The PMC will work with researchers whose work results in successful prototypes. These researchers will be encouraged into entrepreneurship by initiating them with the process to set up Start-ups/SMEs/MSMEs. This will be done by training them in intellectual property landscape, procedures for patent writing, trademark filing process etc. Specific focus will be given to those prototypes that can foster rural entrepreneurship. The PMC will also support and facilitate translation of the research prototypes from the selected projects.

Policy on Start-Up:

1. Eligibility
   1. A company that satisfies GoI definition of Startup (i.e. recognized by DPIIT as such).
   2. A well-defined R&D activity with incubation potential and intention, i.e. a ‘would-be startup’.
   3. While preference is given to startups, MSME are allowed with specific MoUs with the institute.
   4. A startup that has been developed with support through MeitY programs is given priority.
   5. Startups can be internal or external. There is no restriction on PI/co-PI of the INUP program in launching startups and seeking support.
2. INUP Partnership: INUP support to startups is intended for deep and long-term partnerships where the institutes provide extensive technical support to startups, including tools-time, staff-time, consultancy, and mentorship. In essence the startups would be “incubatees” of the facility, although they may not physically exist on campus. Therefore this can only be a select list - institutes can only support a small number of such deep and long-term commitments.
   1. The startup will be recommended for support based on relevant factors, such as – the company profile, business model, alignment with the nanoengineering/ semiconductors domain, importance of nanofabrication facility support to their success, and so on.
   2. Startups applicants must state their technology missions, R&D goals, etc. which would be furthered through this support. The Institutes will assess if these are aligned with the INUP mission: viz. enabling nano innovation and manufacturing in India. The Institutes will also periodically review the progress of the startups, and reserve the right to terminate the support agreement if their goals are found to have changed, or if the utilization of the support provided is found to be grossly unsatisfactory.
   3. The partnership between the Institute and a startup will be backed by a MoU that explicitly mentions details like IP sharing, equity sharing, and right/ responsibilities on both sides.
   4. Herein the institutes may claim some form of compensation (such as equity, consulting project, licensing fee, etc.) for IP that is made available to a startup – the details are to be worked out between the institute and startup.
3. Every supported startup should provide a half-yearly report, with the following information:
   1. Indicating how the facilities usage or technical support has helped.
   2. Related patents/ publications.
   3. Funding received after the onset of INUP support.
   4. Future plans for facility usage

To fill up Application for Start-up support under INUP-i2i, kindly click the button below.

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