NASSCOM – Start-up Catalysts Overview
Ecosystem insight

NASSCOM “Start-up Catalysts – Incubators & Accelerators”

The report maps the current landscape and growth of India’s incubator–accelerator ecosystem. It captures program types, key performance indicators and clear recommendations for stakeholders to achieve ecosystem targets by 2025.

Current Scenario

  • India hosts 520+ tech incubators and accelerators, giving it the 3rd largest number of active programs globally.
  • 42% of existing programs have been set up in just the last five years to meet the needs of Indian startups.

Academic Programs

  • 100+ academic programs launched in the last 5 years, primarily driven by central government agencies.

Public Programs

  • 70+ public programs contributing to the geographical expansion of the incubator–accelerator ecosystem across India.

Corporate & Private Programs

Corporate-led Programs

  • 75% of corporate programs are concentrated in just three key cities/regions.
  • Most are focused on BFSI and HiTech sectors.

Private Programs

  • 87% of private programs are based in well-established startup hubs.

Key Recommendations

To unlock the full potential of India’s incubator and accelerator landscape and move towards 2025 targets, the report recommends:

  • Prioritising capability-building over mere capacity expansion.
  • Coordinated efforts across three dimensions:
    • Strengthening the core of existing programs
    • Increasing private participation
    • Incentivising performance and outcomes

The focus is on building high-quality, outcome-driven incubation and acceleration programs that can consistently support startups from idea to scale.