Build Something Real.We’ll Support the Journey.
A 12-month Entrepreneur in Residence Program for serious founders.
Work full-time on your startup from TBI-GEU — with a monthly fellowship, dedicated mentorship, IP support, and a community that pushes you forward.
Not a Scholarship. Not an Internship. A Launchpad.
The TBI-GEU Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program is for founders who are done waiting. If you have a technology-driven idea — one that is genuinely innovative, has real IP potential, and deserves more than evenings and weekends — this program gives you the runway to pursue it properly.
For twelve months, you work full-time from TBI-GEU. You receive a monthly fellowship to cover your living costs. You get access to infrastructure, mentors, investor networks, IP advisors, and the institutional backing from one of India's leading university incubators.
In return, we ask for serious commitment: daily presence, weekly reports, quarterly pitches, and measurable milestones. It is an active, accountable partnership between TBI-GEU and you.
The program is modelled on nationally recognised EIR frameworks, including those supported by DST, and is designed to produce real outcomes: patents filed, prototypes built, companies incorporated, and markets entered.
Everything You Need to Build — In One Place
The EIR fellowship is more than a monthly cheque. It is an integrated support system built around your startup's actual needs.
Up to ₹30K / Month
Subsistence support calibrated to your background and idea — so you can focus entirely on building, without financial pressure.
Workspace at TBI-GEU
Your desk, high-speed internet, conference room access, 3D printing lab, and a professional recording studio — all on site.
Expert Mentor Network
A dedicated TBI-GEU mentor and access to domain experts from industry, academia, and investor networks — tailored to your startup.
IP & Patent Support
Prior art searches, patent drafting guidance, introductions to registered patent agents, and access to SIPP and Startup India schemes.
Investors & Demo Days
TBI-GEU's startup alumni network, investor connections, national demo days, acceleration programs, and competitions.
Skill-Building Programs
Mandatory sessions on business development, IP management, financial literacy, fundraising readiness, and pitching throughout.
Twelve Months. Four Phases. One Outcome.
The program is built on progressive milestones — each phase pushes your startup forward in a structured, accountable way.
Validate & File
EIRs join with a minimum TRL 2 concept already formulated. Phase 1 focuses on completing the experimental proof of concept (targeting TRL3), finalising the IP landscape analysis and prior art search, filing the first provisional patent or IP application, and establishing a validated technical roadmap with mentor inputs.
Build & Protect
Advancing from proof of concept to a validated laboratory prototype (TRL3 to TRL4-5). Full MVP development with documented user testing (minimum 5 real users). IP application formalisation. Minimum 30 structured customer discovery interviews.
Deploy & Validate
Pilot deployment with real-world users or early customers (targeting TRL5-6). Market validation with measurable usage data. First revenue or signed Letter of Intent. Mid-program pitch to Review Committee.
Scale & Pitch
Product stabilisation and early scaling (targeting TRL6-7). Documented traction (revenue, ARR, users, or pilots). Full investor-ready pitch deck and financial model. At least one investor or accelerator meeting completed. Demo Day final presentation.
Validate & File
EIRs join with a minimum TRL 2 concept already formulated. Phase 1 focuses on completing the experimental proof of concept (targeting TRL3), finalising the IP landscape analysis and prior art search, filing the first provisional patent or IP application, and establishing a validated technical roadmap with mentor inputs.
Build & Protect
Advancing from proof of concept to a validated laboratory prototype (TRL3 to TRL4-5). Full MVP development with documented user testing (minimum 5 real users). IP application formalisation. Minimum 30 structured customer discovery interviews.
Deploy & Validate
Pilot deployment with real-world users or early customers (targeting TRL5-6). Market validation with measurable usage data. First revenue or signed Letter of Intent. Mid-program pitch to Review Committee.
Scale & Pitch
Product stabilisation and early scaling (targeting TRL6-7). Documented traction (revenue, ARR, users, or pilots). Full investor-ready pitch deck and financial model. At least one investor or accelerator meeting completed. Demo Day final presentation.
Built for Builders Who Mean It
We're looking for a very specific kind of founder. Not the most polished. Not the most credentialed. The most committed.
Baseline requirements for our builders:
- Indian citizen aged 18 years with a valid government-issued photo ID.
- A 4-year degree in Science/Engineering (final-year students may apply) OR a 3-year degree with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience.
- Must apply within 2 years of completing your highest qualification.
- No other employment, income, freelance work, or academic enrollment. You must work in-person, full-time from TBI-GEU only.
- Technology-driven with genuine innovation depth and clear IP potential. Service businesses or agency models do not qualify.
- Must not hold more than 10% equity in any active company. One idea per applicant.
- Must enroll under TBI-GEU's pre-incubation or incubation programme before the first fellowship disbursement.
- Not eligible if an EIR fellowship (at TBI-GEU or any DST/TBI-supported program) was completed less than 3 years ago.
* Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. All applications are reviewed by the EIR Program Committee.
Five Steps From Idea to Fellowship
Apply Online
Submit your EIR Proposal online. Complete all sections. Incomplete proposals are not reviewed.
Desk Screening
The EIR Program Committee evaluates your proposal for eligibility, idea quality, technology depth, and IP potential.
Pitch & Interview
A 10-min presentation of your idea, followed by a 10-min Q&A to assess viability and fit.
Final Approval
The EIR Program Committee reviews recommendations. Selected candidates receive an offer letter within 7 days.
Onboard & Begin
Complete formalities within 14 days: sign agreement, register, submit documents, and attend induction.
Apply Online
Submit your EIR Proposal online. Complete all sections. Incomplete proposals are not reviewed.
Desk Screening
The EIR Program Committee evaluates your proposal for eligibility, idea quality, technology depth, and IP potential.
Pitch & Interview
A 20-min presentation of your idea, followed by a 15-min Q&A to assess viability and fit.
Final Approval
The EIR Program Committee reviews recommendations. Selected candidates receive an offer letter within 7 days.
Onboard & Begin
Complete formalities within 14 days: sign agreement, register, submit documents, and attend induction.
Ready to Build Something Real?
Applications are live.
Download the application form and take the first step toward building your startup.
Full-time, fully supported, with TBI-GEU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything you wanted to ask about the program.
