de HUB Incubation & Startup Policy
DE Hub Incubation & Startup Policy
The de HUB Incubation and Startup Policy, under the Gurthimpu Foundation, serves as a guiding framework for empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWD) through entrepreneurship. This policy is designed to foster innovation, build entrepreneurial pathways, and ensure inclusive growth by nurturing startups that align with the needs and aspirations of PWD communities. The policy also outlines clear guidelines for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), equity sharing, and support systems for startups initiated by PWD beneficiaries, students, faculty, and external innovators.
Vision: Fostering nationwide innovation and entrepreneurship through a network of incubation hubs for the disabled, catalyzing economic growth and sustainable development.
Mission: To empower disabled entrepreneurs through comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities, fostering their success in establishing and growing impactful businesses.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem at DE Hub:
de HUB has established a dynamic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem focused on Ideate Innovate Incubate Accelerate phases for PWD and their allies. Our mission is to offer tailored support and resources, enabling entrepreneurs to overcome unique challenges faced by the PWD community.
Key Objectives:
Empower PWD through Entrepreneurship: Create a supportive ecosystem to empower PWD individuals and organizations to leverage entrepreneurial ventures.
Infrastructure for Innovation: de HUB provides inclusive infrastructure, including co working spaces, accessible technology, and assistive resources for ideation and product development.
Funding and Resources: Allocate 20% of the Gurthimpu Foundation’s annual budget to fund and support PWD innovation and startup activities. Raise additional funds through government and CSR initiatives.
Global Collaborations: Build international partnerships for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and business growth, fostering an inclusive global startup culture.
Sources of Funding:
- Government agencies (e.g., DST, DBT, MSME, MeitY, etc.)
- CSR contributions from the private sector, as per the Companies Act 2013.
- Philanthropists, and social impact funds.
- International grants and collaborative programs.
Institutional Infrastructure to Support PWD Startups:
The de HUB Training Centre and Kaanthi Makerspace provide 24×7 access to innovators from the PWD community. The infrastructure supports all aspects of business development, from ideation to commercialization. de HUB offers specialized programs, including:
- IGNITE: A 2-month pre incubation program for identifying PWD innovators.
- Empower Abilities: A 4-month incubation program offering tailored mentorship, funding, and technical support.
- de HUB Launch Pad: A 6-month customized acceleration program focusing on scaling startups.
Equity Sharing and Services:
de HUB provides consultation services, mentoring, and technical support. Initial support is offered at nominal consultancy rates or equity sharing, depending on the startup’s stage and service nature. The startup ownership and equity will be based on clear agreements, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Nurturing Innovation and Startups:
de HUB will create a seamless process for the creation and nurturing of startups initiated by PWD individuals, alumni, and external applicants, including:
Infrastructure Usage: de HUB facilities and resources, including makerspaces and incubation hubs, will be made available to entrepreneurs, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Funding: de HUB will provide seed funding (₹1 3 lakhs) through innovation and startup pitch competitions happens on 3rd December every year in the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Mentorship and Guidance: Regular mentorship from subject matter experts in areas like product development, financial management, law, branding, and social impact.
Mentorship and Advisory Services:
DE Hub, in collaboration with Gurthimpu Foundation, has identified a network of mentors, advisors, and subject matter experts to guide the startups. Key advisory areas include:
- Business Strategy and Planning
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Financial Management and Fundraising
- Marketing, Branding, and Sales
- Leadership and Team Building
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment
- Sustainability and Scalability
Norms for External Stakeholders:
External Stakeholders and Professionals are encouraged to contribute to PWD startups as mentors, consultants, or co-founders. External startups will be encouraged to foster cross disciplinary innovation and mentorship for PWD beneficiaries.
National and international accelerator programs will be supported through flexible policies.
Product Ownership Rights and Intellectual Property (IPR):
Co Ownership: If de HUB facilities or funding are used, IPR will be jointly owned by the inventors and DE Hub. Both parties can license the technology, and revenue can be shared based on mutual agreements.
Licensing: Licensing arrangements can include upfront fees, royalties, or equity in the startup, ensuring both innovators and the Hub benefit from commercial success.
In case of disputes, a five member committee (including legal and industry experts) will resolve ownership and licensing issues.
Entrepreneurial Impact Assessment:
de HUB will conduct regular assessments of its entrepreneurial initiatives, using key performance indicators such as:
- Number of PWD startups created and supported.
- Satisfaction of participants and mentors.
- Social, economic, and environmental impacts of the startups.
- Linkages created between startups, industry, and investors.
Success will be measured in terms of sustainable social impact and commercial success , ensuring the longevity and viability of PWD led enterprises.
Through the de HUB Startup Policy, we envision building a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering PWD individuals to lead in creating positive, sustainable change in their communities and beyond.