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Tata Steel Ignites Startup Ecosystem with TomorrowLAB Accelerator Launch
New Delhi, India – In a significant move to bolster India’s burgeoning startup scene, Tata Steel has officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park (IIT BBSR REP) and the prominent India Accelerator (IA). This groundbreaking collaboration is set to launch the 6-month TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme, commencing in September 2025, with the primary goal of nurturing and accelerating the growth of emerging startups across the nation.
The initiative, formally established through an MoU signed on August 13, 2025, builds upon a prior agreement between Tata Steel and IIT BBSR REP dating back to February 2024, aimed at fostering innovation. The TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme is designed to create a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures, offering a structured environment for advancement, crucial industry connections, and accelerated market entry. Startups aspiring to join the program are expected to have a validated Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrate early signs of market acceptance.
Bridging Academia and Industry for Innovation
The core mission of the TomorrowLAB program is to effectively bridge the gap that often exists between academic research and industrial request. By providing a dynamic ecosystem, it aims to empower startups to transform innovative ideas into lasting and scalable businesses. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for driving technological advancements and economic growth within India.
Subodh Pandey,Vice President of Technology,Research & Development,NMB and Graphene at tata Steel,emphasized the company’s commitment to this vision. “Tata Steel has consistently collaborated with academic and industry partners to advance our sustainability objectives,” Pandey stated. “we recognize immense potential within India’s startup community,where young innovators are developing solutions for complex business challenges. Initiatives like ‘100 Cube’ are already bolstering the startup ecosystem in Odisha, and the TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme represents another vital step, positioning Eastern India as a potential innovation hub.”
Programme Highlights and Objectives
The program will be facilitated with IIT Bhubaneswar serving as the central hub for all activities, with India Accelerator providing essential support. The key objectives are multifaceted, focusing on crucial aspects of startup development:
- Mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and tailored technical assistance.
- Facilitated access to funding, expert business advisory services, and commercialization pathways.
- Leveraging the extensive networks of IA and IIT BBSR REP for strategic partnerships, business development, and market penetration.
- Strengthening Tata steel’s engagement with the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in Odisha and across India.
The TomorrowLAB program will concentrate on startups addressing areas critical to Tata steel’s growth trajectory, including water management, waste heat recovery, and robotics and automation. Following the program’s conclusion, Tata Steel plans to engage with select startups offering relevant solutions for pilot projects, fostering real-world application and potential commercial partnerships.
this initiative is an extension of Tata Steel’s broader “TomorrowLAB” program, it’s flagship engagement platform designed to connect with startups globally and locally to tackle challenges within the steel value chain and other key interest areas.
The collaboration underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in fostering technological innovation and economic self-reliance in India.A similar initiative by the Indian government, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, has also been instrumental in supporting early-stage startups.
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2025 |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Key Partners | Tata Steel, IIT Bhubaneswar REP, India Accelerator |
| Focus Areas | Water, Waste Heat Recovery, Robotics & Automation, Steel Value Chain |
| Eligibility criteria | Startups with MVP and early market traction |
Evergreen Insights: The Startup Accelerator Model
Frequently Asked Questions about the TomorrowLAB Accelerator
- what is the TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme?
- The TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme is a 6-month initiative by Tata Steel, in partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar and india accelerator, designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of emerging Indian startups.
- When does the TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme officially launch?
- The TomorrowLAB Accelerator Programme officially launches in September 2025.
- Which organizations are collaborating to launch the TomorrowLAB Accelerator?
- The program is a collaboration between tata Steel,IIT bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park (IIT BBSR REP),and India Accelerator (IA).
- What are the key focus areas for startups in the TomorrowLAB Accelerator?
- key focus areas include water management, waste heat recovery, robotics & automation, and challenges within the steel value chain.
- What are the eligibility criteria for startups applying to the TomorrowLAB Accelerator?
- startups should ideally possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrate early market traction to be considered for the program.
- What kind of support can startups expect from the TomorrowLAB Accelerator?
- Startups can expect mentorship, capacity-building workshops, technical assistance, access to funding and commercialization opportunities, and networking for strategic partnerships.
What are your thoughts on initiatives that connect large corporations with startup innovation? Share your views and experiences in the comments below!
