DST-NIDHI-CCAMP Accelerator
A programme by Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)
A cohort-based, one-on-one mentorship accelerator for life sciences, healthcare and agritech startups, run under DST's NIDHI scheme.
At a glance
| Best for | Life sciences, healthcare and agritech startups with at least an MVP |
|---|---|
| Stage | MVP – Early revenue |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Format | Hybrid |
| Run with | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India |
About DST-NIDHI-CCAMP Accelerator
The DST-NIDHI-CCAMP Accelerator fast-tracks startups from development towards go-to-market through customised, one-on-one mentorship, alongside cohort workshops and a closing Demo Day.
What you get
- A dedicated mentor for scientific, technical and business guidance
- Domain-specific mentoring and clinics (IP, regulatory, Biodiversity Act)
- Cohort workshops and seminars, and networking with peers, partners and investors
- A Demo Day in front of investors and potential customers at the end of the programme
Who can apply
- Startup registered in India, majority Indian-citizen owned
- Working in life sciences, healthcare or agritech
- Has a minimum viable product or early proof-of-concept/validation studies
How selection works: Administrative screening for eligibility, then evaluation on scientific strength, commercialisation potential, value proposition, go-to-market strategy, scalability and sustainability by a panel of experts; shortlisted applicants pitch to a selection committee, which picks 15 startups for the cohort.
How to apply: Apply through the link on the programme page during its stated window; questions go to nidhi-accelerator@ccamp.res.in.
Where to apply
Other Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) programmes
- Bio-incubation at C-CAMPC-CAMP's core bio-incubator: fully-equipped resident lab space plus a virtual, non-resident route to its technology platforms.
- C-CAMP-MeitY TIDE 2.0 (EiR Grant)A MeitY TIDE 2.0-backed Entrepreneur-in-Residence grant for digital health solutions at C-CAMP.
- C-CAMP-MeitY TIDE 2.0 (Start-up Grant)A MeitY TIDE 2.0-backed start-up grant for digital health solutions at C-CAMP.
- Karnataka Startup Advancement Programme (K-SAP)A Karnataka-government-backed programme offering lateral-entry seed funding and mentorship to Karnataka life sciences startups.
- WE-Bio (Women Entrepreneurs in Biotechnology)A two-phase incubation and acceleration programme for women-led Karnataka life sciences startups, run with the Government of Karnataka.
- C-CAMP Startup Advancement Program (C-SAP)A year-long, equity-based mentorship and funding-assistance programme for early-stage life sciences startups.
- National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC)C-CAMP's flagship annual bio-entrepreneurship competition, run through the BIRAC Regional Entrepreneurship Centre (BREC).
- Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Climate ActionA centre under C-CAMP's Bio for Climate & Sustainability initiative, funding and deploying bio-based climate solutions.
- C-CAMP Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) CoE Non-Dilutive Funding ProgramA non-dilutive funding programme for early-stage biotech startups, run with the Wadhwani Innovation Network.
- Social Alliance for Accelerating Transformative & High-impact Innovations (SAATHI)A nationwide alliance, backed by the Gates Foundation, supporting deeptech and grassroots innovations with societal impact.
- Indigenisation of Diagnostics (InDx) / National Diagnostics CatapultA national public-private platform helping Indian MSMEs scale up indigenous diagnostics manufacturing.
- Indigenisation of Biologics (InBx) / National Biologics CatapultA national initiative to build India's biomanufacturing capability for biotherapeutics, launched in August 2024.
Everything about Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)