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Why iCreate

We take up problem statements of established companies and help them discover innovation-led solutions, through collaboration with suitable startups.

Problem Definition: How does a business problem translate into a tech requirement? How do we articulate the boundary conditions and criteria for success?

A well-articulated problem statement forms the basis on which companies can attract innovative ideas and solutions for their business challenges. However, defining the problem is an art which requires skill to ensure that it clearly conveys the expected outcomes, is centred around the user, and is also wide enough to open up creativity. This process is at the core of our being and we work closely with start-ups and corporate partners to master this art.

Once a problem is defined, the next challenge is to identify the right set of talented innovators to solve it. Our outreach, large presence in the start-up ecosystem, strategic partnerships with national and international organizations, competent team and experience of conducting several innovation challenges, hackathons, bootcamps, acceleration programs provides us the ability to attract the brightest innovative minds to work on development of solutions.

We truly believe that one doesn’t get a second chance to make the first impression, and this belief percolates down to our incubated start-ups as well. Right when they start their product development journey at iCreate, start-ups and innovators are exhorted to “Build for the Market and test for the field conditions”. Before a project is approved for demonstration on field, the technology team makes sure that all specified boundary conditions and success criteria are met, components used are industry grade, so that the solution is able to deliver expected performance in actual field conditions.

Unique problems have unconventional solutions. Many times corporates find themselves stuck between their choice of innovative technology Vs decision to invest in that technology in the long run. Issues like serviceability, obsolescence, vendor lock-in, supply chain, etc. become bottlenecks in procurement decisions. In such situations, iCreate serves as a neutral agency who can weigh between the risks and advantages associated with the technology selection and advice regarding the right course of action.

It is important for the partners collaborating for development of intellectual property to enjoy mutual trust-based relationships. We know the most common factors which can cause trust deficit between the parties and help them pre-empt such scenarios by helping them agree on mutual sharing of gains and risks well in advance of the project.

WHAT WE DO

Engagement Model

CSR

As Per Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 (“CSR provisions”), every company with net worth of  500 crore, or turnover of INR 1000 crore or more or net profit of 5 crore or more is mandated to spend 2% of average net profit of the preceding three (3) years on social responsibilities/CSR activities.

Vide recent amendments1, item (ix) of Schedule VII has been expanded to include as follows:

Clause (ix)(a) of Schedule VII of the Companies Act necessitates contribution to be provided to incubators in the field of science, technology, engineering and medicine, funded by the Central or the State Government or Public Sector Undertaking or any agency of the Central/State Government. Further, to reduce the ambiguity around permitted projects from technology incubators, some broad buckets of activities have been identified:

  • Infrastructure & Facilities: Incubators can list and solicit funding for projects to upgrade or create physical and IT infrastructure. This can also include procurement of equipment, tools and software
  • Programs & Partnerships: Incubators can seek CSR support for general program management costs, knowledge building programs for staff and incubatees and other events/ programs/ partnerships consistent with CSR activities mentioned in Schedule VII of the Companies Act
  • Technology De-risking: Support for providing material and financial resources to incubatees for starting up, scaling, field trials, pilot orders and other business activities.

iCreate is a not-for-profit technology business incubator recognized and supported by the Department of Science and technology, Govt. of India, Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology, Govt. of India, Department of Industries and Mining, Government of Gujarat and Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India. It thus qualifies for accepting CSR funding from corporations under the provisions of schedule VII of companies act 2013.

Acceleration

Organizations in this era of digital revolution are increasingly looking for partnerships through which they could tap the innovation, and share the risks and rewards associated with its commercialization. Start-ups however are facing the challenge of finding the right mentors, access the target market, obtain funding for development/enhancement of their solution, and finding operating space with required amenities, supporting the ecosystem at reasonable cost.

To bridge this gap, iCreate has been collaborating with corporates for organizing theme-based acceleration programs. These programs would enable the program partners to access each other’s innovation ecosystem, explore new ideas and new technologies with potential to solve industry problems and bring innovation into the mainstream.

While the corporates benefit from access to innovative talent and technologies at low cost, start-ups have the opportunity to be mentored by experts for refining their solutions, access to funding, resources and speedy access to market.

PoC

Programs to groom potential candidates. Also generate and convert business ideas to develop viable business/incubation plans to create new technology ventures.

HOW WE DO IT

Our Programs

iCreate is entrusted by various corporates with the mandate of implementing key deliverables associated with the program and has been able to establish a fruitful outcome of the program by acting as a bridge between innovators and industries.

Mahindra Catapult

Catapult by Mahindra Mobility Sector aims to transform the Indian mobility ecosystem and s

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Mahindra Catapult

Catapult by Mahindra Mobility Sector aims to transform the Indian mobility ecosystem and shape the Future of Mobility. The Program will catapult your innovative solution to market maturity, by refining your product design and go-to-market strategy. Catapult is a 3-month program that presents you with the opportunity to deploy your solutions in a Mahindra Mobility business, access Mahindra leadership and its partner ecosystem.

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UBER Green Mobility Innovation Challenge

Uber’s vision for the Future of Mobility in India is Shared, Multimodal and Electric. Ub

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UBER Green Mobility Innovation Challenge

Uber’s vision for the Future of Mobility in India is Shared, Multimodal and Electric. Uber is partnering with Startup India and iCreate on a ‘Green Mobility Innovation Challenge’ that is calling for new ideas to drive adoption of electric vehicles in India.

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Corporate Connect Challenge

At the Startup India Innovation Week, an open innovation challenge is launched in partners

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Corporate Connect Challenge

At the Startup India Innovation Week, an open innovation challenge is launched in partnership with corporates to recognize and reward sector-agnostic startups. This challenge will enable the identification of solutions that can be implemented by corporates.

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TESTIMONIALS

What Our Partners Say

An institution like iCreate will help increase Gujarat's global competitiveness, providing the younger generations with opportunities for employment and financial prosperity. iCreate is a showcase of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to foster India's entrepreneurial spirit, boost local innovation, and lead India towards a digital future.

Mr. John Chambers

Executive Chairman, Cisco

Digitization and innovation are the key drivers of the Indian economy, leading to the creation of new jobs, GDP growth and long-term prosperity. Cisco's collaboration with iCreate will help position Gujarat to take a leadership role in the digital transformation of India. Our partnership to help start-ups rapidly adopt and rollout digital technology solutions will expand Gujarat’s innovation ecosystem.

Mr. Guy Diedrich

Vice President, Sales Strategy and Planning, Cisco

At Cisco, the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program is a long-term commitment for us to partner with national and state leadership, industry and academia to deliver real digital Outcomes faster and more effectively. Our collaboration with iCreate deepens Cisco's commitment to strengthen Gujarat's vibrant innovation ecosystem and accelerate the digital transformation of the state.

Mr. Anil Nair

Managing Director, Country Digitization Acceleration, APAC, Cisco

Talk to us if you wish to fast-track innovation within your company.