NSRCEL

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NSRCEL
Formation2000
TypeBusiness incubator
PurposeFostering Entrepreneurship and Startup Growth
HeadquartersIIM Bangalore, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Region served
India
Parent organization
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
AffiliationsKotak Mahindra Bank, Goldman Sachs, DST
Websitensrcel.org

NSRCEL (Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning) is a business incubator based at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Established in 2000, NSRCEL is one of India's premier incubation centres, dedicated to nurturing startups and entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, resources, and access to networks. It supports early-stage ventures across various sectors, including FinTech, Climate Tech, AI, and social entrepreneurship, with a focus on fostering innovation and scalability.[1]

History

NSRCEL was founded in 2000 with a vision to promote entrepreneurial ecosystems in India. Named after Nadathur S. Raghavan, a co-founder of Infosys, the centre was established with an endowment to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Over the years, NSRCEL has grown into a hub for startup incubation, collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies to create a robust support system for startups.[2]

Programs and Initiatives

NSRCEL offers a range of programs tailored to different stages of entrepreneurial development:

  • Incubation Program: Provides Mentorship, workspace, and funding access to early-stage startups. The program typically spans 12–18 months and includes guidance from IIMB faculty, industry experts, and investors.[3]
  • Women Startup Program: A CSR initiative in partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, this program supports women entrepreneurs through mentorship and resources. It focuses on ventures in FinTech, Climate Tech, and other emerging sectors.[4]
  • Velocity Series: A platform to support startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, addressing challenges in scaling tech and AI ventures outside metro areas.[5]
  • Sustainable Mobility Incubation Program: In collaboration with Alstom, this program supports startups embedding ESG principles into sustainable mobility solutions.[6]
  • Women in Tech Scale Hub: A Demo Day event showcasing women-led tech startups to investors, fostering funding opportunities and visibility.[7]

Partnerships

NSRCEL collaborates with organizations such as Kotak Mahindra Bank, Goldman Sachs, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to enhance its offerings. These partnerships provide startups with access to funding, industry networks, and specialized mentorship.[8] The collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank has been particularly significant in supporting women entrepreneurs through dedicated programs.[4]

Notable Startups Incubated

NSRCEL has incubated numerous startups that have gained recognition in their respective fields. Some notable examples include:

  • Mango Technologies: A technology startup that developed a mobile handset user interface software, which was acquired by Qualcomm in 2010. The deal highlighted NSRCEL’s role in fostering innovative tech ventures.[9]
  • Radifinity: A startup incubated under NSRCEL’s program with the DIT TIDE scheme, focusing on wireless technology solutions. It later collaborated with ABMIT to expand its offerings.[9]
  • SHEvolution: A women-led startup from NSRCEL’s Women Startup Program, focusing on innovative business models. Founder Amrita Mukherjee emphasized the program’s role in reshaping her approach to entrepreneurship.[10]
  • FinTech Startups (ICICI Securities Cohort): In 2025, NSRCEL shortlisted 25 FinTech startups for a 15-month program, with potential funding from ICICI Securities’ CSR fund. These startups focus on innovative financial solutions, showcasing NSRCEL’s impact in the fintech sector.[11]

How to Apply

NSRCEL offers multiple programs, each with specific application processes detailed on its official website. The general steps to apply include:

  1. Eligibility Check: Startups must meet program-specific criteria, such as being at least one year old with early revenues for the Climate Incubation Hub, or being women-led for the Women Startup Program.[10]
  2. Online Application: Entrepreneurs submit applications through NSRCEL’s website, providing details about their startup, team, and business model. Applications typically require a pitch deck and financial projections.[3]
  3. Screening and Selection: A panel, often including NSRCEL faculty and industry experts, evaluates applications based on innovation, scalability, and market potential. Shortlisted startups may undergo interviews or pitch sessions.[11]
  4. Program Onboarding: Selected startups join programs like the 12–18 month Incubation Program or the 5-month Women Startup Program, gaining access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources.[3][10]

Interested applicants can visit the NSRCEL website for specific deadlines and program details. For example, the Women Startup Program and Campus Founders Program have dedicated application portals with periodic calls for entries.[4]

Impact

Since its inception, NSRCEL has incubated over 1,000 startups, contributing to job creation and economic growth in India. Its focus on inclusivity has empowered entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and women founders.[12] The centre’s alumni include successful startups in sectors like FinTech, HealthTech, and EdTech, many of which have secured significant venture capital funding.

Recognition

NSRCEL has been recognized as a leading incubator in India, often cited for its role in fostering innovation and supporting the Startup India initiative. Its programs have gained visibility through events like Demo Days and partnerships with global corporations.[7]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "About NSRCEL". NSRCEL. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  2. ↑ "NSRCEL Overview". IIM Bangalore. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Incubation at NSRCEL". NSRCEL. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 NSRCEL (27 June 2025). "NSRCEL's Women Startup Program". X. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  5. ↑ NSRCEL (23 June 2025). "Velocity Series for Tier 2 Startups". X. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  6. ↑ Alstom India (24 June 2025). "Empowering Sustainable Innovation with NSRCEL". X. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 NSRCEL (26 June 2025). "Women in Tech Scale Hub Demo Day". X. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "Partners". NSRCEL. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "IIMB entrepreneurship cell gathers pace". Business Standard. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "NSRCEL and Kotak Mahindra Bank give grants to ten women-led start-ups". The Hindu. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "25 Fintech Startups Shortlisted By IIMATE Bangalore's Startup Hub". NDTV. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  12. ↑ NSRCEL (27 June 2025). "Market Access for Ventures". X. Retrieved 30 June 2025.

External Links

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