The Design Village (TDV) has forged a strategic, non-commercial partnership with IIM Bangalore’s incubation arm, the N S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL). This collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to strengthen customer validation, problem-solution fit, and product-market fit for startups, according to an official press release.
Over the next 24 months, TDV and NSRCEL will work closely to support early-stage startups by providing essential resources and guidance. By combining TDV’s design-driven approach with IIM Bangalore’s expertise in business incubation, the partnership will help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, test market feasibility, and develop sustainable business models, the release mentioned.
“At TDV, we believe design plays a crucial role in shaping innovative and impactful businesses. This partnership with IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL offers startups a unique opportunity to integrate design thinking into their entrepreneurial journey, ensuring they create solutions that truly resonate with their target audience,” Ashok Suyal, Director (Incubation), The Design Village, said.
The initiative will also aim to provide interdisciplinary knowledge, expert mentorship and real-world validation processes, enabling startups to scale effectively and create market-ready solutions.
Furthermore, the partnership is set to enhance TDV’s presence in the startup ecosystem while allowing students and faculty to engage actively in incubation programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities—bridging the worlds of design, business and technology.