About TomorrowLAB Accelerator Program
TomorrowLAB Accelerator Program (TAP) is a cutting-edge accelerator program launched by Tata Steel Ltd., IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (IIT BBS REP), and India Accelerator (IA). It focuses on identifying and supporting emerging startups that are developing innovative solutions for critical industrial and environmental challenges. Key areas of interest include advanced robotics and automation, improved water treatment methodologies, and efficient waste heat recovery.
TAP provides expert guidance, facilitates access to funding, and connects participants with influential industry leaders. Its primary objective is to enable these innovative companies to rigorously test their technologies and prepare them for successful implementation in various industrial settings.
TAP aims to create new solutions led by startups that address important business challenges for metal and mining industries By empowering Indian entrepreneurs and providing access to research infrastructure and mentorship, TAP contributes directly to the Make in India initiative. The program strengthens the country’s capability to design, develop, and scale indigenous technologies, reducing reliance on imports, promoting sustainability, and enabling India to become a global hub for industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing solutions.
Program Benefit for startups
The TomorrowLAB Accelerator Program offers startups:
Access to research labs, technical infrastructure and testing facilities.
Opportunities for collaborative R&D and technology validation.
Access to corporate resources, technical feedback and product development support.
Potential for co-development or commercial collaboration.
Access to mentors, investors, and subject matter experts.
Business model refinement, pitch preparation, and market access support.
Dates to Remember (TBD)
Launch Event
13th August, 2025
Application Window Opens
13th August, 2025
Application Deadline
10th September, 2025
Cohort kickstarts
6th October, 2025
Accelerator Duration
4 months
Program Focus Areas (TBD)
Water Treatment
Innovating processes for effective water resource management.
Robotics and Automation
Enhancing operations through intelligent automation and robotic systems.
Waste Heat Recovery
Creating technologies to capture and reuse energy for improved operational efficiency.
1
Stage of Startup
- Early-stage startups having a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or demonstrating early market traction
2
Legal Status
- Must be a Pvt. ltd. company registered entity in India
- Not older than 10 years, turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore
Sector Focus
3
- Startups should align with TAP’s focus areas: Robotics & Automation, Water Treatment, Waste Heat Recovery
Mentors
Dr. Yogesh G. Bhumkar
Assoc. Prof.
IIT Bhubaneswar
Shri. Amarendra Sahu
Co-Founder
Nestaway
Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash
Dean
IIT BBS
Dr. Debi Prosad Dogra
Head of Department
[CSE]
Dr. Venugopal Arumuru
Associate Professor
IIT BBS
Shikha Dhawan
Director
Share India
Dr. Soobhankar Pati
CEO
Director IIT Bhubaneswar
Munish Bhatia
Co-founder
India Accelerator
Arindam Mukhopadhyay
Partner and Head of corporate Innovation
India Accelerator
Deepak Sharma
Co-founder
India Accelerator
Rajive Gulati
Ex-Head
UN Tech Innovation Labs
Nikhil Suthar
Head of Strategic Investment
India Accelerator
Expected outcome for Startups
Alignment of startup solutions with actual industry pain points, improving their business model and technical capabilities.
Sizable market opportunity.
Opportunity to collaborate on a paid pilot project with Tata Steel, subject to alignment of the startup’s solution with Tata Steel’s specific business challenges.
Access to strategic mentorship from industry leaders.
Hands-on guidance from Tata Steel’s leadership team
About Tata Steel Ltd.
Tata Steel, with an annual crude steel capacity of over 35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, with a significant presence across five continents and a wide range of steel products It is headquartered in India, part of the larger Tata Group. Founded in 1907, Tata Steel is known for its integrated operations, from mining to marketing of its finished products, and for its commitment to corporate citizenship and business ethics
About IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park
The IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP) is a Section-8 (not-for-profit) company established to foster innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. It provides support for early-stage startups, particularly in technology, engineering, and social entrepreneurship, by offering resources like office space, mentorship, and funding access. The park also focuses on building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem through training, workshops, and collaborations with industry, government, and academia.
About India Accelerator
India Accelerator (IA) is a leading seed-stage accelerator in Asia, focused on empowering startups with mentorship, funding, and resources to scale their businesses. It’s a multi-stage, fund-led program that provides startups with a structured approach to growth, connecting them with a global network of mentors and investors. IA operates in multiple locations, including Gurugram, Noida, Ahmedabad, and Pune, fostering vibrant ecosystems for innovation.
Contact & Collaboration
Mail id
innoventure@tatasteel.com
Mail id
info@tomorrowlab.in
FAQs
TomorrowLAB is a joint accelerator initiative by Tata Steel Ltd., IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park (IIT BBS REP), and India Accelerator (IA). It supports startups developing innovative solutions for the metals and mining sector, focusing on Robotics & Automation, Water Treatment, and Waste Heat Recovery. The program provides mentorship, industry access, pilot opportunities, and investor connects to help startups scale their solutions.
Startups completing TAP will have the opportunity to:
- Run pilots or scale commercial engagements with Tata Steel (subject to alignment with the their requirements)
- Access IA’s broader accelerator network for funding, mentorship, and global connects
- Showcase solutions at Demo Day to a curated audience of investors, corporates, and industry leaders.
The program typically runs for 4 months, including workshops, mentorship and pilot support. Sessions would be delivered in an online format, but startups should be available for key in-person engagement, including demo day and pilot discussions. (if any)
Startups successfully graduate from TAP by actively participating in all sessions, mentorship engagements, and program milestones. Graduating startups receive a certificate of completion, enhanced visibility, and opportunities for long-term collaboration with Tata Steel, IIT Bhubaneswar, and India Accelerator.
Early-stage and growth-stage startups with a working prototype or MVP, registered in India, and working on solutions relevant to the metals and mining sector can apply
You can apply by filling out the online application form available on the TomorrowLAB Accelerator program website.
There is equity engagement for startups to join the program to be discussed based on the stage of the startup and mutual agreement.
Startups outside the current focus areas may not be eligible for this cohort, but you can connect with IA or IITBBS REP to explore future programs or relevant opportunities with Tata Steel.