Waterpreneur studio
The entrepreneur hub of ICCW, Waterpreneur Studio, was launched in 2023 to serve as a launchpad for passionate individuals, startups, and MSMEs seeking to transform their water management and security ideas into thriving businesses. We recognize the unique needs of entrepreneurs at every stage. Our comprehensive suite of tailor-made programs equips you with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship you need to bring your water innovation to life.
Join the movement. Become a Waterpreneur.
Our Focus Areas:
How do we help?
Infrastructure / Co-working space
Administration / Secretarial facilities
Technical / Lab facilities
Advisory & Mentoring support
Funding support
Network connection / Linkages
Are you an innovator working in water technology?
Find a program that works for you.
1. Pre-incubation
Aim
- Pre-incubation aims to support ambitious and innovative entrepreneurs by enabling them to transform their ideas into a Proof of Concept or Prototype.
Who can apply:
- Students/entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are eligible to apply
Program duration:
- 12-18 months
Program Highlights:
- Structured mentoring
- Guidance on proposal writing for grants/loans.
- Change to get into the incubation program at ICCW
- Learn and share in a community of like-minded entrepreneurs in the water tech domain.
Selection Process:
- Apply through the inquiry form
- We will then reach out to you to understand more about you and your startup idea
- Opportunity to pitch your business idea to the Incubation Committee
2. Incubation Program
Akamai Grant cum Incubation Program
The startups onboarded in the incubation program will get a chance to pitch their ideas to the Akamai CSR committee. The shortlisting will happen in February. The selected startups will get a grant cum incubation program at ICCW. Sattva Consulting is the Monitoring and Evaluation partner for the program. Cohort I will be onboarded in December.
Who can apply:
- Company age should not be more than 5 years from the date of incorporation
- Technology Readiness (TRL 3-5) and Business Readiness (BRL 3-5)
Program Timeline:
- Call for application:Oct 2023
- Shortlisting: Nov 2023
- Pre Incubation program : Dec 2023 – Feb 2023
- Incubation program : Mar 2024 – Feb 2025
Program Highlights:
- Prospective candidates should have a POC/Prototype
- A three-months intensive pre-incubation program
- The selected startup will be onboarded for the incubation program
- Structured technical and business mentorship support from ICCW
3. Acceleration Program
Pilots to Investment & Impact metrics readiness
Acceleration program is being funded by Akamai Technologies – India CSR Trust from the F.Y 2019. Sattva Consulting is the Monitoring and Evaluation partner for the program. So far 3 cohorts of startups have graduated under the program.
Aim
- To accelerate the startups addressing the problem in water with innovative technologies
Who can apply:
- Startups working in the water domain with the MVP
- Technology Readiness (TRL 6-7) and Business Readiness (BRL 5-6)
Program Timeline:
- 12 to 18 months based on the innovation proposed
Program Highlights:
- Structured mentorship program
- Grant for piloting opportunities
- Government Partnerships and Introductions
- Clarity in Value Proposition and Business Models
- Impact Metrics Readiness
- Alternate sources of funding and Fundraising Readiness
4. Networking Program
Aim
- To address the need of graduated startups and the MSME for their business development
Who can apply:
- Graduated startups from the acceleration and MSMEs
Program Highlights:
- Government Partnerships and Introductions
- Investments
- Startup Connect
- Technology commercialization
- CSR projects
- Lab and field validation of the technology
# Based on need assessment the startups will be onboarded into the networking program.
Aqua-Connexio
Akamai Incubation Cohort 1
Akamai Acceleration Cohort 5
Akamai Acceleration Cohort 4
Graduated Startups
Business Mentors
