SINE of the times: The IIT-B’s hub powering start-up dreams
From campus ideas to global start-ups, the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) has been instrumental in transforming entrepreneurial ambitions into successful ventures, including those poised for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
A Visionary Beginning
The inception of SINE dates back to 1999 when a professor at IIT-B, Deepak Phatak, envisioned a radical shift in the educational paradigm. Instead of merely preparing students for jobs, he proposed creating employers rather than employees. This bold idea materialized into SINE, one of India’s pioneering start-up incubators.
Milestones in Innovation
Formally established in 2004, SINE has since driven innovation through over 500 start-ups, many of which have made significant strides in various fields such as:
- Biomedical Technology
- Deep Technology
- Healthcare
- Defence
- Artificial Intelligence
- Clean Technology
- Mobility
- Enterprise Solutions
Over the years, SINE has collectively raised more than $1 billion in funding and achieved a combined valuation exceeding $3.56 billion.
Support and Backing
SINE was supported by notable alumni, including Kanwal Rekhi, a veteran venture capitalist, and Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys. Initially, the incubator focused on information technology, leveraging IIT-B’s School of Information Technology.
As IIT-B expanded its departments, early ideas and projects found their way to SINE, where they were tested and developed into viable business ventures. With backing from the Government of India through the Department of Science and Technology, SINE was established as an independent entity recognized as a technology business incubator.
Success Stories
Among the early start-ups incubated at SINE is Sedemac Mechatronics, which began its journey in 2008 and has since evolved into a leading deep-tech company in automotive electronics. Recently, Sedemac launched its IPO, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Another notable success is ideaForge, a drone technology company that became the first start-up from an academic incubator in India to go public in 2023. Additionally, Atomberg Technologies, a smart appliance manufacturer based in Pune, began its journey at SINE in 2012.
Testimonials from Founders
Manoj Meena, co-founder and CEO of Atomberg Technologies, shares, “It was one of the best decisions we ever made. SINE provided us with more than just a desk on campus; it opened doors to early-stage investors and seasoned mentors at a critical time.”
Meena emphasizes the advantage of being physically present on the IIT Bombay campus, stating, “We had access to world-class research labs to test and validate our early motor prototypes, something that would have been nearly impossible otherwise.”
A Thriving Community
SINE fosters a sense of community among its incubatees. Meena notes the importance of watching fellow entrepreneurs navigate their challenges and share learnings, creating a larger, ambitious ecosystem. “We have grown from one to 1,000 staff members and zero to a ₹1,000-crore company. We owe this to the foundation we built at IIT-Bombay,” he adds.
Key Contributions to the Ecosystem
Shaji Varghese, CEO of SINE IIT-Bombay, highlights other successful companies incubated at SINE, including:
- Gupshup, an AI-based messaging platform
- ImmunoACT, which developed India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment
- Safe Security, a global cybersecurity company
Professor Rahul Purwar, co-founder of ImmunoACT, recalls starting his research on CAR-T cell therapy when he joined SINE in 2013. With support from the IIT-Bombay ecosystem and Tata Memorial Hospital, he successfully developed and announced the therapy, which is now being used to treat patients.
Comprehensive Support System
One of SINE’s key strengths is the comprehensive support it offers to start-ups, including:
- Funding
- Mentorship
- Technical Guidance
- Access to IIT-Bombay’s Research Facilities
SINE also assists future founders in navigating intellectual property, regulatory requirements, and fundraising. Varghese notes, “SINE has a strong pool of mentors drawn from its alumni network and industry, who work closely with founders in areas such as go-to-market strategy, scaling, and business development.”
Bridging Research and Business
To facilitate the transition from research to market-ready products, SINE has initiated Project Titanium, which provides mentoring, early-stage funding, and industry partnerships. This initiative aims to help researchers and faculty convert their innovative ideas into commercially viable products.
Recognizing that entrepreneurship involves risk and potential failure, SINE collaborates closely with founders to review their strategies and explore new opportunities when challenges arise. Even when ventures face setbacks, many founders continue to contribute to the ecosystem through new ideas and roles.
International Collaborations
SINE has also established strong international partnerships with institutions such as:
- Monash University
- The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center
- ITRI Taiwan
These collaborations enhance the global reach of Indian start-ups and provide them with valuable insights and resources.
Conclusion
SINE at IIT-Bombay has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s start-up ecosystem, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community, SINE continues to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, turning their dreams into reality.
Note: This article reflects the achievements and contributions of SINE as of March 2026.
