How to find mentors, incubators and funding support

Define the support you actually need

Separate advice, workspace, technical facilities, customer introductions and money. An incubator that is useful for laboratory work may not fit a local service business. A mentor should help with a specific decision; an introduction is not a promise of investment.

Build a shortlist from official sources

Use Startup India’s scheme directory to find the administering organisation, then read the current programme notice. Maharashtra State Innovation Society lists supported incubators. In Gujarat, i-Hub and the SSIP portal provide routes to explore student innovation and startup support. A directory listing does not mean applications are currently open.

Compare terms before applying

Eligibility: stage, sector, location, entity and any required recognition.
Support: what is actually provided, for how long and by whom.
Cost and ownership: fees, equity, repayment, reporting and intellectual-property terms.
Selection: official deadline, documents and the organisation’s own contact channel.

A grant, a loan and equity investment have different consequences. Read the actual offer and obtain qualified advice before signing funding terms. Avoid anyone promising guaranteed selection or asking you to transfer an “approval fee” to a personal account.

Prepare a clear first approach

PLS Foundation welcomes mentoring and connection enquiries. Our proposed grants and formal incubation programme do not currently have an open application window on this site.

Contact PLS about founder support →

Sources & further reading

Sources checked on 17 September 2026. For the latest rules and course availability, follow the official links below. The exercises are designed by PLS Foundation to help you plan your next step.