XLRI’s XCITE Opens Applications for Its First Rural Business Incubation Cohort

The incubator places special emphasis on women-led and tribal-led enterprises, as well as ventures operating in sectors such as agriculture, off-farm livelihoods, Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), handicrafts, rural services, sustainability, green energy, circular economy, and other rural livelihood domains. The programme aims to support enterprises that are market-driven, scalable, and capable of generating long-term social and economic impact within rural communities.

Selected entrepreneurs will participate in a six-month hybrid incubation programme, comprising virtual mentoring sessions and immersive on-campus bootcamps at XLRI, Jamshedpur. Participants will receive grant support of up to ₹5 lakh, along with structured mentorship from domain experts, business model development support, market access guidance, investor and ecosystem linkages, peer learning opportunities, and access to the extensive networks of XLRI and NABARD.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ravish Vasan, CEO, XCITE, said:

“XCITE aims to nurture enterprises that combine commercial viability with social impact, enabling rural communities to become active participants in India’s growth story.”

Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until 25th July 2026.

Entrepreneurs may submit their applications online at:
https://xcite.accubate.app/ext/form/23776/1/apply

For further information, interested entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners may connect with XCITE, XLRI – Xavier School of Management.

For more details:
https://xlri.ac.in/xcite

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