Nagpur: The STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur has announced the launch of its Open Challenge Program (OCP) – Cohort 1, inviting applications from DeepTech and innovative AI technology startups working across HealthTech, Smart Earth, AgriTech, Mining, Forestry, Environment, and other emerging sectors.
Backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the initiative aims to provide startups with the infrastructure, funding, mentoring, and market support required to accelerate innovation.
The STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur programme is designed as an 18-month incubation initiative that offers seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh, dedicated GPU infrastructure, expert mentoring, go-to-market support, intellectual property assistance, legal guidance, and access to a fully equipped incubation workspace at STPI Nagpur’s IT Park.
Under the programme, selected startups will receive dedicated AI and GPU compute infrastructure for training and deployment, eliminating cloud computing costs while enabling rapid product development.
In addition, founders will have access to bootcamp-style mentoring sessions focused on product validation, unit economics, and investor readiness.
One of the key highlights of the STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur initiative is seed funding support of up to ₹50 lakh along with warm introductions to venture capital firms and funding agencies.
The programme also provides dedicated go-to-market workshops, enterprise introductions, and market-access opportunities to help startups commercialize their innovations.
The incubation package further includes intellectual property rights (IPR) assistance, patent filing support, legal guidance, accounting support, and access to a 10,000-square-foot incubation facility equipped with high-speed connectivity and conference rooms at STPI Nagpur.
STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur: Equity-Based Incubation Model
The STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur follows an equity-based incubation model for high-impact DeepTech startups. The programme takes a nominal equity stake in exchange for providing infrastructure, funding facilitation, mentoring, and market access.
According to the programme details, the exact equity terms are discussed transparently during the selection process, with no hidden obligations.
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Focus Areas
The incubation programme is focused on emerging sectors including:
- AgriTech
- HealthTech
- Forestry and Environment
- Mining
- Smart Earth
- AI-driven DeepTech innovations
The initiative aims to nurture startups building technologies that address India’s evolving industrial and societal needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to private limited companies, registered partnership firms, and LLPs incorporated in India. Pre-incorporation founders are also eligible to apply, provided they register their entity within three months of selection.
Eligible startups should have been incorporated within the last 10 years, while DeepTech startups benefit from an extended eligibility window of up to 20 years.
Annual turnover should not have exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. For DeepTech startups, the turnover limit has been extended to ₹300 crore.
The selection committee will evaluate applicants based on innovative products or processes, market potential, founding team capability, and demonstrated progress such as proof of concept (PoC), prototypes, or early market traction.
STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur: Four-Step Selection Process
The application process consists of four stages:
- Application Submission: Startups must complete the online application form with details about their team, product stage, and business plan.
- Screening and Evaluation: Applications are assessed on innovation, team strength, product readiness, and market potential.
- Pitch to Selection Committee: Shortlisted startups present before the NERVE CoE jury, where equity terms are discussed transparently.
- Onboarding: Selected startups join the cohort, sign the required agreements, and receive access to workspace, GPU infrastructure, and the mentor network from day one.
- Programme Flexibility
The incubation support is offered for 18 months and may be extended by up to six additional months based on requirements and subject to the availability of physical or virtual incubation batches.
While the incubation facility is located at STPI Nagpur, startups are generally expected to operate from the Centre of Excellence during the programme. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be discussed during onboarding.
Founders whose companies are not yet registered can also apply. If selected, they will be required to complete incorporation within three months of their selection date.
STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur: Applications Open Until July 15
The STPI NERVE CoE Nagpur has opened applications for Cohort 1 and is encouraging AI and DeepTech innovators with transformative solutions to participate.
The programme offers access to seed funding, dedicated GPU infrastructure, expert mentoring, investor connections, go-to-market assistance, IPR and legal support, and incubation facilities designed to help startups scale their innovations.
The last date to submit applications is 15 July 2026, with limited seats available for the inaugural cohort.
