Organization · Incubator

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk)

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur is a leading technology business incubator in India, established in 2000. It supports entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship to develop innovative solutions.

IncubatorFunderProgram hostCommunityEvent host

Overview

What Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) does

What Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) is

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur is a leading technology business incubator in India, established in 2000. It supports entrepreneurs with resources and mentorship to develop innovative solutions.

How it participates in the startup ecosystem

The current public profile supports funder and program host and community and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.

Operational profile

Organization status and context

Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.

Operational status
Active
Organization type
Incubator
Founded
Founded in 2000
Approximate age
About 26 years
Structured capabilities
Funder · Program host · Community · Event host
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
What Incubator means

An incubator is a support environment for turning a nascent idea or early company into a startup that is more ready for customers, funding, or an accelerator.

Open the glossary entry

Official channels

Find Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) elsewhere

Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.

Capability profile

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) as a funder

Investment thesis

SIIC promotes entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting science- and engineering-based startups that address societal challenges, particularly for underprivileged communities.

Focus narrative

SIIC focuses on developing innovative solutions to critical societal challenges, particularly those impacting underprivileged communities. The center provides comprehensive support to startups from ideation to commercialization, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

Value beyond capital

SIIC adds value to its portfolio companies by providing access to a network of mentors, industry experts, and investors, along with comprehensive support programs tailored to the unique needs of each startup.

Terms and economics

Typical check
$12,000–$1,800,000
Sweet spot
$500,000

Focus and fit

Stages
Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A · Series B · Growth Equity
Regions
Asia · Global

Availability

Currently deploying
Yes

Portfolio and track record

Recorded portfolio count
150

Portfolio context

SIIC has incubated over 150 companies with a combined valuation exceeding $1 billion. Notable portfolio companies include PhotoSpimedx Private Limited, which develops cancer pre-screening devices; Airth Research Private Limited, known for its antimicrobial air purifier; Intignus Biotech Private Limited, focused on rapid point-of-care tests; Lenek Technologies, innovating a handheld X-ray device; and Noccarc Robotics, which developed a ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Capability profile

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) as a program host

Program thesis

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, focusing on science- and engineering-based solutions to societal challenges.

Focus narrative

SIIC focuses on developing science- and engineering-based solutions to address critical societal challenges, particularly those affecting underprivileged communities. The center connects startups with academics, mentors, investors, and industry experts, providing comprehensive support from ideation to commercialization.

Value and support

SIIC offers various programs to support startups, including seed funding, mentorship, and access to IITK infrastructure. Programs like the SIDBI Seed Fund Programme and NIDHI EIR provide financial support and resources to entrepreneurs.

Format and cadence

Typical duration
26 weeks

Availability

Application state
Not published

Focus and fit

Stages
Accelerator · Pre-seed · Seed
Regions
Asia

Alumni and track record

Alumni context

Notable portfolio companies include PhotoSpimedx Private Limited, developing cancer pre-screening devices; Airth Research Private Limited, which created an antimicrobial air purifier; Intignus Biotech Private Limited, focused on rapid point-of-care tests; Lenek Technologies Private Limited, innovating a handheld X-ray device; and Noccarc Robotics, which developed a ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Capability profile

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) as a community

Community overview

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) was established in 2000 to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. It is one of India's oldest technology business incubators and has supported over 500 startups across various sectors. SIIC operates under the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), a Section 8 company formed by IIT Kanpur.

Community focus

SIIC focuses on developing science- and engineering-based solutions to address critical societal challenges, particularly those affecting underprivileged communities. The center connects startups with academics, mentors, investors, and industry experts, providing comprehensive support from ideation to commercialization.

Member value

Members benefit from access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and a network of industry experts. SIIC provides comprehensive support throughout the startup lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization.

Membership

Recorded members
500
Pricing models
free

Format and cadence

Modality
in-person
Schedule
rolling-admissions
Commitment
light

Availability

Membership state
Accepting

Audience and fit

Audience
Founders · Students · Researchers
Benefits
mentorship, network-access, and grant-funding
Program types
incubator and community
Selection criteria
open
Stages
Pre-seed · Seed
Regions
Asia

Community activity

Events and activity

SIIC hosts the Abhivyakti event, which showcases innovations and fosters networking within the startup ecosystem.

Notable members

Notable portfolio companies include PhotoSpimedx Private Limited, Airth Research Private Limited, Intignus Biotech Private Limited, Lenek Technologies Private Limited, and Noccarc Robotics.

Capability profile

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) as an event host

Event focus

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur focuses on developing science- and engineering-based solutions to address critical societal challenges, particularly those affecting underprivileged communities. The center connects startups with academics, mentors, investors, and industry experts, providing comprehensive support from ideation to commercialization.

Format narrative

SIIC operates as an incubator, offering various programs and support to startups, including funding opportunities and mentorship.

Participant value

SIIC has incubated over 150 companies with a combined valuation exceeding $1 billion, providing startups with essential resources and connections to thrive in their respective fields.

Format and cadence

Event types
meetup
Modality
in-person
Startups can present
Yes

Availability

Registration state
Not currently accepting

Audience and fit

Stages
Pre-seed · Seed
Audience
Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
Regions
AsiaIndia

Common questions

What to know about Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk)

Upseed classifies Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk) under the Incubator organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, program host, community, and event host capabilities.

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Source and update disclosure

Know what this page is based on

Source basis

Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.

Last reviewed

March 27, 2026

Known limits

Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.

Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.