Venture Center (Pune)

Venture Center is a technology and knowledge business incubator based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, operating since December 2006. Hosted by CSIR's National Chemical Laboratory, it supports science-based entrepreneurs in moving research and prototypes toward viable businesses. Its investment activity sits within a broader incubation model rather than a standalone fund: seed funding is offered to incubated ventures alongside pre-incubation, resident and virtual incubation programmes, fellowships and grants. Check sizes and fund structure are not disclosed.

The centre's focus is deep technology and science-based commercialisation, with particular depth in chemical and life sciences. Its stated technical capabilities span intellectual property, prototyping and product development, and regulatory advisory, delivered through mentoring and scientific assistance across the startup journey. Supporting infrastructure includes on-site prototyping facilities and structured support for ventures spinning out of research laboratories.

Venture Center reports having supported more than 750 science-based startups since inception. Its work is conducted in collaboration with public-sector and innovation bodies including BIRAC, DST, the Atal Innovation Mission, MeitY and the Defence Innovation Organisation, reflecting its linkage to government research and innovation programmes in India.