Technology Business Incubators (i-TBIs)
Why in news?
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established 15 Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (i-TBIs) across Indian universities to promote innovation beyond major cities. Union Minister Jitendra Singh reviewed the i-TBI at Delhi Technological University (DTU) on December 30, 2025, praising its role in converting research into market solutions with a focus on inclusivity and women-led startups.​
About
Technology Business Incubators (i-TBIs) are specialized centers supported by India’s Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the NIDHI programme. They provide infrastructure, mentorship, funding access, and networking to help startups transform innovative ideas into successful ventures, especially in inclusive and regional contexts.
About TBI
- Definition: An Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI) are specialized centers supported by India’s Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the NIDHI programme, designed to democratize innovation and entrepreneurship beyond metropolitan hubs.
- Purpose: To nurture technology-led, knowledge-driven enterprises by offering a supportive ecosystem for high-risk, high-growth ventures.
- Host Institutions: Typically set up in universities, technical institutes, and management schools to leverage academic expertise and infrastructure.
Key Features of i-TBI
- Infrastructure: Dedicated space for startups (e.g., NIT Hamirpur’s i-TBI spans 7,118 sq. ft.).
- Mentorship: Guidance from boards of directors, faculty, and industry experts.
- Funding Support: Access to DST’s NIDHI grants, Startup India Seed Fund, and venture investments.
- Focus Areas: Healthcare devices, sustainability, mobility platforms, drones, food innovation, and deep-tech.
- Inclusivity: Targets underserved regions and communities, ensuring innovation is not limited to big cities.
Examples of i-TBI Impact
| Institution / Location |
Initiative |
Focus Areas |
Notable Outcomes |
| Delhi Technological University (DTU) |
DST-supported i-TBI |
General tech innovation |
Part of 15 i-TBIs across India |
| Sona Incubations, Salem |
Inclusive i-TBI |
Healthcare, mobility, sustainability, drones, food tech |
17 startups funded with ₹11M DST grants |
| NIT Hamirpur (Uttishthati Foundation) |
i-TBI-NEB scheme |
Tech-driven solutions |
Dedicated incubation space, mentorship, commercialization support |
Challenges & Considerations
- Funding sustainability: Grants are limited; startups must eventually attract private investment.
- Regional disparities: While inclusivity is a goal, some incubators may still face resource gaps compared to metro-based accelerators.
- Commercialization hurdles: Bridging the gap between prototype and market-ready product remains a challenge.
Download Pdf
