BSE partners Niti Aayog and BHU to launch incubator focused on social entrepreneurship

BSE Institute, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange), has partnered Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and central government think-tank Niti Aayog to launch an incubator and promote social entrepreneurship, a statement said.

The Atal Incubation Center-Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship IM-BHU would identify startups from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru for a three-month programme called Quest, the statement said.

“Quest is a boot camp for startups willing to implement solutions in Varanasi, helping them to enable market access in Mumbai, through a two-week in-city programme, followed by a three-month virtual programme,” the statement added.

The accelerator would provide mentorship, connect startups with investors and help them scale up.

The selected startups will learn product innovation, UI/UX design (user interface/user experience), digital and mobile marketing, technology, fundraising and more. The programme will be delivered by market experts, the statement added.

The incubator would have a cohort of about 10 startups and is expected to help young entrepreneurs in multiple domains including e-governance, water tech, clean tech, defence and financial inclusion.

“Through this incubator, we intend to empower entrepreneurs focused on social innovation and inclusive businesses,” said Ambarish Datta, managing director and chief executive, BSE Institute.

The programme would also help startups raise funds, build prototypes and create new jobs.

The incubator is set up on the BHU campus, offering co-working space, ideation areas, tinkering labs, administrative offices, and meeting rooms for startups.

BSE Institute plans to conduct the programme every quarter.