XCITE opens applications for Its first rural business
JAMSHEDPUR: XCITE (XLRI Council for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship) launched a call for applications for its inaugural incubation cohort aimed at fostering sustainable and high-impact rural businesses across 12 Eastern and North-Eastern states of India including Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
This incubation programme is particularly focused on innovative ventures that tackle rural challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic development.
An important aspect of XCITE is its commitment to supporting women-led and tribal-led enterprises, as well as initiatives within sectors such as agriculture, off-farm livelihoods, Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), handicrafts, rural services, sustainability, green energy and circular economy. The goal is to nurture market-driven and scalable enterprises that generate long-term social and economic benefits for rural communities.
Entrepreneurs selected for the programme will engage in a six-month hybrid incubation process that includes virtual mentoring sessions alongside immersive bootcamps held on-campus at XLRI in Jamshedpur. Participants are eligible for grant support of up to ₹5 lakh, which will be supplemented by structured mentorship from industry experts, business model development assistance, guidance for market access, connections to investors and ecosystem partners, peer learning opportunities and integration into the extensive networks offered by XLRI and NABARD.
Ravish Vasan, CEO of XCITE, highlighted the initiative's dual focus, stating, "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 July 25, 2026. Entrepreneurs may submit their applications online at https://xcite.accubate.app/ext/form/23776/1/apply
Interested entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners may connect with XCITE, XLRI – Xavier School of Management https://xlri.ac.in/xcite