Start-ups/Innovation at UPES 

UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE) is a Business Incubator (BI) with a focus on the technology sector. The mandate of the UCIE is to assist UPES faculty, staff, alumni, students, and external entrepreneurs in commercialising their product or service ideas and accelerating their growth.

Its mission is to synchronise and synergise the interactions between various stakeholders of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, with the utmost focus on enabling young students to become successful entrepreneurs through structured programs and events. The key technology focus areas include Transportation, Infrastructure, E-commerce, Education, Energy, IT/ITES, Gaming and Animation, Cloud Computing, New Materials, Biotechnology, Energy Technology, Food Processing Technology, Retail Technology, and Fashion Technology.

UCIE works with start-ups on their ideas, helping them transition into strong, scalable, and successful businesses.

The goal is to assist brilliant innovators in navigating the early stages of establishing a start-up and reaching the point where they have developed a product or service impressive enough to attract investment. This is achieved through a combination of mentorship, grants and investments, legal and incorporation support, and access to dedicated workspace.

The team comprises entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and subject matter experts (SMEs) who specialise in building solutions that meet real-world needs. 

Embark on the Start-up Journey

Runway is not a traditional classroom; it is an intensive, mentor-driven incubation program designed for those eager to build their businesses. Throughout the program, start-ups refine their ideas and business models, develop prototypes, and identify key customers and investors.

Since its inception, Runway has collaborated with several start-ups across different sectors. Many of them have gone on to create compelling products and make a meaningful impact on society.

Helping Start-ups Take Off

Runway is an incubation initiative by the UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE). UCIE operates under the aegis of UPES and the Hydrocarbons Education & Research Society (HERS). It has been recognised by the Government of Uttarakhand as a business incubator and the state nodal agency, dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurship and supporting start-ups in the region. 

Introduction to iTBI Program  

The Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI) at UPES, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement in India. This collaboration provides a dynamic platform for deep tech startups, leveraging UPES’s academic expertise, infrastructure, and industry connections.

iTBI offers mentorship, funding access, cutting-edge facilities, and tailored guidance to help startups turn innovative ideas into viable businesses. The program supports entrepreneurs throughout their journey, from ideation to market entry, ensuring sustained growth and impact.

By integrating DST’s support with UPES’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, iTBI drives economic growth, job creation, and societal impact, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in building a strong startup ecosystem.

Focus Areas

• Deep Tech: Startups in quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, and IoT, requiring significant R&D investment but offering groundbreaking innovations.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to transform healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and automation.
• Machine Learning (ML): Advancing predictive analytics, fraud detection, and automated decision-making through data-driven models.
• Agri Tech: Enhancing agricultural productivity with precision farming, crop monitoring, and supply chain optimisation for sustainable food security.

These startups align with the UPES iTBI mission, driving disruptive innovations that solve industry challenges.

About DST

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, promotes scientific research and funds various technological projects in India. Established in 1971, DST plays the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating, and promoting scientific and technological activities in the country. It gives funds to various approved scientific projects in India. It also supports various researchers in India to attend conferences abroad and to go for experimental works.  

Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship  

Uttarakhand, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is rapidly emerging as a leading startup hub in India. The state government, in collaboration with various institutions and organisations, is committed to fostering an environment that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth.  

Startup Definition  

• To qualify as a startup in Uttarakhand, an entity must:
• Be registered as a Pvt. Ltd. Company, Partnership Firm, or LLP.
• Operate from Uttarakhand with at least 70% local workforce.
• Be recognised as a startup for up to 10 years from incorporation.
• Have an annual turnover below INR 100 Cr in any financial year.
• Not be an extension of a family business or a reconstructed entity.
• Focus on innovation or improving products, services, or processes with job creation potential.

Grassroots Innovations with Rural Impact refer to the development of products and services by individuals, self-help groups, or community networks in rural and hilly areas, aimed at addressing pressing challenges in these regions. The government has established two Rural Business Incubators to guide, mentor, and provide capacity-building programs to grassroots innovators, offering financial assistance through seed funding.  

Recognised Incubators  

There are 15 recognised business incubators across Uttarakhand. As per the 2018 policy, there are 7 nodal agencies, including Runway Incubator (UPES), which plays a significant role in the state's startup ecosystem.  

Partner Institutions  

UPES provides crucial mentoring support to startups in Uttarakhand. With its broad expertise across various sectors, UPES offers technical support, mentorship at different stages of development, and organises entrepreneurial events to promote the startup culture in the state.  

Some of the key services provided by UPES include:  

• Mentorship and advisory services to startups.  
• Access to resources such as 3D printers and licensed software for R&D in well-equipped labs.  

About the Nodal Department  

The MSME Department has been designated as the Nodal Department under the Uttarakhand Startup Policy. This department is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the state's startup policies and related initiatives. The Director General / Commissioner of Industries serves as the Nodal Officer, guiding the ecosystem's development and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders.