Many startups meet the government not directly but through an incubator. Behind those incubators are government schemes that fund the institutions that host them. This guide follows the Incubator Schemes page on the Startup India portal and explains the four central schemes it lists, plus what it says about state schemes. If you are choosing an incubator as a founder, start with our incubators and accelerators guide.
Quick facts
- DST Technology Business Incubator (TBI): run by the Department of Science and Technology; about 5 years; DST does not support for-profit incubators
- DBT BioNest: run by the Department of Biotechnology through BIRAC; 3 to 5 years
- Atal Incubation Centres (AIC): run by Atal Innovation Mission; maximum grant-in-aid of Rs 10 crore; up to 5 years
- MeitY TIDE 2.0: run by the Ministry of Electronics and IT; up to Rs 27.2 crore; about 5 years
- Who the schemes fund: the institutions that host incubators, not the startups directly
- Last checked: 5 November 2026 against the Startup India portal; confirm on startupindia.gov.in
Why do these schemes matter to founders?
The schemes fund incubators, which then support startups with space, mentoring and sometimes money. Knowing which scheme backs an incubator tells you what sector it is likely to focus on. Our guide to the Atal Innovation Mission covers the AIC programme in more detail.
The four central schemes
1. DST Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
Run by the Department of Science and Technology to promote new technology-, knowledge- and innovation-based startups. The page says the duration is about 5 years. Support goes to not-for-profit entities registered as a society, trust or Section 8 company, and to academic or R&D host institutes or other institutions with a proven track record. The host must have existed for at least 3 years, which does not apply to government-created entities. The page says DST does not support for-profit incubators.
2. DBT BioNest
Run by the Department of Biotechnology and implemented through BIRAC. It aims to scale up biotech incubation by supporting new BioNests at academic and research institutions, and to strengthen existing incubators. Duration is 3 to 5 years, and the grant depends on the project. BIRAC may take a small equity stake in incubated startups. Private institutes must contribute 20% of total capex.
3. Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)
Run by Atal Innovation Mission. It aims to establish incubation centres in sectors such as manufacturing, health, energy, agriculture and water, with a focus on underserved areas. The page says the maximum grant-in-aid is Rs 10 crore, covering capital and operational expenditure, for up to 5 years. Public, private or PPP institutions, and individuals or groups, are eligible, and an AIC can be a Section 8 company, a society or trust, or a for-profit company under the Companies Act 2013.
4. MeitY TIDE 2.0
Run by the Ministry of Electronics and IT to help aspiring entrepreneurs and students build high-quality startups. Centres fall into three groups: G1C for deep support, G2C for startup building and G3C for ecosystem building in unexplored regions. The page says support can be up to Rs 27.2 crore over about 5 years. G1C needs a Section 8 or 25 entity, 3 years of incubation experience and industry linkages; G2C needs a Section 8 or 25 entity or registered society, 2 years of experience and industry linkages; and G3C can be an entrepreneurship or incubation cell, which must obtain Section 8 or 25 status within one year.
State incubator schemes
The page also lists state and Union Territory incubator support. Examples include a one-time capital grant of up to Rs 10 lakh in Goa, 50% of fixed capital capped at Rs 50 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, a 99-year nominal-lease land scheme for Startup Parks in Tamil Nadu, and Rs 50 lakh a year for 5 years for government-funded institutes in Jharkhand. Our guide to state startup policies explains how to find your state’s policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a startup apply directly to these schemes?
No. These schemes fund incubators and the institutions that host them. Startups usually benefit as incubatees.
Does DST support for-profit incubators?
No. The page says DST does not support for-profit incubators.
What is the maximum AIC grant?
Rs 10 crore of grant-in-aid, for up to 5 years, according to the page.
Are there state incubator schemes?
Yes. The page lists support from many states and Union Territories, with different amounts and conditions.
