August 25, 2025
In July 2025, iCreate launched the first cohort of ProtoQuik Launchpad, a 30-day acceleration programme designed to fast-track early-stage startups from concept to functional minimum viable product (MVP). The mission was ambitious: empower innovators to move their prototypes off the drawing board and into real-world applications — all in just a month.
While the first cohort focused on robotics-driven solutions, ProtoQuik is not limited to robotics. It has been conceived as a cross-sector acceleration platform for deep-tech startups, helping innovators across industries compress development timelines and turn ideas into market-ready solutions.
The response was overwhelming. Over 100 applications poured in from 20 states and union territories, reflecting the growing interest in robotics across India. After a rigorous three-stage selection process, only nine startups were chosen for the inaugural cohort. These startups stood out not only for their innovative ideas but also for their potential to make an impact in real-world applications.
The selected teams worked on solutions addressing pressing challenges, ranging from firefighting drones that can respond to emergencies quickly, to autonomous surveillance rovers for industrial and security operations. Others focused on environmental solutions, developing beach-cleaning robots, while some explored ship hull cleaning and underwater inspection systems. Each project had a clear goal: turn a prototype into a product that could work in a practical setting.
During the month-long programme, startups had full access to iCreate’s fabrication labs, prototyping equipment, and components, along with intensive mentorship from industry experts. They participated in hands-on workshops that covered everything from system integration to troubleshooting, learning to adapt quickly when prototypes didn’t perform as expected.
One of ProtoQuik’s defining strengths was the ability to connect startups with real-world stakeholders. Regulators and end-users, including representatives from the Indian Navy and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), provided valuable insights into the practical requirements and operational constraints of the technologies being developed. The cohort also attended sessions on intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and business model planning, which helped them prepare for the challenges of commercialisation.
The results were tangible. By the end of the programme, the cohort achieved a collective Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement of 20 levels, increasing the average TRL from 3 to 5. On average, each project moved up 3 TRL levels, a clear demonstration of the acceleration effect. This kind of measurable progress is rare for hardware-focused startups, which often take years to develop functional products.
ProtoQuik concluded with a Demo Day, giving the first cohort a platform to showcase their accelerated progress to investors, partners, and industry experts. Their success has positioned ProtoQuik as a high-speed launchpad for deep-tech hardware ventures, providing a blueprint for future cohorts to follow.
By combining intensive mentorship, hands-on prototyping, and real-world challenges, ProtoQuik is proving that India can nurture robotics startups that are not just innovative but also market-ready. This launchpad is more than a programme—it’s a stepping stone for the next generation of deep-tech entrepreneurs who will drive India’s technological growth.
