About Us

The National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has been in the forefront in setting up Business Incubation Centres to encourage development of start-up companies and to generate employment among S&T graduates. (www.nstedb.com). The NSTEDB has already catalyzed and supported several Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs), Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), in addition to many Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs), in different parts of the country. NSTEDB has a plan to set up many more such institutions in the coming years. There are a number of other institutional mechanisms existing and promoted by other Departments of the Government of India in developing business incubation in emerging areas of science and technology such as the Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs).

Promotion of Business Incubation in the country, even though a mandate of the Government of India, requires the active participation of other agencies such as the industries and associations to cover a large spectrum of activities. The Government also needs independent mechanisms to collect the necessary feedbacks on the programme and activities and for the promotion of this concept to a wider audience. The role of industry associations in the country in promoting the interest of the industries is well documented. Therefore, it was felt imminent that there is a need for an association to promote, encourage, and help the national agenda of business incubation through institutional mechanisms such as the STEPs, TBIs and STPIs. The association can also function as a mentor and facilitator for the incubators set up in the country.

The Indian STEP and Business Incubator Association (ISBA) was set up in 2004 as a registered professional body to promote business incubation in India.

ISBA aims to promote business incubation activities in the country through exchange of information, sharing of experience, and other networking assistance among Indian Business Incubators, Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs) and other related organizations engaged in the promotion of start-up enterprises.

In order to achieve the objectives indicated ISBA would pursue the following activities:

1. To hold annual General Body meeting and identify opportunities in promoting technology business incubation and co-operation among the incubators and other related organizations;
2. Provide advice on finding out the requirements and conditions for starting an incubator, creating business plan, recruiting incubator managers, and incubator development issues;
3. Maintain and update a data base containing the contact information of business incubation experts;
4. Lobby for Indian incubators at national and international levels;
5. To organize workshops, conferences, seminars, or training services;
6. Publish a newsletter;
7. To organize media conferences and other activities to create awareness about the incubator programme and get public participation;
8. Undertake any other activities, which will fulfill the objectives of the ISBA; and
9. Assist the NSTEDB in evaluating and monitoring the activities of the Business Incubation programme in the country.