Atal Incubation Centre - Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology

What Atal Incubation Centre - Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology does

Atal Incubation Centre - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) is a technology business incubator established in 2017 at CSIR-CCMB in Hyderabad under the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India. It supports deep-science startups in life sciences—including healthcare, biopharma, industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and med-tech—through physical incubation (300 sq. ft. dedicated space), virtual incubation, pre-incubation, and co-development engagement models. The incubator's core offering combines access to CSIR-CCMB's research infrastructure, a 45+ mentor network across science, business, regulatory, and finance, and multiple grant programs including NIDHI-SSP (up to ₹100 lakh), SISFS (up to ₹50 lakh), NIDHI PRAYAS (up to ₹10 lakhs), TIDE 2.0, SPARSH, CoviTeD, and BFI-BIOME.

AIC-CCMB's business model is grant-funded rather than commercial: revenue flows from central government schemes (DST, MeitY, BIRAC, Startup India) and CSR patrons (SPMCIL, RECL, BFI) to the incubator, which disburses seed capital and operational support to qualifying startups. Specialized sub-brands include the Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems (CPHMS), India's first think tank for non-animal testing methodologies co-developed with Humane Society International, and the Conservation Science and Innovation Laboratory (CoSI Lab), a wildlife forensics facility at the University of Kashmir. The incubator also runs the Student Innovators Program, an MPS Bootcamp with Dr. Reddy's, IIT Hyderabad, and CELLINK, and organizes healthcare-focused events such as the India AI Impact Pre-summit.

The incubator's competitive position rests on its anchoring at a premier CSIR research lab, multi-ministerial government designations, and a portfolio of 20+ resident and 18+ graduate startups spanning diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines (mRNA), digital health, cell-cultured meat, and conservation. Key partnerships include Medtronic, Merck, Humane Society International, AWS Activate, 50K Ventures, WE HUB, IKP Knowledge Park, CDSCO, and ICMR. AIC-CCMB was ranked among BioSpectrum India's top 10 life sciences incubators.

Name

Atal Incubation Centre - Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology

Legal name

Atal Incubation Centre - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology

Website

https://aic.ccmb.res.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Atal Incubation Centre - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) is a government-backed technology business incubator in Hyderabad supporting life sciences startups with lab infrastructure, mentorship, and seed grants across healthcare, biopharma, and med-tech.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Life Sciences Technology Business Incubator

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Quality Management & Regulatory Compliance (CLIA/CAP/ISO) for Labs (HLACAMAH)

Keywords

• Biotech startup incubation
• Life sciences funding
• Technology business incubator
• Biotechnology mentorship programs
• Seed funding grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Hyderabad

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Incubation Services: Provides physical incubation space, virtual incubation, pre-incubation, and co-development models to life sciences startups. Revenue generated through program fees and service charges.
2. NIDHI-SSP Seed Funding: Provides financial assistance of ₹25 lakh up to ₹100 lakh to promising startups under the DST NIDHI-SSP program as investment towards seed support.
3. SISFS Funding: Startup India Seed Fund Scheme providing up to Rs. 20 lakhs as grant for PoC/prototype and up to Rs. 50 lakhs for market entry through convertible debentures or debt instruments.
4. NIDHI PRAYAS Grants: Rs. 10 lakhs grant support for young innovators to convert science and technology-based ideas into physical product prototypes under DST-NIDHI PRAYAS program.
5. CoviTeD Acceleration Program: CSR initiative providing seed fund awards of Rs. 15 lakhs (winner) and Rs. 10 lakhs (runner-up) for COVID-19 technology deployment.
6. TIDE 2.0 Program: MeitY-supported program providing seed fund up to Rs. 4 lakhs for Entrepreneur in Residence and grants-in-aid up to Rs. 7 lakhs for startups with PoC, plus investment up to Rs. 40 lakh for product development.
7. BFI BIOME Fellowship: Blockchain For Impact partnership providing monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000 for 6-month fellowship and Kickstarter Initiative with support up to Rs. 10 lakhs for 9 months.
8. SPARSH Fellowship: BIRAC SPARSH program providing fully funded fellowship with monthly stipend of ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakhs mini kick start grant for social innovators in biotech.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

AIC-CCMB is a government-supported technology business incubator that supports life-sciences startups (healthcare, biopharma, industrial biotech, agriculture, med-tech) by providing physical, virtual, pre-incubation, and co-development workspaces along with access to sophisticated lab facilities, CSIR-CCMB scientific expertise, mentorship networks, and seed-funding through government programs. It also operates specialized programs (CPHMS, CoSI Lab, TIDE 2.0, SPARSH, NIDHI-SSP, SISFS, BFI-BIOME, CoviTeD, NIDHI PRAYAS) and provides molecular genetics/cytogenetics diagnostics services.

Product overview

AIC-CCMB is a technology business incubator that operates as a platform of multiple specialized programs rather than a single unified product. The core offering is the Incubation Program providing physical, virtual, and pre-incubation infrastructure for life sciences startups. This is complemented by funding programs including NIDHI-SSP (₹25-100 lakh seed support), SISFS (up to ₹50 lakh for market entry), and BFI-BIOME (up to ₹10 lakh for prototypes). Specialized initiatives include TIDE 2.0 for IT/life sciences convergence, SPARSH for social healthcare innovation, CoviTeD for COVID-19 technologies, and CPHMS for non-animal testing methodologies. Supporting programs include NIDHI PRAYAS for young innovators, the Student Innovators Program, CoSI Lab for wildlife conservation, and clinical Diagnostics Services for molecular genetics and cytogenetics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CPHMS (Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems): India's first think tank dedicated to enabling a shift from observational science to predictive human-based, non-animal methodologies (NAMs) in life sciences research. A joint initiative by AIC-CCMB and Humane Society International India.
• CoSI Lab (Conservation Science and Innovation Laboratory)

Products and services

• Incubation Program Comprehensive life-sciences incubation offering physical (300 sq. ft. dedicated workspace with equipment and infrastructure), virtual, and pre-incubation (3-month idea validation) models for early-stage life-sciences startups. The program provides access to sophisticated testing facilities, business mentorship, technical support from CSIR-CCMB labs, and eligibility for seed-funding under multiple government programs. Applications via aic-ccmb.accubate.app portal.
• NIDHI PRAYAS Grant-based program providing up to INR 10 lakhs over 18 months to young innovators (aged 18+) to convert science and technology-based ideas into physical product prototypes. Includes lab infrastructure, working space, and mentorship support.
• NIDHI-SSP (Seed Support Program) Financial assistance of ₹25 lakh up to ₹100 lakh to promising startups for product development, testing, trials, test marketing, mentoring, IPR issues, professional consultancy, and day-to-day operations, with the objective of helping startups raise investments or seek loans from lead investors / banks.
• TIDE 2.0 MeitY-supported Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) program fostering innovations in ICT (IoT, robotics, rapid prototyping, data analytics, AI/ML) applied to life sciences. Provides seed fund up to Rs. 4 lakhs for Entrepreneur in Residence, grants-in-aid up to Rs. 7 lakhs for startups with PoC, and investment up to Rs. 40 lakh for product development.
• SPARSH (Social Innovation Immersion Program) BIRAC fellowship program creating healthcare social innovators over 18 months, offering a monthly stipend of ₹50,000, a ₹5 lakh mini kick-start grant, clinical and rural immersion, and access to the BIRAC network of mentors and investors.
• CoviTeD (COVID-19 Technology Deployment) CSR-funded acceleration program providing high-impact mentoring, financial support (₹15 lakh for winner / ₹10 lakh for runner-up), regulatory support, and marketing support for COVID-19 innovations including medical devices, rapid diagnostics, drugs, therapeutics, and sterilization solutions.
• CPHMS (Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems) India's first think tank dedicated to enabling a shift from observational science to predictive biology using human-based non-animal methodologies (NAMs) including organoids, organs-on-chip, and microphysiological systems for drug discovery. Conducts HuSAFE workshops (with CDSCO, ICMR), MPS Bootcamps (with Dr. Reddy's, IIT Hyderabad, CELLINK), and a regular webinar series.
• BFI-BIOME (Blockchain For Impact Virtual Network Program) Fellowship and Kickstarter Initiative supporting health-tech innovators under Blockchain For Impact's (BFI) BIOME Virtual Network Program. Provides a 6-month fellowship with a Rs 50,000/month stipend and prototype development support up to Rs 10 lakhs over 9 months, targeted at affordable healthcare innovation.
• SISFS (Startup India Seed Fund Scheme) Flagship funding program providing up to Rs. 20 lakhs as a grant for PoC / prototype development, and up to Rs. 50 lakhs as investment for market entry and commercialization through convertible debentures or debt instruments.
• CoSI Lab (Conservation Science and Innovation Laboratory) State-of-the-art wildlife forensic biology laboratory at University of Kashmir providing DNA testing services, skill training for law enforcement officials, and supporting field research for conservation in Himalayan regions. Established with CSIR-CCMB, Atal Incubation Centre-CCMB, IKP Knowledge Park, and Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd. Foundation support.
• Student Innovators Program (SIP) Program engaging school and college student innovator teams under Atal Innovation Mission's Innovation Marathon, providing support, mentorship, prototyping assistance, and business plan development across themes such as agritech, clean energy, healthcare, smart mobility, sustainable development, waste management, and water management.
• Diagnostics Services Molecular genetics and cytogenetics diagnostic services including testing for hemoglobinopathies, musculopathies, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, trisomies, and chromosomal abnormality detection, plus technology transfer initiatives.

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Dlabs @ ISBcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2026Joint organizer of India AI Impact Pre-summit (Ai-लान) shaping AI in healthcare across policy, research, and entrepreneurship.
• KCDH (IIT Bombay)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2026Joint organizer of India AI Impact Pre-summit for healthcare AI policy and research.
• AIC-IIM MumbaicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2026Joint organizer of India AI Impact Pre-summit contributing to national AI in healthcare roadmap.
• Tech MahindrasupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2022MoU signed to drive innovation in molecular biology and genomics space, announced in CXO Today.
• StartupIndiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment startup initiative partner providing access to startup ecosystem resources and promotion through Startup India platform.
• Invest IndiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational investment promotion agency partner facilitating investor connections and startup support services.
• Telangana State Innovation CellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government innovation body supporting startup ecosystem development in Telangana.
• C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIRAC-supported biotechnology incubator network partner for knowledge sharing and collaborative programs.
• MedtronicsupportingTechnology or IntegrationMedical technology company providing industry expertise and potential technology collaboration opportunities.
• MercksupportingTechnology or IntegrationLife sciences company potentially providing technology and research support for incubated startups.
• Humane Society InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative partner for CPHMS (Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems), promoting non-animal testing methodologies in India.
• AWS ActivatesupportingTechnology or IntegrationCloud credits and support program for startups providing access to Amazon Web Services infrastructure.
• WE HUBsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen-focused startup incubator partner in Hyderabad providing ecosystem support.
• IKP Knowledge ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch park partner for conservation science initiatives including CoSI Lab and wildlife forensics.
• AIM (Atal Innovation Mission)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment of India's flagship initiative promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, providing funding and institutional support to AIC-CCMB.
• CSIR-CCMBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier research organization providing scientific expertise, infrastructure, and research facilities to AIC-CCMB startups.
• MeitY Startup HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinistry of Electronics and Information Technology nodal entity integrating incubation centers and supporting TIDE 2.0 program.
• BIRACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council implementing SPARSH and other biotech innovation programs through AIC-CCMB.
• CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulatory partner for HuSAFE workshop on human-relevant frontiers of drug safety and efficacy testing.
• ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment medical research body co-conducting HuSAFE workshop on drug development methodologies.
• BLAIZEsupportingTechnology or IntegrationAI technology company listed as CSR patron potentially providing technical support.
• SINE IIT-BombaysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociety for Innovation and Entrepreneurship co-organizing HealthHacks 2023 hackathon.
• Dr. Reddy's LaboratoriessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMPS Bootcamp sponsor providing support for microphysiological systems training program.
• IIT HyderabadsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMPS Bootcamp collaborator providing technical expertise for organ-on-chip and organoid training.
• CELLINKsupportingTechnology or Integration3D bioprinting technology company collaborating on MPS Bootcamp training modules.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI): KIIT-TBI is a leading Indian technology business incubator with strong life sciences and healthcare startup programs. It is comparable to AIC-CCMB in offering multi-program incubation, government grant management, and biomedical/healthcare startup support with BIRAC backing.
• C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms): C-CAMP is a Bengaluru-based biotechnology innovation hub and BIRAC-supported incubator focused on life sciences startups. It is the most direct comparable to AIC-CCMB, operating similar grant-funded incubation programs, mentorship, lab infrastructure, and funding access for biotech/healthcare entrepreneurs in India.
• SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT Bombay): SINE is IIT Bombay's technology business incubator hosting deep-tech and life sciences startups. As an existing AIC-CCMB partner (co-organizer of HealthHacks 2023), SINE is a directly comparable deep-tech/tech-bio incubator with similar programs, mentorship, and grant-based funding access.
• IKP Knowledge Park: IKP Knowledge Park is a Hyderabad-based research and innovation park with deep life sciences focus. It is an existing AIC-CCMB ecosystem partner (CoSI Lab collaboration) and a directly comparable life sciences incubator offering lab infrastructure, incubation, and funding access to biotech startups in the same geography.
• Venture Center (CSIR-NCL): Venture Center is a technology business incubator hosted at CSIR-NCL Pune with similar life sciences and chemistry focus. It provides comparable services—seed funding, lab access, mentorship, and industry partnerships—and is anchored at a sister CSIR institution, making it a structural analog to AIC-CCMB.
• FITT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi): FITT is IIT Delhi's industry interface and incubator supporting deep-tech and biotech startups with seed funding, incubation, and mentoring. It is comparable to AIC-CCMB in operating model (academic-anchored incubator), funding programs, and target startup profile (science-based, technology-driven).

Regional players

• WE Hub: WE Hub is a Telangana state government-backed incubator for women-led startups. As a listed AIC-CCMB partner in the same Hyderabad ecosystem, WE Hub is a regional peer sharing startup ecosystem responsibilities in the same geography.
• Dlabs @ ISB (Indian School of Business): Dlabs is ISB's startup incubator and innovation hub in Hyderabad. As a listed AIC-CCMB partner (co-organizer of India AI Impact Pre-summit), Dlabs is a regional peer in the Hyderabad startup ecosystem with comparable incubation and event programming.

Broad incumbents

• BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council): BIRAC is a public sector enterprise under DBT that funds and nurtures biotech startups across India through schemes like SPARSH and BIG. As both an AIC-CCMB program partner and the broader apex incubator-funder, BIRAC represents the macro ecosystem in which AIC-CCMB operates.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM is the parent government program under NITI Aayog that funds and coordinates Atal Incubation Centres including AIC-CCMB. As the umbrella organization, AIM provides the policy and funding framework within which AIC-CCMB and 50+ other AICs operate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AIC_CCMB
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@atalincubationcentre-ccmb4793
• Facebookfacebook.com/aic.ccmb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/atal-incubation-centre-ccmb
• Instagraminstagram.com/aic.ccmb

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments3 records

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Frequently asked questions about Atal Incubation Centre - Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology