Venture Center is a not-for-profit technology business incubator in Pune, hosted by CSIR's National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) on its 100-acre Innovation Park. Registered legally as Entrepreneurship Development Center, it is sector agnostic but concentrates on science-based…
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UKG INDIA - Venture Center CSR Grant?
The program is open to individuals and legally registered entities, specifically private limited companies or limited liability partnerships (LLPs). The Project Leader must be an Indian Citizen, at least 21 years old, and dedicated full-time to the project. Companies must be majority-owned by resident Indian citizens.
What kind of projects are eligible for this grant?
Eligible projects must propose an innovative technology solution to a well-defined problem, focusing on Proof of Concept (POC) studies, prototype development, validation, or pilot studies. Projects should aim for social impact, particularly in solutions for healthcare frontline workers or scalable/affordable assistive technology for manufacturing frontline workers. Pure software development without IP potential and academic research are not eligible.
What is the maximum grant amount and how is it disbursed?
The maximum grant support available is ₹10 lakh per grantee. Funds are released in tranches, based on discussions with the selected grantee and achievement of agreed-upon project milestones. The grant is non-repayable and equity-free.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Grant funds can be used for R&D outsourcing, design engineering, consultancy, testing, raw materials, consumables, fabrication, manpower (up to 10% of project cost), patent filing costs (up to 10% of project cost), and a small contingency fund. Funds cannot be used for loan repayment, personal accommodation rent, new infrastructure creation, or expenses incurred before the project start date.
Is incubation at Venture Center mandatory?
Yes, if selected, the applicant is required to become an incubatee of Venture Center and remain so for the entire duration of the project. This ensures access to the incubator's resources and ecosystem.
What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed by Venture Center through a Project Oversight Committee based on technical soundness, social impact potential, business opportunity, team capabilities, and IP potential. Shortlisted candidates will present their project proposal to this committee, after which selected grantees will be informed.
Quick Answer
Grant funding of up to ₹10 lakh for startups and entrepreneurs developing science-based innovations with social impact in healthcare or manufacturing frontline workers.
The UKG INDIA – Venture Center CSR Collaboration aims to foster social impact through technological innovation by supporting entrepreneurs and startups. This initiative, funded by UKG INDIA as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities, provides crucial financial backing to promising ideas within the healthtech domain, particularly those associated with Venture Center, a Central Government-approved incubator.
The primary objective of this program is to facilitate technology incubation and empower technology entrepreneurs. It specifically seeks to promote the development of modern and advanced technologies that offer solutions to pressing socio-economic problems. The program is designed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready products by supporting critical stages of development.
The scope of this grant program is focused on technology and product validation. It provides funding for various stages, including the development of prototypes, conducting pilot studies, and performing field trials to test solutions in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the program supports exploring potential markets and assessing the commercial viability of specific applications. A key aim is to help startups attract investor interest and secure technology licensors. The program also emphasizes building a robust ecosystem, fostering a powerful network of mentors, investors, and other service partners to provide comprehensive support to the grantees. The overall duration for projects supported under this collaboration is up to 9 months.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection of grantees is meticulously carried out by Venture Center, overseen by a dedicated Project Oversight Committee. This committee evaluates proposals based on several key criteria, including the technical soundness and feasibility of the solution, its potential for creating significant social impact, and the underlying business opportunity. The capabilities and background of the applicant team are also critically assessed, alongside the knowledge intensity, novelty, and intellectual property (IP) potential of the technology. Exceptional cases may be given special consideration based on their individual merit by the committee. Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview or presentation round where they articulate their project proposal directly to the Project Oversight Committee, after which final selections are made and communicated.
Benefits & Funding
Amount
Up to ₹10 Lakhs
Fund type
Grant
Equity
Equity-free
Repayment
Non-repayable
What You Get
This collaboration provides grant funding up to ₹10 lakh per grantee, disbursed in tranches based on project milestones. The funds can be utilized for critical activities such as R&D outsourcing, design and engineering, consultancy, testing, raw materials, fabrication, and even patent filing costs (up to 10% of approved cost). Beyond financial support, grantees benefit from an extensive ecosystem including a powerful network of mentors, investors, and service partners. The program specifically offers incubation support from Venture Center for the entire project duration, enhancing the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative technology ideas, and supporting entrepreneurs in refining prototypes, exploring markets, and securing necessary approvals.
