The application process will start from mid-December, 2023. The actual program is expected to start in the month if March/April 2024 with the shortlisted founders. Please note that we don't follow a cohort-based model and seek applications through the year.

The total duration of the program is around 15-18 months. The program is very hands-on and is divided into 4 stages :

Phase 0 - Ideation (4 weeks)

Phase 1 – Validation (8 weeks)

Phase 2 - Build (36 weeks)

Phase 3 – GTM and Fund raise (12 weeks).

For more details refer Our Model section in the website

We are supporting innovators who leverage tech-led innovations to catalyze climate and sustainability solutions while delivering exponential returns. Some of our focus areas include - Built Environment, Industrial Decarbonisation , EV Mobility, Energy, Advanced Materials and others.

For more details refer Our Model section in the website

If your ClimateTech focus area is not listed, we still want to hear from you.

NOW venture studio is based out of Bangalore, India

The program is open both for individuals, very early-stage startups (preferably with no institutional finding). The startups will be put on a different track based on their stage

Yes, we provide Co-working office space in our studio in HSR Layout, Bangalore over a period of 12-15 months.

Phases 0 and 1 of the program are mostly research based. Having partnerships with reputed institutions, we can secure lab spaces in Phase 2 to conduct specific activities to de-risk your tech especially for smart hardware-based solutions.

At this point, all relevant IPs will be the property of your new venture.

The decision to incorporate the company will be taken at the end of Phase 1, based on the feedback from our investment committee. If we decide not to pursue the opportunity with you, the investment done in Phase 1 will be converted into equity (pre-agreed) if in case you setup the company with another co-founder outside the venture studio.

The venture studio provides all the support required to build a seed-stage company over a period of 15-18 months. This includes Capital, Space, Access to Investor Network, Climate Ecosystem Deep Mentoring to name a few

The venture studio will directly or indirectly bear the costs associated with the program. Some of the aspects such as working space, Deep mentoring , Ecosystem access, Investment readiness support are covered.

The cost towards prototype development, testing, lab access, travel, accommodation will be borne directly by the Founders from the funding raised.

The portfolio startups will move out of the venture studio facility and no Active support will be provided after the program is over.

However, we will keep continuing our support on your new company’s journey even after our engagement period is over in a purely on-demand basis, focusing mainly on GTM (Corporate Connects) and Investor Network introductions.

Yes. We require full-time commitment from the founders from Day one

We offer different engagement modes for the different stages of the program (Hybrid for Stage 1 In-person mode for Stages 2 3).

We offer different engagement modes for the different stages of the program (Hybrid for Phase 0, In-person mode for Phases 1 and 2).

For more details refer to Our Model section of the website

Yes. The chances of getting into the studio are higher if you hold a patent(s), have applied for a patent(s) or have a prototype.

We partner with exceptional innovators and entrepreneurs, mainly from SCIENCE/ENGINEERING or DEEPTECH/DEEPSCIENCE background to turn their Ideas into high-growth ClimateTech ventures.

Our ideal persona for the Founder role meets one of the following criteria:

• Researchers and Students willing to take the entrepreneurial plunge (with Higher degree/PhD, Patents holders)

• Industry Leaders and Seasoned Executives (having first-hand experience in managing the decarbonisation problems)

• Repeat first-time entrepreneurs (having a track record of building climate solutions or startups)

• Early-stage startups in relevant space (having not raised any institutional equity funding)

As of now, we work with technical founders first and look to add business co-founders in the later stages based on the requirement (as NOW acts in full capacity as a business cofounder)