IIT Bombay's SINE launches Hub-and-Spoke model for startup ecosystem

IIT Bombay's SINE has selected Nagpur as the pilot location for its new Hub-and-Spoke initiative, marking a significant expansion of the institution's entrepreneurship support programmes beyond its Mumbai base. The framework aims to create a more integrated and interconnected startup ecosystem by establishing regional nodes that work in tandem with a central hub.

The Hub-and-Spoke model represents a departure from siloed, institution-centric approaches to startup development. Under this structure, Nagpur will serve as a spoke connected to IIT Bombay's central hub, facilitating the flow of resources, mentorship, and business development support to early-stage entrepreneurs in the region. The initiative is designed to democratise access to incubation services and entrepreneurial networks that have traditionally been concentrated in metro areas.

The selection of Nagpur underscores the growing recognition of tier-two cities as emerging startup hubs with considerable potential. The region's geographical position, talent pool, and existing industrial base make it an ideal test case for the collaborative ecosystem model. Through this initiative, SINE aims to identify and nurture local startups while building bridges with the broader national startup community.

The Hub-and-Spoke framework aligns with broader efforts to decentralise innovation and entrepreneurship support across India. If successful in Nagpur, the model is expected to serve as a blueprint for expansion to other regions, helping create a more geographically distributed and inclusive startup landscape.