IIM Calcutta Innovation Park launches second Prakriti incubation cohort for Northeast startups
IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has opened applications for the second Prakriti Incubation Launchpad cohort, a year-long programme supporting early-stage startups.
IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has launched the second cohort of Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, a programme designed to support early-stage startups in Northeast India. The initiative runs for 12 months and focuses on businesses developing solutions linked to the circular economy and sustainability.
The programme is being implemented with the Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF). It targets startups at the MVP stage, early-stage phase, or those with early revenue. Eligible work is expected to fall within areas such as green manufacturing, waste management and recycling, cleantech, environment-friendly innovations, and sustainable indigenous products.
Applications open until July 31
Applications for the second cohort are open until July 31. The selected startups are expected to begin incubation and receive mentoring support in August. The programme will end with a final summit scheduled for March 2027.
IIMCIP said the launch builds on the inaugural edition, which saw 36 applications. From these, 12 startups were selected through a jury-led process, and the six best-performing ventures received reward grants. For the second cohort, 12 startups will receive incubation support that includes one-on-one mentoring, business development assistance, capacity-building workshops, investor pitching guidance, and access to market linkages and ecosystem partners.
Top teams get additional reward grants
The programme also includes a selection milestone in December 2026, when the top six startups will be chosen. These teams will receive reward grants of up to a specified amount each, along with fellowship grants available to all selected participants.
The initiative is open to Indian citizens from the eight Northeastern states. IIMCIP described the effort as a way to strengthen entrepreneurship in a region facing environmental pressures linked to urbanisation and waste management gaps. The organisation said the goal is to back ventures that can create social, economic and environmental impact while building sustainable, market-ready solutions for the Northeast.
