Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC), IIT Kharagpur
The Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC) at IIT Kharagpur is a student-driven initiative under
SRIC that bridges academic innovation with commercial success. We aim to drive technological
advancement by fostering a comprehensive startup ecosystem that empowers innovators at
every stage. IIC provides end-to-end support—from ideation to market entry—empowering
students, researchers, and faculty to convert technological breakthroughs into ventures
that solve real-world problems while building a vibrant campus startup ecosystem.
Our Focus Areas:
● Innovation: Enabling patent development, prototype validation, and deep-tech
breakthroughs
● Incubation: Fast-tracking startups with incubation support, funding access, and
go-to-market strategies
Our Mission
To drive technological advancement through our dual focus on innovation cultivation and
venture incubation, creating a comprehensive startup ecosystem that empowers innovators at
every stage while connecting pioneering minds with strategic resources, funding opportunities,
and industry partnerships.
Our Vision
To establish IIT Kharagpur as the premier innovation and entrepreneurship hub, recognized
globally for excellence in innovation development and startup incubation. We aim to create a
meaningful economic impact and address societal challenges through focused,
technology-driven solutions that bridge the gap between research and commercial application.
Departments at IIC
1. Strategy & Partnerships
Be the force behind IIC’s long-term vision and strategic roadmap. As part of this team, you’ll
connect directly with top VCs, incubators, corporates, and government bodies to build
partnerships that unlock new opportunities for the KGP startup ecosystem. You’ll help define
IIC’s direction, identify key growth channels, and craft high-stakes collaborations. If you enjoy
playing the long game and thrive in high-context environments, this is where you lead the future.
2. Programs & Investments
Get behind the scenes of high-impact deals and startup growth. In this role, you’ll evaluate
early-stage ventures, manage investment pipelines, help deploy grants, and design incubation
programs. You’ll interact with founders, assist in structuring deals, and even be part of decisions
involving funding opportunities worth lakhs to crores. A rare chance to experience the venture
ecosystem from the inside—right on campus.
3. Finance & Operations
Be the engine that powers IIC from within. This team manages the financial planning,
budgeting, and operational backbone for IIC’s initiatives, events, and programs. You’ll
work on tracking expenses, conducting financial analysis of ongoing programs, coordinating
vendor payments, and ensuring compliance. Ideal for those who love optimizing systems,
running things with precision, and understanding how great organizations operate at scale.
4. Marketing & Outreach
Craft the story of innovation at IIT Kharagpur. From strategic content to viral campaigns, this
team owns how IIC communicates with the world. You'll develop narratives, design outreach
strategies, lead campus campaigns, and manage collaborations with media and student
influencers. Whether it's writing, design, or social media—you'll push creative boundaries
and learn how to move people through storytelling. Also, be a part of IIC’s weekly digital
newsletter. Here, your ideas are truly limitless.
5. Legal & Intellectual Property (IP)
Help fellow student innovators protect and commercialize their ideas. As part of the Legal & IP
team, you’ll assist startups in navigating the IP landscape—be it patents, contracts, or licensing.
You'll help run IPR awareness sessions, conduct legal research, and collaborate with founders
to ensure their innovations are safeguarded. A strong fit for students interested in law, tech
policy, or becoming the future counsels of high-growth companies.
6. Research & Innovation
Turn research into revolution. This team bridges classroom learning and real-world impact by
scouting cutting-edge ideas, connecting them with expert mentors, and shaping them into
products. You’ll help students refine early-stage ideas, find the right collaborators, and build
innovations that can genuinely reshape the future. Great for those who think deeply, love solving
real problems, and want to see ideas go from lab to market.
7. Sponsorships & Events
Create the most exciting experiences on campus. From national-level business summits and
startup hackathons to pitch fests and workshops, you’ll be at the forefront of designing and
delivering impactful events. You’ll manage sponsorships, work with industry leaders, and run
large-scale operations that put IIC and KGP startups on the map. If you love bringing people
together and creating unforgettable moments, this team is for you.
8. Media & Design
Capture the energy of entrepreneurship through visuals and stories. In this team, you’ll produce
high-quality videos, reels, motion graphics, podcasts, event coverage, and creative assets.
You'll shape the visual identity of IIC, build your creative portfolio, and work like a full-stack
media team. If you're passionate about design, storytelling, or production—you’ll thrive here.
9. Product & Technology
Build the digital backbone of IIC. From developing IIC’s web platforms to building AI tools that
match students with research, internships, and co-founders, you’ll work on real products with
real users. Ideal for product managers, coders, designers, and builders who want to create,
ship, and scale technology from Day 1. Your creations won’t just be portfolio pieces—they’ll be
campus-wide utilities.
Our Programs & Initiatives
1. Amplify – Growth-Stage Venture Acceleration
● Funding Support – Access up to ₹1.7 Crores through Cogniphy to accelerate your
startup without giving up equity.
● Tailored Mentorship – Work with leading founders, operators, and investors to refine
strategy and execution.
● Deep-Tech & Commercialization Focus – Designed for scalable, research-driven
startups aiming for market readiness.
2. Liftoff – Investment Readiness Accelerator
● Structured Program with Resources – A curated journey to accelerate early-stage
startups, complemented by $150K in essential credits and tools.
● Demo Day with 25+ VCs – Pitch to top investment partners in a focused,
high-conversion setup.
● Zero-Cost, High-Impact – Fully funded by the Wadhwani Foundation; no equity or fees
involved.
3. The Founders’ Collective (TFC)
● Peer-Led Founder Network – A thriving on-campus community supporting early-stage
founders through collaboration.
● TFC Townhall Series – Regular spotlight events to showcase and support IIT KGP’s
student ventures.
● Founder-First Community Building – Focused on shared learning, support systems,
and founder visibility.
(Upcoming) National Business Summit 2025
● Premier Startup-Policy-VC Platform – A 2-day national-level summit in Delhi bringing
together ministers, unicorn founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers.
● Organised by the IIC Team – Students will lead end-to-end execution: managing
sponsors, coordinating logistics, and facilitating high-stakes engagements.
● Panels, Pitches & High-Impact Networking – Curated sessions on innovation policy,
startup growth, and closed-door investor-founder meetings aimed at driving real capital
and regulatory change.
