A. Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a standardized framework for managing the selection, onboarding, and incubation of startups at the AIC - GBU Incubation Centre to ensure transparency, efficiency, and consistency in operations.

B. Objective

To identify, nurture, and onboard high-potential, innovative startups that align with GBU’s strategic focus areas, and to provide them with a structured growth pathway through mentorship, infrastructure, funding support, and networking opportunities. The centre aims to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives innovation, research commercialization, and sustainable business development.

C. Scope:

This SOP applies to all activities related to the selection, onboarding, and incubation of startups at the AIC - GBU Incubation Centre. It encompasses:

1. Startup Identification & Selection: Screening and evaluation of applications based on eligibility criteria and alignment with GBU’s focus areas.
2. Onboarding Process: Formal induction of selected startups, including signing agreements, resource allocation, and orientation.
3. Incubation Support: Provision of infrastructure, mentorship, funding facilitation, networking opportunities, and access to university resources.
4. Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and compliance checks throughout the incubation period.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Interaction with investors, industry experts, faculty mentors, and regulatory bodies as part of the incubation ecosystem.

D. Governance and Responsibilities

To ensure seamless execution, the following roles are defined:

1. Head/CEO, Incubation Centre: Responsible for strategic oversight, final approvals, and ecosystem partnerships.
2. Selection Committee: An expert panel tasked with the technical and commercial evaluation of startup applications.
3. Administrative & Operations Team: Manages documentation, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
4. Mentors & Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): Provide technical guidance and industry-specific expertise.
5. Incubatees (Startups): Required to adhere to milestone commitments and center policies.

E. The Incubation Workflow

The following stages outline the professional journey of a startup at AIC-GBU:

Phase I: Ideation & Pre-Registration

• Idea Refinement: Entrepreneurs identify market gaps and refine solutions through structured brainstorming and market research.
• Legal Incorporation: Start-ups must register as a Private Limited Company or LLP via the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Phase II: Statutory Registrations

• MSME (Udyam) Registration: Mandatory for accessing government subsidies and simplified credit facilities.
• DPIIT Recognition: Necessary for national recognition under the Startup India initiative, providing tax benefits and easier compliance.
• State-Level Alignment:
  • UP-Based Start-ups: Must register on the Startup UP portal for regional incentives.
  • Outside-UP Start-ups: Encouraged to leverage their respective state schemes while applying via gburif.org.

Phase III: Application & Selection

1. Application Submission: Streamlined via Start-up UP or the official AIC-GBU portal.
2. Initial Screening: The internal team reviews applications for eligibility and strategic alignment.
3. Induction Program: Provisionally selected start-ups undergo an orientation to understand available resources and mentorship frameworks.
4. Final Evaluation: A formal committee review assesses the start-up’s scalability, innovation, and "market-fit".

F. Operational Support & Performance Tracking

Upon successful induction, start-ups gain access to:

• Physical & Digital Infrastructure: High-end labs, co-working spaces, and University resources.
• Funding Facilitation: Recommendations for seed funding and connections with Angel/VC networks.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Unsuccessful Candidates: Re-routed to specialized training modules to bridge gaps in their business models.
  • Re-evaluation: A secondary review process allows improved startups to enter the main cohort.

G. Compliance and Ethics

• Confidentiality: Strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) protect start-up IP and sensitive data.
• Reporting: Monthly or quarterly performance reviews are mandatory, depending on the start-up’s growth stage.
• Exit Strategy: Start-ups may exit upon graduation or by choice, provided all institutional clearances are met.

H. Escalation Matrix:

I. References

• University Policy Document.
• Government Start-up Guidelines.
• AIC - GBU Incubation Centre Operational Manual