Startup Exploration Program 2026 - IIT Mandi Catalyst
by IIT Mandi Catalyst
FundingUp to Rs. 9 Cr
Equity-free Idea MVP / Prototype
3-month exploration program for prototype-stage innovators
ClosesClosed
About IIT Mandi Catalyst
IIT Mandi Catalyst, launched in 2016, is Himachal Pradesh's first Technology Business Incubator (TBI), backed by both the central and state governments. Through its high-touch incubation programs, Catalyst has supported over 600 startups and disbursed Rs 24.7 crore in funding through various government schemes. The incubator caters to startups at all stages of their early life cycle, from ideation and prototyping through product development and market entry.
Catalyst focuses on domains including healthtech, edtech, fintech, agrotech, biotech, and renewable energy, leveraging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT. The Startup Exploration Program offers a structured three-month incubation to help innovators transition from early-stage ideas to validated, market-ready ventures. Catalyst has gained national visibility through success stories like Dharaksha Ecosolutions, which appeared on Shark Tank India after incubation at the centre.
## Who Benefits
Early-stage founders in Himachal Pradesh and across North India, particularly those working on healthtech, agritech, cleantech, and biotech solutions. Student entrepreneurs at IIT Mandi and founders seeking incubation in a Tier 2 location with access to central government funding schemes and structured mentorship programs.
Who they work with
Stages
Idea MVP / Prototype Early Revenue
Sectors
Biotech, Health & Pharma Edtech & Skilling Fintech Agritech & Food Climate, Energy & EV
Notable alumni
Dharaksha Ecosolutions
Frequently asked questions
What funding programs does IIT Mandi Catalyst run?
IIT Mandi Catalyst currently has 7 programs listed in this directory, including Startup Exploration Program 2026 - IIT Mandi Catalyst, Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) Grand Challenge 2025 at IIT Mandi Catalyst, MeitY GENESIS EiR Program at IIT Mandi Catalyst. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Is IIT Mandi Catalyst a government organisation?
IIT Mandi Catalyst is listed as a incubator. It is not a government body, and its programs follow the organisation's own selection process.
How do I evaluate whether a IIT Mandi Catalyst program fits my startup?
Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.
Do I apply to these programs through IncorpX?
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of IIT Mandi Catalyst and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Enquire about IIT Mandi Catalyst
Tell us what you are building and which IIT Mandi Catalyst program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
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Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
Closing soon
View all FundingRs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh
Equity-free Idea Logistics & Mobility
ClosesJun 15, 2026
FundingUp to Rs. 1 Cr
MVP / Prototype Biotech, Health & Pharma
ClosesJun 15, 2026
FundingSupport amount varies
MVP / Prototype
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Nebin Binoy 
