Intel India aligns with Design in India as it opens lab for entrepreneurs and startups

Intel, the global technology giant and manufacturer of microprocessors, on Thursday unveiled Intel India Maker Lab in Bengaluru for innovators, startups and entrepreneurs in hardware space. This is a first-of-its-kind lab for Intel India globally.

Selected startups and entrepreneurs will now get to access Intel's infrastructure and expertise in design to accelerate businesses and ideas in Internet of Things, mobile devices and other computer-focus domains.

To start with, the company looks to select about 10 startups within the first six months. These startups or ideators will get to use Intel's development kits, reference boards, hardware and software tools, in addition to mentoring and business connection to develop and test their ideas leading to products and solutions. Intel India Maker Lab will also support the top 20 entrants for the Innovate For Digital India Challenge, a joint programme by the Centre's Department of Science and Technology and Intel India.

A lot of giants in the technology space are now increasingly providing their infrastructure and expertise to early as well as mid-stage startups in order to scale up. On Wednesday, Lowe's, a US-based home improvement company, said it will be setting up its first Innovation Labs outside the US, in Bengaluru. Microsoft and US retail major Target are other companies that have set up accelerators for providing better growth prospects for startups in India.

"With Intel India Maker Lab, we intend to take our focus on innovation to the next level, and is aligned with the government's Make in India campaigns," said Kumud Srinivasan, President, Intel India.

The lab can accommodate upto six startups at a time. "Intel India will not have any part in the IP or equity of these startups," said Jitendra Chaddah, director, strategic development and operations, Intel India.

The selection process for startups would be completed in October and will be soon followed by the lab engagements. Intel India Maker Lab plans to collaborate with incubators and accelerators of academic institutions, industry associations, as well as other corporate entities to offer the benefits of Intel India Maker Lab to hardware startups they are supporting.