Aavishkaar & DPIIT Launch Virtual Incubation for Regional Startup Founders

In a powerful step toward inclusive entrepreneurship, Aavishkaar Group has entered into a strategic partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to launch a Virtual Incubation Program designed specifically for non-English speaking startup founders from India’s Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and underserved regions.

This initiative directly addresses a long-standing gap in India’s startup ecosystem: while innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are abundant across the country, access to incubation, mentorship, funding, and networks has largely remained confined to metro cities and English-speaking circles.

The Virtual Incubation Program intends to break this barrier. Through a multilingual, fully digital platform, the program aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs in their native languages, offering tailored content, training, and access to mentors—ultimately bringing them into the mainstream of India’s growing startup narrative.

Inclusive Innovation for Viksit Bharat 2047

The launch of this program aligns with India’s national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, which emphasizes building a developed and inclusive India by the centenary of its independence. A key component of this vision is ensuring that entrepreneurial opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of geography, language, or socio-economic background.

Upendra Kumar Sinha, Chairman of Aavishkaar Group and former SEBI Chairman, emphasized the economic inclusion goal of the initiative, stating, “Our focus is on providing access to capital, high-quality mentorship, and network-building opportunities to founders who are often left out of India’s innovation landscape.”

With DPIIT’s support, the program will extend incubation benefits to regions that have traditionally been overlooked in the startup ecosystem. The model also intends to inspire more local innovations and generate job opportunities in low-income states.

What the Virtual Incubation Offers

The incubation model will be entirely virtual, making it both accessible and scalable. Key services include:

• Pitch training in regional languages

• Business development support

• Mentorship from domain experts

• Investor access and exposure opportunities

• Localized curriculum tailored to regional entrepreneurial challenges

The content and engagement will be delivered in multiple Indian languages, making this one of the first structured national initiatives to build regional entrepreneurial capacity in local tongues.

The incubation platform—named Startup Gurukul or Kalpavriksha—will run through Aavishkaar’s existing digital backbone, StartupWave, and evolve through pilot batches launched in different regions. Community feedback will play a central role in refining its delivery model and scaling efforts.

Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Vineet Rai, Founder and Vice Chairman of Aavishkaar Group, said, “By bringing incubation and mentorship into regional languages, we are creating a national platform for new-age entrepreneurs from every corner of India.”

He described the program as a “critical step toward enabling grassroots innovation,” especially in areas where talent exists but systems of support have been absent.

Expanding Impact: Manufacturing Incubators in the Pipeline

Beyond the virtual initiative, Aavishkaar Group is also preparing to launch a manufacturing incubator aimed at product-led and deeptech startups. The focus will be on Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, where such support is scarce.

This new model will combine incubation with venture capital, offering startups not just mentorship and infrastructure but also funding support. The goal is to bridge the manufacturing and innovation gap in underrepresented regions and bring industrial innovation into the fold of India’s startup boom.

Sankalp Platform: A Launchpad for Regional Startups

To ensure visibility and funding opportunities for these emerging startups, Aavishkaar will also leverage its flagship platform Sankalp. The platform will serve as a showcase arena for incubated startups, connecting them with investors, strategic partners, and international networks.

With a special emphasis on South–South collaboration, Sankalp will help these regional startups build cross-border partnerships across other emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Scaling for Long-Term Transformation

The program’s first phase will prioritize low-income states like Eastern Uttar Pradesh, gradually expanding to other underserved regions based on success metrics and community feedback.

This collaboration between Aavishkaar and DPIIT reflects a shared commitment to empowering those who’ve historically been on the fringes of India’s economic growth narrative. By removing the twin barriers of language and location, the initiative is redefining what it means to be a startup founder in India.

The message is loud and clear: India’s next big entrepreneur doesn’t have to speak English or come from a metro city—they just need the right support.