Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Built in the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad in 2002 as an academic centre CIIE.CO has grown and pivoted to address the multiple emergent gaps in the country and need for accelerator. This continuum is filling these gaps in the innovation-driven entrepreneurship space, an emerging sector in the Indian market. Having accelerated nearly 1000 startups, funded 300 and mentored and coached over 5000, CIIE.CO has successfully built its brand since officially taking off in 2008.
Strategic Partnerships
The venture started its journey by launching the country’s first accelerator program, Craft Catapult in the handicrafts sector in 2019. In the process of which it established itself as a successful accelerator program. CIIE.CO’s strength lies in working in collaboration and closely with partners in all sectors including corporates, government departments, ministries, investors, multilateral agencies, as well as academia. Casting a wide net in the startup ecosystem.
Through these partnerships, CIIE.CO has created and sequentially, implemented a range of interventions including accelerator programs, investment instruments and funds, research and advisory projects and long-duration comprehensive programs including various elements of the innovation continuum. It continues to work with the central and several state governments in advisory roles on policies and initiatives that are aimed at the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Giving the company in depth and first hand understanding of the needs of the market, consumer and governing bodies.
360 Degree Support
CIIE.CO provides an all rounder and continuous support to the startups it works with. Standing with startups at the risky early stages and supporting entrepreneurs who are building disruptive solutions. The goal is to support entrepreneurs make superlative impact. They offer training, workshops, coaching, research insights among other forms of support to entrepreneurs. This includes entrepreneurial grooming, business modelling, financial modelling & data discipline, impact orientation, technology assistance & growth plan, market connects, investor connects, network capital, seed/ catalytic capital, portfolio support and follow-on funding support. Under the section, ‘People of Bharat’ the platform shares stories of individuals to help entrepreneurs connect with their consumers, to better understand their needs.
Going forward, CIIE.CO aims to use its expertise in acceleration and seed funding to source, support and scale up specific startups. This includes startups either in emerging sectors such as deep tech and agriculture, as well as, startups from the tier II and tier III cities. The vision being to solve issues and problems unique to the country. As an innovation continuum, the company aims to be at the forefront with founder, equipping them with the right tools to solve the most pressing problems.
