Government backs over 1,700 startups under TIDE 2.0 scheme

The Centre has supported more than 1,700 technology startups under the TIDE 2.0 scheme since 2019, providing end-to-end incubation, funding and technical assistance through a nationwide network of premier academic and research institutions.

The Government of India has extended support to 1,706 startups so far under the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs 2.0 (TIDE 2.0) scheme, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha. The initiative is part of a broader, lifecycle-based strategy aimed at strengthening India’s technology-driven startup ecosystem.

Launched in 2019, TIDE 2.0 focuses on nurturing startups from the idea and proof-of-concept stage through prototype development, product testing and early commercialisation. The programme operates through 51 selected incubators located at leading institutes of higher learning and premier research and development organisations across the country. With a total approved outlay of ₹264.62 crore over five years, the scheme is designed to support around 2,000 technology startups.

Incubation, funding and market readiness

According to the minister, the incubators under TIDE 2.0 play a critical role in equipping startups with technical expertise, industry connections and ecosystem partnerships. As startups grow and face competitive market conditions, their engagement with incubators evolves based on business needs such as achieving product-market fit, addressing technological challenges, meeting specialised laboratory requirements and securing funding.

In several cases, incubators have helped startups validate ideas quickly and pivot effectively, enabling founders to shift towards more viable business models. The overall performance of supported startups has been encouraging, with many reporting revenue growth, improved valuations, successful fundraising rounds and increased intellectual property creation. As of now, 638 startups supported under the scheme have filed a total of 1,672 patents and IPs.

Global expansion and IP focus

TIDE 2.0 also places strong emphasis on intellectual property development. Centres of Excellence in Intellectual Property Rights have been established to assist startups, small and medium enterprises, academic institutions and individual innovators in the electronics and IT domains. These centres offer IP-related services, training and awareness programmes.

To ensure long-term sustainability, TIDE 2.0 centres follow multiple revenue models, including equity-based exits. The programme has also helped more than 150 incubated startups expand internationally and scale their operations globally.

Minister Vaishnaw noted that TIDE 2.0 complements other government initiatives such as Startup India, SAMRIDH and GENESIS, reflecting a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to building a resilient and innovation-led startup ecosystem in India.