Pre-Incubation Program
The Pre-Incubation Program at the Manipal–GoK Bioincubator (M-GoKB) is designed for innovators at the earliest stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you are a student, researcher, or independent innovator, this program helps you refine your idea, validate technical feasibility, build early prototypes, and develop the foundational skills needed to launch a successful startup.
This is the ideal starting point if you have an idea — even if you haven’t formed a company yet.
Who Is This Program For?
- Students : Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from MAHE and other institutions.
- Researchers & Faculty : Innovators looking to commercialize lab research or develop early-stage concepts.
- Independent Innovators : Individuals with promising ideas but without formal company incorporation.
- Early-Stage Startup Teams : Teams at concept or prototype-building stage.
Program Duration
The pre-incubation program typically runs for 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the project and progress made.
Each innovator/team is assigned custom milestones aligned with their idea development path.
What You’re Expected to Achieve
During the program, pre-incubatees work toward:
- Defined problem–solution statement
- Proof-of-concept (PoC) or early prototype
- Initial technical validation
- Basic business and market understanding
- Draft value proposition
- Pitch deck (optional but encouraged)
These deliverables prepare you to transition smoothly into full Resident or Virtual Incubation.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible for the pre-incubation program if:
- You have an idea in biotech, med-tech, life sciences, healthcare, or related deep-tech domains
- You have not yet incorporated a company OR your idea is still at concept/PoC stage
- You are committed to pursuing development for the duration of the program
- You are willing to attend mentorship sessions and reviews
- Not eligible:
- Mature companies, revenue-generating startups, or ventures outside the incubator’s focus domains.
How to Apply
The application process is simple:
- Submit Online Application
Fill out the idea form with concept details, objectives, and team information. - Internal Screening
Our team evaluates basic feasibility and scope. - Technical Review
Expert committee assesses scientific merit and resource needs. - Pitch to IPC
Short presentation before the Incubation Program Committee. - Onboarding
Selected applicants sign the pre-incubation agreement and begin the program with assigned mentors.
Fees & Plans
Pre-incubation is offered at accessible pricing, with discounted plans available for:
- MAHE students
- MAHE faculty
- Women entrepreneurs (under K-Tech)
- Internal researchers
Instrument usage and lab access follow the program-specific plan selected at onboarding.
Exit & Graduation
Participants may:
- Graduate : Move into the full-fledged Resident or Virtual Incubation Program.
- Extend : Receive an extension if additional work is required.
- Exit : Voluntarily exit or be discontinued due to inactivity/non-compliance.