About this programme
SINE is IIT Bombay's technology business incubator supporting IP-based, product-focused technology startups. The program offers up to 3 years of physical or virtual incubation including mentorship, ecosystem access, and funding opportunities. SINE provides seed funding up to ₹100 lakh (internally) and facilitates access to up to ₹200 lakh via equity instruments. The incubator also manages the Y-Point VC Fund and facilitates DST NIDHI PRAYAS government grants. It is run by Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay.
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan. 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.
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
SINE provides incubation space, technical mentorship from IIT faculty, business mentorship, and IP support services. Startups access seed funding from SINE's own pool (up to ₹100 lakh) or through investor networks. The DST NIDHI programme (administered by SINE) offers equity-based seed funding up to ₹1 crore for prototyping and product trials. SINE also facilitates fundraising via its Y-Point VC Fund (approx. ₹250 crore corpus) for scaling ventures.
Who can apply
IP-based, product-focused technology startups founded by entrepreneurs, technical teams, or academic spin-offs from IIT Bombay or recent graduates; sector-agnostic; concept must be technically innovative and have commercial potential.
How to apply
- Visit SINE website and access incubation application portal
- Submit detailed project proposal with technical specifications and business plan
- Two-round evaluation: technical committee review, then presentations
- Due diligence and agreement signing
- Commence incubation and access to funding/mentorship ecosystem
Documents you’ll typically need
- Detailed project report (technical and commercial aspects)
- Team background and qualifications
- IP documentation (if filed)
- Proof of IIT Bombay affiliation (for associated founders)
- Financial projections (3-year)
- Government registration certificate (DPIIT, if applicable)
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What funding is available through SINE?
SINE provides seed funding up to ₹100 lakh directly. Startups can also apply for DST NIDHI Seed Support Programme (up to ₹1 crore) and access the Y-Point VC Fund (₹250 crore corpus) for scaling.
How long is the incubation period?
SINE offers incubation support for up to 3 years, available in physical form at IIT Bombay campus or virtual format for remote teams.
Can non-IIT founders apply?
Yes. While IIT Bombay affiliation (students, alumni, spin-offs) is valued, the program is open to sector-agnostic IP-based technology startups founded by any qualified entrepreneur team with innovative ideas.
What support beyond funding does SINE provide?
SINE offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, mentorship from IIT faculty and industry experts, IP assistance, access to cloud credits (AWS, Google, Microsoft) and design software, and connections to angel investors and venture capitalists.
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.