Technology Business Incubation Centre (TBIC)

The scheme is administered by the Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology & Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, under the State Start-up Policy of Karnataka. The purpose of the scheme is to create and support Technology Business Incubation Centres in Karnataka which can help start-ups, MSMEs and innovators to move from ideation, prototyping to scalable business. For your business (MSME/start-up) the benefit is: you gain access to infrastructure, mentorship, industry-linkages, and potentially funding via an approved incubator.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Support for setting up Technology Business Incubators: The scheme under the State Start-up Policy provides for establishing TBIs in Karnataka with financial assistance for capital and recurring costs.
Infrastructure provision and operational assistance for incubated start-ups: These centres offer co-working space, labs, prototype development areas, business support services. For your start-up, being admitted into such an incubator gives you access to facilities you might not have otherwise.
Mentorship, industry linkages, investor connect and seed support: The TBIs help in connecting you with mentors, industry partners, investors, and guide you to scale your innovation.
Focus on technology/knowledge-based innovation and start-ups in Karnataka: The policy emphasises translation of technology ideas into products and services, encouraging R&D, IP generation, high-tech ventures rather than just traditional business.
Zone-agnostic, state-wide coverage with emphasis on non-metro/district level too: While Bengaluru has many such centres, the scheme explicitly includes establishment of TBIs in districts or regions excluding Bengaluru Urban district to spread ecosystem.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation
Capital & recurring cost support for TBIs	State provides financial assistance for setting up TBIs (capital cost + operating cost)	Example: A host institution in Karnataka establishes a TBI; the state policy allows initial capital support plus 3-5 years of recurring cost subsidy so that the incubator becomes self-sustaining.
Seed/Pre-incubation support to Start-ups via TBI	The incubator provides subsidised infrastructure, mentorship, possibly seed funding to start-ups	Example: You as a start-up join a TBI in Karnataka; you receive access to co-working space at concessional rent, mentorship, prototype facility and possible exposure to investor network.
Incentives for Technology/Incubation ecosystem	The policy supports ecosystem through state funding, linkages to national schemes	Example: The TBI may act as conduit to central programmes like those under Department of Science & Technology and Startup India.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

A host institution in Karnataka can apply to establish a Technology Business Incubator centre under the policy.
Start-ups and MSMEs in Karnataka focused on technology/innovation can apply to these TBIs for incubation.
The proposal must meet the policy guidelines of the State Start-up Policy .

Who cannot apply:

A host institution outside Karnataka or a non-technology/innovation oriented unit may not be eligible for setting up a TBI under this scheme.
A start-up not based or not willing to operate within Karnataka may not benefit under the state scheme for TBIs managed by Karnataka.
If the incubator or host does not meet the required criteria it may not get the state assistance.

Documents Required

Entity registration certificate (company/society/trust) and constitution document.
Detailed business plan for the proposed TBIC: infrastructure plan, staffing, operations model, service offerings.
Land/space proof (lease/sale or allotment letter) for the incubator premises.
Financial plan & budget: project cost estimation, working capital, anticipated number of startups to support.
Technology/innovation focus statement: sectors to support, mentoring plan, linkages with universities/industry.
Special category certificate for additional benefit.
Any prior track record of entrepreneurship/innovation support to demonstrate capability.

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: Lean teams. Designed to save you time and effort. Access expert help from start to finish.

Option 2: Through Karnataka Electronics/IT/BT Dept Single Window

Visit the website of the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T, Government of Karnataka.
Navigate to the “Establish Technology Business Incubators ” scheme page and download the scheme guidelines and application form.
Prepare a detailed proposal: location, building/infrastructure plan, services to startups, budget, staffing, and timeline.
Submit the application along with required documents (entity registration, business plan, proof of land/space, budget) through the Single Window portal or to the nodal department.
Upon approval, the grant of up to 25% of project cost is sanctioned; the applicant sets up the incubator, after which disbursement is made as per scheme terms.

Option 3: Via State Start-up Ecosystem Partner

Approach an existing startup ecosystem partner in Karnataka who is willing to act as a host and applicant for the TBIC.
Co-develop infrastructure and services plan; leverage the host’s resources and the scheme’s funding for the incubation centre.
Submit as per Option 2 steps with combined capability; track progress and manage the incubator post-approval.