Business training, mentoring and incubation support of upto Rs. 50 Lakhs by IIM-A and CIIE.

Incubation opportunity to a befitting venture by IIM-B and N. S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL).

Admission to Microsoft’s Start-Up Accelerator Program for at least one winner.

All short-listed start-ups will receive direct admission to pitch to Angels courtesy Indian Angel Network and Mumbai Angels and admission to TiE’s nurturing program.

In addition, all nominated companies stand a chance to be invited for the TATA-NEN Hottest Start-up Funding Challenge 2008. The funding will be provided by Seedfund and the winner could receive Rs. 2-3 Crores of investment capital subject to evaluation, from them. The final decision on the funding for the winning company will rest with Seedfund.

The 2008 Tata-NEN Start-up Awards will showcase a wide range of high potential start-ups from multiple sectors, ranging from healthcare, retail, mobile technologies, bio-tech, hospitality, life-style, IT and service providers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Romit Chaterji, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Tata Services Limited, said, "The Tata Group has been at the fore-front of encouraging youth and providing them opportunities to innovate and develop leadership. It is both passion and goal of the Tata Group to kindle the entrepreneurship spirit in India. The group is delighted to partner with NEN in this exciting nationwide contest that aims to provide visibility, growth and resources to high potential start-ups. In future, some of these start-ups will create 'Value' not only for themselves but for the society at large. This is also an extension to our year-long initiative in West Bengal called Tata Udyogporbo where we are promoting entrepreneurship among WB youth."

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