The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) has launched the Technology Research and Innovation Program in Additive Manufacturing (TRIPRAMan) to support and nurture highly innovative entrepreneurs and additive manufacturing Startups.
The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) was established in collaboration with industry by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India and the ITE&C Department of the Government of Telangana. It seeks to establish India as a global hub for the development and deployment of additive manufacturing.
About the TRIPRAMan Program - Opportunity for Additive Manufacturing Startups
This program is intended to support and nurture highly innovative entrepreneurs and Startups in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies at all stages of the value chain, including software, technology, design, materials, hardware, and applications. It is designed for serious entrepreneurs who can devote their time and energy to developing a marketable prototype in 16 weeks.
Selection Criteria
The entrepreneurs will be chosen based on the recommendations of an expert committee formed specifically for the purpose. Acceptance criteria include the following:
- The business activity proposed is in the AM technology area.
- The venture can be a corporation, partnership, LLP or sole proprietorship.
- The venture is not older than 3 years from the date of registration/company incorporation.
- Its annual cash inflow in terms of funding/grants/revenue from sales or operations in any preceding financial year must not exceed INR 1.0 Crore.
- The venture is not formed by splitting up, or reconstruction, of a business already in existence.
- The entrepreneur demonstrates a need for incubator services.
- The entrepreneur demonstrates capability for business viability and growth
- The business plan submitted by the entrepreneur is sound.
- The business proposed should have significant technology content, employment potential, revenue generation potential, and export earning potential.
- First-time entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and will be assessed through personal interview, review of past activities, background check, references, etc.
Selection Process
NCAM has published the detailed selection process, which interested entrepreneurs and additive manufacturing Startups can review to ensure they are well aware of the process and there is no miscommunication about it.
Duration of Incubation Program
The agreement for operation within the incubator programme is set for a term of four months, with the option of an additional two months. NCAM may agree to an extension, but this will be done on a case-by-case basis based on the expert committee's recommendation.
Entrepreneurs must vacate the incubator at the end of the licence period, whether or not they have graduated. To be considered for an extension, the entrepreneur must submit a formal application to the expert committee, detailing any factors that may have caused delays in the plan and outlining strategies for overcoming any challenges that the venture may have encountered. When the entrepreneur/Startup has developed a market-viable product, or when the period specified in the licence agreement has expired, the venture will graduate from the incubation programme.
