About this programme
MV-COMMERCE is Maker Village's incubation programme designed to support IP and product-based ESDM (electronics system design and manufacturing) startups with validated products ready for market commercialisation. The programme provides upfront cash grants combined with mentorship support, co-working infrastructure, and access to funding opportunities and venture capital networks. Participants go through market preparation, test market validation, and scale-up phases.
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in electronics system design and manufacturing (esdm) · hardware · iot. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
How it works
Selected startups receive upfront cash of ₹5 lakhs (or ₹2.5 lakhs for virtual incubation track). The programme supports three phases: market preparation (positioning, branding, certification), test market validation (pilot sales, feedback collection), and commercialisation (scaling operations, inventory management). Participants gain access to physical infrastructure (office space, computing facilities, fabrication labs, 3D printing, SMT line), industry mentorship, venture capital connects, demo days, and professional consulting support. Optional EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence) support of ₹30,000/month is available for the first 6 months.
Who can apply
IP and product-based startups in electronics system design and manufacturing with validated products demonstrating clear market or user validation. Eligible applicants include direct applicants, MV-IDEA graduates, or any grant award winners. Registered entity (as per Companies Act 2013) required. High growth potential with social or strategic impact.
How to apply
- Prepare your startup profile highlighting product validation and market readiness
- Submit application via Google Form at https://forms.gle/S8TgAVWpFYPPmc2S7
- Contact Maker Village at makervillage@iiitmk.ac.in for any clarifications
- Await evaluation and selection decision
- Upon selection, sign incubation agreement and commence programme
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business registration / incorporation certificate
- PAN (and GST registration, where applicable)
- Identity and address proof for the applicant / directors
- A short description of your business or project
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between MV-COMMERCE and MV-PROTO?
MV-PROTO is for earlier-stage hardware startups with market/user validation, while MV-COMMERCE is for startups with validated products ready for commercialisation and scaling. Both offer similar upfront cash (₹5 lakhs or ₹2.5 lakhs for virtual), but focus on different commercialisation phases.
What does the upfront cash cover?
The upfront cash of ₹5 lakhs (or ₹2.5 lakhs for virtual incubation) is meant to support the commercialisation journey including market preparation, test market validation, and scaling operations.
What is EIR support?
EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence) support provides optional monthly support of ₹30,000 for the first 6 months to help founders focus on business growth without salary constraints.
How do I access Maker Village's infrastructure?
Upon selection, you gain access to physical office space, computing facilities, electronics and instrumentation labs, metal machining areas, 3D printing, and an industrial SMT (Surface Mount Technology) line within Maker Village's 60,000 sqft facility in Kochi.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.