The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has launched the second cohort of its Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, a year-long incubation programme aimed at supporting early-stage startups developing sustainable and circular economy solutions across Northeast India. Implemented in partnership with the Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), the 12-month programme is open to early-stage, early-revenue and minimum viable product (MVP)-stage startups working in sectors such as green manufacturing, waste management and recycling, cleantech, environment-friendly innovations and sustainable indigenous products. Applications for the programme are open until July 31, with the selected startups expected to begin incubation and mentoring support in August.
The programme will conclude with a final summit in March 2027. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the programme seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship in a region facing increasing environmental challenges linked to rapid urbanisation, changing consumption patterns and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The first cohort received 36 applications, from which 12 startups were selected through a jury-led process.
The six best-performing ventures collectively received reward grants worth ₹70 lakh. Under the second cohort, 12 startups will receive incubation support, including one-on-one mentoring, business development assistance, capacity-building workshops, investor pitching guidance and access to market linkages and ecosystem partners. The top six startups will be selected in December 2026 and will receive reward grants of up to ₹15 lakh each, in addition to fellowship grants available to all selected participants.
Ajay Jain, Chairman of the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park Board, said the organisation sees it as its responsibility to bridge the gaps limiting the region’s entrepreneurial potential. He emphasized the importance of nurturing ventures capable of generating social, economic and environmental impact while promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in the Northeast. The programme is open to Indian citizens from the eight Northeastern states whose startups are working in the sustainability and circular economy sectors.
Eligible ventures should be at the MVP, early-stage or early-revenue stage and focus on areas including waste-to-value solutions, recycling, green manufacturing, cleantech, environmentally friendly innovations and sustainable indigenous products. Over the years, IIMCIP has supported thousands of entrepreneurs through its incubation and acceleration programmes, helping startups across multiple sectors with mentoring, funding opportunities, market access and ecosystem partnerships. Interested startups can submit their applications by July 31.
