Pre-Incubation Program
Have you been thinking about an idea? Or thinking about starting up? Do you have team? Then, look no further.
AIC Anna Incubator is seeking applications for its first pre-incubation program.
This is a 4 months program for students & faculty from any college, and professionals, who are serious about starting up.
During this 4 months, we will walk you through various steps of starting up. Our team of experts, professors, mentors who have walked the path of starting up will enlighten you and guide you in shaping your idea.
This program is delivered virtually though online meetings. You and your co-founders will be participating in this program from the comfort of your home. You will have online sessions, workshops and activities. There will be weekly deliverables and deadlines.
The ultimate goal of this program is to help you Develop your idea into a Prototype, Validate Customers, Build a Business Model, and Incorporate your idea into a successful venture. Successful teams may further get an opportunity to get incubated
If you are student team, then, you are free to submit this work as your mini-project or final-year project.
Only 20 teams will get into this program based on the strength and viability of your idea, potential market, team capabilities, and willingness to commit your time.
Application for this cohort is CLOSED
Frequently Asked Questions
for Pre-Incubation Program
- What is the duration of this program?
The duration of this program is 4 months from the date of commencement.
- Is this only for Anna University Students?
All students, faculty, alumni and professionals who are aspiring to become an entrepreneur are eligible for this program. Anyone can apply, including those from Anna University campuses, constituent colleges and affiliated colleges.
- What is the selection process?
Your application will be reviewed based on the problem you are trying to solve, potential of the idea, market, viability, and the capability of the team to build a prototype within the pre-incubation duration. Filtered applicants will also be required to make a presentation before the selection panel.
- Is this a free or paid program?
This program is delivered free of cost to the selected teams. The intent is to guide you through your idea to prototype development phases.
However, all the costs required to build your idea into a prototype including any materials, hardware, software or any other tools must be taken care by the participants. - Will we get a certificate?
The intent of the program is to support you through the steps of entrepreneurship journey; not to become yet another certificate course. You and your team spending time on your idea, building prototype, gaining insights, being guided by our team and mentors are the real value provided by this program.
A certificate of participation will be provided only to those who attend all the sessions, complete all the deliverables and fully participate in the entire program. - How will the program be delivered?
With the COVID situation in mind, this program is entirely delivered through virtual mode. There will be weekly sessions, workshops and assignments.
Attending the online sessions, participating in discussions, and submitting assignments is vital to continuing in the program and eventually in your startup venture. - Can I apply individually?
You can. However, getting selected into the program as an individual may be very hard. We expect co-founders as a team to participate. Having a team of people with diverse set of skills will not only help you solve the problems creatively, but also help you to share the workload.
It is recommended to have at least 2 co-founders. - Can professionals working full-time apply?
If you already employed in a company as a full-time employee, you are governed by your company's policies on code-of-conduct and non-compete.
Policy for allowing employees to participate in such incubation programs vary. Hence you must consult with your human resources team or management team immediately.
If selected, all working professionals will be required to submit an no-objection approval letter from their employers. - Will we get funding to build our idea?
Unless otherwise you have strong network that knows your credentials and capabilities, or you are a successful serial entrepreneur, it is very difficult to get funding during early stages.
However, if we find your solution to be an investable idea, we shall provide access to our angel and venture network. During this stage, we shall also direct you to certain funding / grant options for you to apply.
Hence be prepared to bootstrap your idea into a prototype during this program. - Anything else?
If you are a student or faculty, and if selected, you may be required provide an approval letter from your institute or management.
Current AICTE and MHRD policies encourage and support aspiring students and faculty to startup. Link: National Innovation and Startup Policy 2019 for Students & Faculty
