Recognition and Collaborations
1. Recognition
DST NIDHI TBI
The Entrepreneurship Promotion and Incubation Council (EPIC), a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) promoted by Ambala College of Engineering & Applied Research, has been established as a NIDHI Technology Business Incubator under Sanction Order No. 32/8/2018-NEB(C) dated 07/06/2019.
Startup Haryana
Date of Registration: 7 July 2025
Entity Name: EPIC Technology Business Incubator (EPIC TBI)
Registration Authority: Startup Haryana
Category: Private Incubator
Registration Number: HR/070725/IN/002/00005
Reference Link: Incubator Listing
Background & Strategic Alignment
EPIC TBI’s registration under Startup Haryana marks a pivotal step in aligning with the state’s Startup Policy 2022, which aims to establish 22+ incubators across sectors and districts. This move strengthens EPIC TBI’s role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and domain-specific incubation programs in Haryana.
Objectives of Registration
- To formalize EPIC TBI’s role within Haryana’s startup ecosystem.
- To access startup ecosystem development fiscal incentives and infrastructure support.
- To enhance outreach and collaboration with government, academia, and industry.
- To scale incubation capacity for emerging technologies and sustainable ventures.
Fiscal Benefits Available
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital Grant | 50% of capital investment (excluding land), up to ₹1 crore |
| Lease Rent Reimbursement | 50% reimbursement for lease rent paid to government entities, up to ₹5 lakh/year for 3 years |
| Stamp Duty & Registration Fee | 100% reimbursement within 5 years of commercial commencement |
| Mentoring Assistance | Up to ₹2.5 lakh per incubator, capped at ₹25 lakh annually |
| Startup Fest Support | Up to ₹20 lakh per event for hosting competitions |
| Event Participation Support | Up to ₹50 lakh for organizing/participating in national/international fairs |
| Electricity Duty Exemption | 100% exemption for up to 12 years in designated blocks |
Ecosystem Integration & Impact
EPIC TBI’s registration enables it to:
- Serve as a nodal incubation hub for startups in biotechnology, manufacturing, electronics, sustainability, and emerging technology.
- Collaborate with academic institutions for research-driven incubation.
- Leverage government schemes for infrastructure and operational scaling.
- Host and participate in startup events, enhancing visibility and engagement.
- Offer subsidized incubation to DPIIT-recognized startups registered in Haryana.
Certificate of Empanelment under Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 – Department of Industries, Chandigarh Administration
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate No. | RIUCSP/2026/00012 |
| Date of Issue | 27/08/2026 |
| Issuing Authority | Department of Industries, Chandigarh Administration (U.T.) |
| Entity Name | Entrepreneurship Promotion and Incubation Council (EPIC) |
| Location | Within 100 km aerial radius of U.T. Chandigarh |
| Incubator Type | Section 8 Company |
| Domain Focus | HEI / Academic Institution–based Incubator |
| Recognition Status | Empanelled Incubator under Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 |
| Purpose of Empanelment | Fostering innovation, facilitating entrepreneurial growth, and disbursement of funds to eligible startups routed through the empanelled incubator |
Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 — Key Facts
Notified by the Department of Industries, Chandigarh Administration on 29 April 2025, with Operational Guidelines subsequently issued to govern eligibility, application, fund disbursement, and monitoring.
The policy remains in force for a period of five years and targets the creation and growth of 200+ startups, with an annual budgetary allocation of ₹10 crore and a total corpus of ₹50 crore over five years.
Governance
| Governance Structure | Details |
|---|---|
| High-Powered Committee (HPC) | Chaired by the Chief Secretary; strategic decisions, monitoring, and policy amendments |
| Policy Monitoring & Implementation Committee (PMIC) | Chaired by the Secretary, Industries; operational approvals, fund disbursement, quarterly evaluation of applications |
| Application Channel | Start-in-Chandigarh Portal — mandatory online registration, scheme selection, and linkage with a recognised parent incubator |
Incubator Support
| Incubator Support | Amount |
|---|---|
| Technology upgradation grant — public incubator | Up to ₹30 lakh |
| Technology upgradation grant — private incubator | Up to ₹20 lakh |
| Annual sustenance allowance | ₹7.5 lakh per incubator per annum |
| Mentorship programme support | ₹5 lakh per annum |
Startup Incentives (Routed via Empanelled Incubator)
| Startup Incentive | Amount |
|---|---|
| Idea Stage Grant | ₹2 lakh (top 20) / ₹1 lakh (next 50) via Grand Competition |
| Seed Stage Grant | Up to ₹7 lakh (+₹2 lakh for women/transgender-led startups) |
| Early-Stage Commercialisation Grant | Up to ₹12 lakh (+₹2 lakh for women/transgender-led startups) |
| Rental Subsidy | ₹5,000/month for 12 months at recognised co-working spaces |
| Certification Support | 80% of cost, capped at ₹1 lakh per startup |
| Conference/Engagement Reimbursement | Up to ₹50,000 (national) / ₹2.5 lakh (international) per engagement |
Startup Eligibility Under the Policy
- DPIIT-recognised and located/registered in Chandigarh.
- Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any preceding financial year.
- Registered on the Start-in-Chandigarh Portal with a unique ID and linked to a recognised parent incubator.
- Eligible for policy benefits for 10 years from recognition, or until turnover crosses ₹100 crore, whichever is earlier.
- Grants disbursed on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to fund availability, actual expenditure, and PMIC approval.
Non-Financial Incentives
- Free access to incubation facilities for one year.
- Relaxed public procurement norms for DPIIT-recognised startups.
- Self-certification under six labour laws.
- Subsidised stalls at India International Trade Fair (IITF) and other exhibitions.
Ecosystem-Building Provisions
- Entrepreneurship Cells (E-Cells) to be established at schools, colleges, and ITIs.
- Faculty Development Programmes to train educators in entrepreneurship.
- Annual Startup Fests and Hackathons — ₹30 lakh annual allocation.
- Startup awareness programmes — ₹20 lakh annual allocation.
ISBA
Through ISBA membership, EPIC TBI gains access to:
- Formal Recognition within the national incubation ecosystem.
- Networking Opportunities with incubators, accelerators, corporates, and academic institutions across India.
- Policy Advocacy for Tier-3 regions, supporting ecosystem development in Ambala and northern Haryana.
- Capacity Building via training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions for incubator managers and staff.
- Collaboration Platform to co-host programs and initiatives with other TBIs.
- Funding & Program Linkages for easier access to government schemes, grants, and startup support programs.
Collaborations
