Incubator Partnership
University of Petrolem & Energy Studies
The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was established in 2003 and is renowned for its industry-focused, specialized education. A multi-disciplinary institution, UPES is recognized by the UGC and holds a NAAC 'A' grade, with a focus on engineering, computer science, design, law, business, health sciences, and liberal studies. It has consistently been ranked among the top institutions in India and has a strong global presence in subjects like petroleum engineering, computer science, and management.
UPES operates across two campuses: the Energy Acres campus for technical programs and the Knowledge Acres campus for fields like law and business. Its infrastructure includes modern laboratories, an extensive library, and sports facilities. The university's strong industry ties are reflected in its high placement rates, with many students securing positions at top companies like ONGC, Schlumberger, and Amazon.
At the heart of UPES's entrepreneurial ecosystem is the Runway Incubator, which supports students, alumni, and faculty in turning innovative ideas into viable businesses. As a government-recognized incubator, Runway offers comprehensive incubation services, including mentorship from industry experts, infrastructure access like makers' labs, and networking opportunities. The incubator's initiatives include a pre-incubation program and strategic events like 'The Pitch,' where startups can secure seed funding. It also manages an accelerator fund, offering investments up to ₹75 lakhs for startups with a minimum viable product (MVP). Runway has also secured significant funding from government agencies and corporate partners like HDFC Bank to support social and climate-focused startups. Notable startups emerging from the incubator include Envinova Smartech, Experiment Labs, and Genetico Research.