The U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section in New Delhi invites proposals from eligible non-profit, non-governmental organizations to develop and implement public diplomacy programs in collaboration with the Nexus Start-up Hub at the American Center in New Delhi. This initiative aims to address the growing interest among Indian business sectors in adopting U.S. entrepreneurial skills and values, thereby fostering cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Project Goal
To strengthen Indian innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership through an India-wide residential incubator hub at American Center New Delhi.
Project Objectives
Over the span of 12 months, this initiative focuses on maintaining and overseeing the existing full-time residential incubator hub at the American Center New Delhi while orchestrating regional entrepreneurship workshops across India in vital economic sectors such as health, defense, agriculture, and education. Additionally, a series of training seminars will be developed for incubator managers nationwide. These efforts aim to strengthen connections between U.S. and Indian business sectors, as well as enhance ties between U.S. companies and Indian startups. This is achieved by aligning the Indian entrepreneurship ecosystem with U.S. business best practices and facilitating connections between successful program graduates and American companies within their respective sectors. This is accomplished through training, networking, and fostering alignment with American entrepreneurial strategies and values. The project aims to showcase U.S. entrepreneurship best practices to emerging regional networks, with key metrics including post-graduation business generation, startup profitability, and partnerships with American companies. By assembling a team of subject matter experts, the Nexus incubator hub at the American Center New Delhi aspires to lead the way in nurturing India’s startup ecosystem.
Funding Information
Total available funding: $300,000
Award Ceiling: $300,000
Award Floor: $230,000
Length of performance period: 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award (dependent on amounts)
Anticipated program start date: June 2024
Deliverables
Thirty to thirty-four promising start-up companies (i.e., two in-person cohorts of 15-17 each) graduate from the Nexus program with greater knowledge, strategic focus, business acumen, and prospective networks/connections with U.S. businesses as a result of their participation in the Nexus training program at American Center New Delhi. At least one-third (or 10-11 graduates) should be women-led companies.
Oversee a growing network of Nexus program alumni with ties to American businesses by conducting one outreach event with approximately 100 participants which brings together recent Nexus graduates and American business representatives exploring opportunities to collaborate and pursue commercial ties. Planned in conjunction with American Center New Delhi, each event should be comprised of equal representation from American businesses and recent Nexus graduates.
One to three industry-specific workshops across India for 25 participants each.
One incubator management seminar reaching at least 25 managers.
A 3-day in-person workshop for 30 Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI) members. (The project should include delivered content only; travel and other logistics for out of country members will be handled separately.)
Position the American Center’s incubator as a resource for regional entrepreneurship training opportunities by engaging in one or more of the following activities:
Host networking events, conferences, or workshops where entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry experts can connect, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Providing Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs or professionals offer guidance, advice, and support to aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs.
Offering Training and Workshops: Conduct training sessions and workshops on various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as business planning, marketing, finance, and technology, to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge.
Project Audience(s)
This project is primarily targeted at Indian entrepreneurs having a distinct and innovative business idea or product, a feasible business model, a dedicated team and a well-defined market opportunity; and incubator managers representing a diverse cross-section of industry sectors and geography.
The ideal cohort and training participants are entrepreneurship and incubator leaders with demonstrated success and potential for growth in their chosen business sector, looking to expand their knowledge base, learn best practices, and strengthen partnerships with the U.S. business community, potentially through commercial deals, business networks (or connections), industry associations, and other collaborative efforts.
Successful entrepreneurs and incubator managers operating in high-priority sectors aligned with U.S.-India critical and emerging technology collaboration efforts are highly sought after and should be added to an existing network of Nexus alumni, with ongoing outreach and programming activities to engage Nexus alumni through specially designed programs.
These critical and emerging technologies include, but are not limited to: Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnologies, Networked Sensors and Sensing, and Space Technologies and Systems.
To support this growing network, one outreach event (with approximately 100 participants) will bring together recent Nexus graduates and American businesses exploring opportunities to collaborate and pursue commercial ties. Planned in coordination with American Center New Delhi, each event should reach equal numbers (~50) of representatives from American businesses and recent Nexus cohorts.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
Not-for-profit organizations
Civil society/non-governmental organizations
Think tanks
Public and private educational institutions
Individuals
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
Optional: Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.
