Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur

• Seed funding of up to Rs. 50 lakh.
• Dedicated GPU and AI compute infrastructure.
• An 18-month incubation at STPI Nagpur (10,000 sq ft).
• Expert mentoring plus investor introductions.
• Support for IPR, legal, and accounting.
• An equity-based incubation model.

About this scheme

A MeitY-backed deep-tech incubator, NERVE CoE pairs GPU compute, seed money, and practical mentoring with AI and DeepTech startups in fast-moving areas like HealthTech, AgriTech, forestry, and mining. The programme lasts 18 months and operates out of STPI Nagpur.

The support on offer:
Compute: dedicated AI and GPU power for training models and putting them into production.
Mentoring: bootcamp-style work on validating the product, getting unit economics right, and being ready for investors.
Seed money: as much as Rs. 50 lakh, plus warm introductions to VCs and funding bodies.
Market entry: GTM workshops, enterprise introductions, and routes into the market.
IP and legal: assistance with patent filing, legal questions, and accounting.
Space: a 10,000 sq ft incubation facility at STPI Nagpur to work from.

Who can apply

• The entity should be an Indian company, LLP, or partnership firm registered no more than ten years ago, with the limit stretched to twenty years for deep-tech startups.
• Teams that have not incorporated yet can apply as well, on the condition that they register within three months of being selected.
• Yearly turnover has to stay under the set ceiling, which goes up to Rs. 300 crore for deep-tech ventures.
• At a minimum, applicants need a proof of concept, a prototype, or some early traction.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, Partnership, LLP, Individual Innovator

Benefits & funding

• Selected teams enter an equity-based incubation that runs 18 months at STPI Nagpur, backed by seed money of as much as Rs. 50 lakh.
• For a small stake, NERVE CoE hands over its whole support stack: expert mentoring, dedicated AI and GPU compute, go-to-market guidance, help with IP and legal work, and a 10,000 sq ft place to work.
• There are also warm introductions to venture funds and funding bodies, enterprise GTM links, and entry to the national STPI ecosystem.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with NERVE CoE, Nagpur, in your own name.

1. 1

   Each application is weighed on its innovation, the strength of the team, how ready the product is, and the size of the market opportunity.

2. 2

   Shortlisted founders present to the NERVE CoE jury, and equity terms are discussed candidly at that point.

3. 3

   Once chosen, startups sign the paperwork and join the cohort, picking up the workspace, GPU compute, and the mentor network.

Frequently asked questions