thingQbator 2.0

Brief description of the campaign : thingQbator 2.0 is a 12-month hybrid makerspace and pre-incubation program helping young innovators convert ideas into prototypes, pilots, and early-stage ventures. The program runs as a 12-month cohort, renewed annually, with a focus on AI/ML, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud & software development.
The programme is structured around three key components:

• Entrepreneurship Track (ET): Supports students through the innovation and entrepreneurship journey, from ideation and prototyping to venture readiness and incubation.

• Learning Track (LT): Enables students to access structured learning content and courses across relevant technology domains and build technology capabilities.

• Technology Platform: Serves as the digital backbone of the programme, providing students with access to learning content and enabling programme participation, cohort management, and tracking.

The top 10 teams from each cohort under the Entrepreneurship Track receive up to ₹5 lakh in seed funding and incubation support through a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator. Students gain practical learning, mentorship and course completion certificates, while programme-established startups receive support for five years.

Main objective of the campaign:
The objective of the campaign is to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from partner organisations to serve as the lead implementation partner for Cisco’s thingQbator 2.0 programme, responsible for its end-to-end delivery and outcomes. The lead implementation partner would be responsible for end-to-end delivery of the program, encompassing the following key activities:  

• Fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship mindset among students from Tier 2, 3 and 4 institutions, enabling them to identify real-world societal challenges aligned with the SDGs and develop tech-led solutions.

• Providing practical learning pathways to build entrepreneurial capabilities aligned with existing and emerging technology domains

• Strengthening the student entrepreneurship ecosystem by engaging universities, government bodies, industry experts, incubators and innovation networks.

• Supporting and engaging with startups established through the programme for five years

Who is the target audience/who is it relevant for?
The target audience are partner organisations with expertise in:  

• Student innovation & entrepreneurship

• Technology skilling

• Incubation & mentorship

• Cohort-based programme delivery

• Multi-geography / institutional implementation

• Digital learning platforms and programme management systems

Key outcomes/takeaways
Post the completion of the EOI Process: 

• EOI results will be communicated by the end of November to all registered organisations.

• Shortlisted organisations will then proceed to the RFP stage.

How to apply for the RFP

1. Sign up on IPN: Register on the India Partner Network (IPN) platform. If you are already registered, log in to your account.

2. Complete your organisation profile: Fill in the Basic and Compliance sections of your Organisation Profile and ensure your profile is 100% complete to access the RFP application form.

3. Fill in the application form: Provide the programme-specific details requested in the RFP application form.

4. Submit your application: Review your details and click the Register button to submit your application for consideration.

Incase of any queries, please reach out to rfp.cisco@sattva.co.in