Hubli-Dharwad's incubation centre attracts start-ups

Hubli-Dharwad's incubation centre attracts start-ups

Anil Urs- The Hindu Business Line, Hubli, Dec. 6

Incubation facility at iiitb@hd (International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore Hubli-Dharwad Centre) has begun to attract start-ups.

“The facility at iiitb@hd located at IT-Park in Hubli opposite Glass House launched in 2009 had attracted only one company. But of late, we are getting many enquiries,” said Ms Suma S. Shetty, Assistant Manager, iiitb@hd.

“The incubation facility has about 2,000 sq. ft of space to let and fully equipped to house start-up companies. Space is available with or without airconditoners,” she added.

Recently Aissel Solutions, a start-up offering solutions in pharmaceutical and media sphere with six employees, has started operating in 200 sq. ft.

Ms Shetty said Aissel started by Mr Prasad Patil is a business research and technology solutions start-up creating products and services for global pharmaceutical and media companies.

In the last six months, enquires for space have increased at iiitb@hd. The price quoted for space with air conditioner is Rs 55 a sq. ft and without it Rs 45 a sq. ft.

Incubation space is accorded priority to proposals based on work that has commercial potential carried out at the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (iiitb).

“But of late, lot of enquires are from information technology (IT) professionals working in Bangalore's major IT companies and turning entrepreneurs by getting venture funds for their ideas,” said Ms Shetty.

“When we launched the facility in 2009, only one company — Pluto Engineering Solutions (PES) — came up to set up facility,” said Ms Shetty.

PES, a start-up founded by Kiran P. Vaidya, offers solutions in structural engineering and has 20 employees on its role and operates in 600 sq. ft.

PES is primarily engaged in analysis, design and detailing of steel and RCC structures in addition to architectural services.