Workspace
Research Infrastructure
IP Development Support
Mentorship Support
Accounting
Legal Support
Networking
Access To Finance
Market Access
In addition to providing a range of services to new enterprises, TBIs also create a conducive atmosphere for their survival and growth. Startups apply directly to the TBI. Once their application is accepted by the TBI, the Startups are provided with incubation support.
Objectives
TBIs are promoted to achieve the following objectives
- To promote new technology/knowledge/innovation-based startups.
- To provide a platform for speedy commercialization of technologies developed by the host institution or by any academic/technical/R&D institution or by an individual.
- To build a vibrant startup ecosystem, by establishing a network between academia, financial institutions, industries and other institutions.
- To provide cost effective, value added services to startups like mentoring, legal, financial, technical, intellectual property related services.
- To create jobs, wealth and businesses aligning with national priorities.
