STBI is Inviting Expression of Interests (EoIs) for Implementation of Regional Innovation Cells (RICs) of STBI/ GInTech Hub across Gujarat

About the Initiative

While Gujarat has built a robust Start-up and innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurial activity and institutional support remain heavily concentrated in major urban centers, leaving a gap in regional and grassroots areas. To bridge this gap and foster inclusive, balanced regional growth, the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI), under the aegis of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat (DST-GoG), aims to establish Regional Innovation Cells (RICs) across Gujarat. Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, RICs act as localized front-end desks/ cells across designated zones to systematically scout, mentor, and on-board technology-led grassroots innovators, while advanced acceleration, funding, and governance remain centralized at STBI and GInTech Hub (Gujarat Innovation & Technopreneurship Hub).

Key Objectives & Scope of RICs

1. Grassroots Scouting: Systematically identify and on-board student entrepreneurs, researchers, and early-stage innovators at their doorstep.

2. Pre-Incubation Support: Deliver continuous pre-incubation assistance, design thinking, and milestone tracking.

3. Hyperlocal Problem Mapping: Map region-specific use cases from local MSMEs, agricultural mandis, and civic departments to formulate targeted challenges.

4. Scheme Facilitation: Streamline access to state and central Start-up funding schemes, IP facilitation, and institutional grants.

📄 Guidelines & Application Portal

Interested academic institutions, universities, colleges, and regional industry associations can review the complete operational framework and submit their Expression of Interest (EoI) directly through the links below:

📘 Download Detailed Implementation Guidelines & EoI Document (PDF) - Click Here 

🚀 Apply Now — Submit Online Expression of Interest (EoI) 

📢 Notice: Stakeholder Discussion & Query-Solving Meeting

A stakeholder discussion and query-solving meeting was conducted on 25/09/2026 at STBI Conference Room, EPIP/CFC Building, Savli GIDC Estate, Manjusar, Vadodara, to facilitate prospective host institutions in understanding the RIC initiative, EoI submission process, and operational guidelines.

Key Points Discussed and Clarified

1. Scope and Sectoral Applicability
The RIC initiative is not restricted to any particular sector. It is intended to promote and facilitate technology-driven innovation initiatives across diverse sectors.

2. Submission of Multiple Zonal Applications
An applicant institution, college, or university must have a physical presence or geographical location within the respective designated RIC zone to apply for that zone. Accordingly, an institution may submit multiple applications corresponding to its physical presence across different designated RIC zones.

3. Eligibility of Faculty Members and Officials for Coordinator Positions
Any faculty member or senior official, including contractual or tenured personnel, may be nominated as the Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator to oversee and take responsibility for the RIC operations. In case of a change in faculties, the unfortunate event of demise, transfer, or migration of the faculty working as Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator, or any similar probable cases, the organization is obliged to ensure that alternate faculty are immediately nominated to undertake the said responsibilities.

📞 Contact Person for Queries

For any clarifications or assistance regarding the Regional Innovation Cells (RICs), please reach out to the designated coordinator:

Name: Umang Gondaliya

Designation: Manager (Facilities)

Mobile No.: 9033776680

Email ID: manfaci-stbi-vdr@gujarat.gov.in

For further updates, addendums, and circulars, please visit this website of STBI.

Last Update: 03/10/2026

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