Landscape Study of Accelerators and Incubators in India

Dec 2017

This study, conducted by the ANDE India Chapter with the support of Autodesk Sustainability and Foundation, uses GALI’s Global Accelerator Survey to add clarity to the profile of accelerators and incubators in India – their structure, objectives, goals, funding, and the financial and non-financial support that they offer.

Data Highlights:

Sample Characteristics

  • University accelerators and incubators made up the largest portion of the respondents, at nearly one-third.
  • Two-thirds ran their first acceleration or incubation program after 2013.

Sector Focus and Impact Objectives

  • Over half of the respondents indicated a focus on energy or environment.
  • Three-quarters work specifically with ventures that have a social or environmental impact objective.

Program Structure

  • With a median size of 9 and an 11 percent acceptance rate, cohorts were small, programs were selective, and early-stage ventures were most likely to receive support.
  • One-third of respondents provide direct funding, and equity is the most popular investment instrument.

Funding Sources

  • At 43 percent, philanthropic grants were the most common funding source for programs, followed by government support.
  • One-third of the government-supported respondents received funds from the Department of Science and Technology.

Questions or comments? Contact Devyani Singh at devyani.singh@aspeninst.org.