Leading Indian Technology Business Incubator (TBI) iCreate launches fresh applications for start-up accelerator programme

The iCreate Entrepreneurship Litmus Test Accelerator (iELTA) is a 4-week programme gearing start-ups for market entry and validation prior to official market launch

Leading Indian Technology Business Ahmedabad-based start-up incubator International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) has launched its applications for start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs for the 4^th edition of its flagship accelerator programme, the iCreate Entrepreneurial Litmus Test Accelerator (iELTA). 

iELTA is a unique programme for entrepreneurs, designed as an intensive pressure test to measure their start-up’s innovation and business potential, and prepare them to tap into the market as a successful enterprise. Its unique approach is that it forces the start-up project to co-create their growth strategy with the customer, rather than working on their own and facing market reality at the final point of product launch. It is also designed to let the customer provide clarity to entrepreneurs who need to pivot their business model, or maybe even close it down altogether. With this program, iCreate will be able to help entrepreneurs with a complete, operational roadmap which will guide them to a high growth business.

The overall programme consists of 3 modules:

• Module 1: Understanding the value your product / service brings to the customer as well as consumer. Defining the value proposition of your product, your target market segment, your organisation structure, your enterprise build strategy and then putting the projected numbers (your target customers, your value proposition to them and your costs of doing business) into an operational cum financial plan. Projected numbers will show you the path to becoming a successful, high growth business.
• Module 2: Going out and validating the projected numbers. There will be intense customer engagement as well as secondary research for validation of all assumptions.
• Module 3: Refining your assumptions and strategy in light of real evidence coming from the market, and putting it all together into a strategy, number-based, credible, growth plan for your planned business.

The iETLA programme is a very intense, residential one, and has a nominal fees of Rs 40,000 per project. Admissions are restricted to a rigorously selected cohort of tech innovation based projects with 2 members per team. Transportation facilities to Campus as well as residential accommodation on Campus are also available, but need to be booked in advance. This current batch starting in end May 2019 is a sponsored one and offers 100% scholarship; therefore, no monetary investment towards the programme fee would be needed (other charges would need to be paid, however). This batch will soon be followed by another one, so applicants can send in their applications later too.

Inviting entrepreneurs and start-ups across the country, Mr. Anupam Jalote, CEO, iCreate, said, “As the name suggests, this accelerator is a Litmus Test for the promotor, the product as well as the business. It is designed so that for these four weeks, the focus is on the customer and market and each feature and assumption is validated with the customers so that in the end the promotors can have the confidence of being validated by the person who is going to make their business successful – their customer!

Entrepreneurs are compelled to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses. At the end of 6 weeks, we have seen entrepreneurs gain much confidence, clarity and direction thanks to the one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and market veterans. Thus, in the truest sense, this experience serves as the ultimate entrepreneurial litmus test for the individual who thinks he is ready to enter the market.”

The deadline for applications for the new batch of iELTA is May 15, 2019.