Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur
by NERVE CoE, Nagpur
An 18-month equity-based incubation program for AI and DeepTech startups, offering up to Rs. 50 lakhs seed funding, GPU infrastructure, and GTM support in Nagpur.
## Overview
NERVE CoE (Centre of Entrepreneurship) is a deep technology and Artificial Intelligence incubator set up by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) at its Nagpur IT Park, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is part of STPI's national network of domain-focused Centres of Entrepreneurship that nurture product-led, IP-driven startups across India. NERVE positions Nagpur as an emerging deep tech hub for central India, giving founders access to compute infrastructure, mentoring and funding support that would otherwise be out of reach for early-stage teams.
## Programs
NERVE CoE runs a structured 18-month incubation programme. Its flagship intake mechanism is the **Open Challenge Program (OCP)**, through which startups are selected into cohorts. Cohort 1 of the incubation programme is hosted at STPI Nagpur. The programme combines an equity-based incubation model with hands-on support: in exchange for access to infrastructure, mentoring, funding facilitation and market opportunities, NERVE takes a nominal equity stake in high-impact deep tech startups.
## Infrastructure & Funding
A standout feature is the provision of dedicated AI and GPU computing resources for model training and deployment, which removes the need for startups to pay for external cloud computing. Incubated startups receive seed funding facilitation, a fully equipped incubation facility with high-speed connectivity and conference rooms, expert mentoring, and structured market-access support. The focus sectors include AgriTech, HealthTech, Forestry & Environment, and Mining , domains of particular relevance to the Vidarbha region and central India.
## Eligibility & Who Should Apply
The programme is aimed at DeepTech, AI and MSME startups building innovative, technology-intensive solutions. Founders working on applied AI, computer vision, IoT, predictive analytics and other deep tech in the priority sectors are well suited. Startups that need significant GPU/compute resources and are open to an equity-based model in return for sustained institutional support stand to benefit most.
## Impact & Track Record
As a newer STPI Centre of Entrepreneurship, NERVE is building its portfolio through its initial cohorts under the OCP. It benefits from STPI's three-decade national track record of enabling the software and electronics industry and its established CoE playbook, which has incubated thousands of startups across domain centres nationwide.
Startups in central India seeking compute-heavy deep tech incubation with government backing should consider applying through NERVE CoE's Open Challenge Program.
NERVE CoE, Nagpur currently has 1 program listed in this directory, including Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Yes. NERVE CoE, Nagpur is listed under the government category. Its programs follow official government processes, and applications are submitted through official channels in your own name.
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.
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of NERVE CoE, Nagpur and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
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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.
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