The T-Hub Story – Empowering Startups and Entrepreneurs

Before we understand more about T-Hub, let’s take a step back and get a clear picture of what a startup incubator actually is. If you’re an entrepreneur or someone trying to kick off a new startup, you’ve probably come across this term. Incubation centers are there to help newly started startups, they provide the right guidance and funding for their startup. Yes, you heard it right, startup incubators are like schools for newly started businesses. These incubators are vital for new ventures, offering specialized support and guidance. They provide workspace, mentorship, opportunities to learn, and chances to network. Incubators also assist with funding, advice, tools, and connections, making them incredibly valuable resources. There are different types of incubators, including those in universities, nonprofits, and companies

India hosts more than 300 incubation centers that aid hundreds of startups across various sectors such as technology, agriculture, and biotechnology etc.

Now let’s understand about one of the largest startup incubation center in the world, yes we are going to talk about T-Hub based in hyderabad. 

T-Hub Phase-1 was launched on November 5, 2015, at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Hyderabad). Inaugurated by former Telangana Governor E.S.L Narasimhan, Ratan Tata, and Minister KT Rama Rao. T-Hub Phase-1 spans across 7000 square feet. This phase of T-Hub gained rapid popularity and became a hub for startups. Established collaboratively as a public-private partnership by IIIT-Hyderabad, the Indian School of Business (ISB), and NALSAR University of Law, t-hub phase-1 has the capacity to accommodate up to 200 startups.

 

Some of the notable startups that graduated from T-Hub Phase 1:

• Ezetap: A mobile payments company acquired by Pine Labs in 2018.
• Darwinbox: A company offering human resources management software, securing $75 million in funding during 2022.
• FirstCry: An online retailer specializing in baby and child products, which went public in 2021.
• Blackbuck: A logistics company acquired by Ola in 2019.
• Capillary Technologies: A cloud-based retail software company that raised $100 million in funding during 2022.

This initiative played a key role in promoting innovation and collaboration within the startup ecosystem in telangana. TS government saw the tremendous growth in the startup ecosystem in the state and again in 2022 t-hub 2.0 was opened in raidurg hyderabad, T-Hub is huge, covering an area of 350,000 square feet. It even has a special place called T-works that is 78,000 square feet big and is used for creating prototypes. This makes T-Hub the world’s biggest startup incubator. It can accommodate upto 2000 startups.

 T-Hub is positioned to empower the thriving startup ecosystem by offering a comprehensive framework that encompasses the essential 6Ms – Mentors, Market, Motivation, Manpower, Money, Methodologies, along with the strategic 2Ps – Partnership and Policy advisory. This holistic approach ensures that startups are equipped with guidance, access to markets, motivation, talent, funding, and proven methodologies. Moreover, through strategic partnerships and policy guidance, T-Hub fosters collaborations and ensures startups navigate regulatory landscapes effectively. 

T-Hub has a comprehensive approach to help startups in various ways. It offers co-working spaces, which are like shared offices where startups can work and connect with others. There are also accelerator programs that give startups guidance and help them grow. T-Hub provides different workshops and events too, where startups can learn new things and meet other entrepreneurs.

For startups, mentorship is crucial. T-Hub connects startups with experienced people who can give them advice and support. Startups also get access to things like office space and equipment, which can save them money. T-Hub arranges events where startups can meet investors, and there are funding programs to help startups get money to expand their business. 

T-Hub offers a variety of programs tailored for startups. Lab32 is special program, a 100 day accelerate program started in 2018, divided into three phases: 1.product development and market validation, 2. growth and fundraising, and finally, 3. The Go-to-market strategy implementation., this program helped 250+ startups The program offers co-working spaces, guidance from industry mentors, access to investors, funding opportunities, networking events, and skill-enhancing workshops. Whether you’re a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ready or Market Ready Startup, Lab32 welcomes all to apply. The program is tailored to help refine your Product-Market Fit (PMF) and enhance your Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy. 

Lab32 is now in its latest edition (Cohort “11”). To join the Lab32 program, startups need to follow a simple application process. Firstly, submit your application online via the T-Hub website, providing details about your startup, team, and product or service. Next, T-Hub will shortlist applications based on predefined criteria, leading to interviews with T-Hub representatives for assessing your team, product, and market potential. Upon completion, T-Hub will select startups for the Lab 32 program. Eligibility requires your startup to be less than 5 years old, with a working product or service, a team of at least 2 members, and registration in India or the extended sub-continent. 

As of March 2023, T-Hub has hosted over 2,000 startups. These startups have collectively raised over $2 billion funding. T-hub has unique funding programs for startups, such as the “Digital India Scaleup Program,” which lasts for 90 days and helps startups become investment-ready through mentoring. This program also connects angel investors with startups. T-Hub partners with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for the “Digital India Scaleup Program,” benefiting hardware and IoT startups. Another funding initiative is the T-Fund, supported by the Telangana Government’s Innovation Policy. T-Hub manages this fund, with Rs. 15 Cr allocated in the 2021-22 budget to assist early-stage tech startups in Telangana. Additionally, T-Hub participates in the ‘Startup India Seed Fund Scheme’ by DPIIT, GoI, providing Rs. 5 Cr to eligible startups for tasks like developing prototypes, entering markets, and commercialization.

T-Hub is a powerhouse for startups in India. With co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and funding initiatives, it’s a launchpad for innovation. The success stories of startups like Ezetap and Darwinbox showcase its impact. Through mentorship, networking, and workshops, T-Hub empowers entrepreneurs.