Launched by the Honorable Minister of IT, Govt. of Telangana KT Rama Rao, the program enabled the first cohort of innovators across India, to raise over INR 80 Lakh worth of funding and market access.

As the 2nd ICT policy envisions enabling business, technology, access to services, and innovation in the state, the program i2E LAB augments its vision by building capacities and turning innovations into viable businesses. Co-created by the Telangana State Innovation Cell and Make Room India, i2E Lab is a 14 weeks pre-incubation program, designed to nurture early-stage ideas.

Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer to Govt. of Telangana, said, “In the first cohort, we helped the finalists collectively raise over INR 80 Lakh in funding and market access. This time, we aim on creating a significant & inclusive impact by focusing on the mindset shift of potential applicants across India
Through i2E labs, we will be scaling early-stage ideas, student innovations, and startups by supporting them with resources pertinent to Idea Validation, Mentorship, Business Development, Pitching, Market Access, & Funding Connect."

The applications for the second cohort of i2E Lab is now open and teams from across India are invited to apply. The program brings in a world-class curriculum, mentors, access to funds, prototyping facilities, and a platform emphasized on experimenting solutions, incorporating flexibility to suit the needs of the cohort.

To join the program, teams need to fill in an online application form at https://teamtsic.telangana.gov.in/i2elab/

Pranav Hebbar, Founder of Makeroom India, said, “In i2E Lab, we work hand-in-hand with each team, making the right connections to test, build and scale. With the right mentors & collaborators from the industry, government, and startup ecosystem, we create opportunities to test, build and iterate faster and enter the market. Like the new ICT policy, our commitment is to enable innovators from all regions - inclusive of tier 2, 3, and beyond, and nurture them."