Building a Truly Great Incubator; A New Doctrine for Academic Institutions By Mukesh Gupta

Chapter 1: Why a New Doctrine Is Needed

Let’s face it - most incubators today are built on the idea of “everything for everyone.” A little bit of tech, a little bit of fashion, a little bit of food delivery, and maybe a random app or two. But when you are everything for everyone, you end up being nothing for anyone.

Instead, an incubator must anchor itself in a domain - a sector that is locally strong, nationally visible, and globally relevant.

That’s the only way to stand out, to attract partners, and to build an identity.

Take Jaipur for instance TOURISM – HOSPITALITY in Jaipur. Our forts, palaces, bazaars, and shopping streets have done a magnificent job. They have brought us close to 10 million visitors a year.

The present industry has mastered heritage tourism, luxury hospitality, and event-based travel. This is the bedrock of Jaipur’s visitor economy.

But let’s ask the tough question: If forts and shopping brought us to 10 million, what will take us to 100 million? Surely not just repeating the same playbook.

How good is this idea of rethinking incubators as sector anchors? Extremely good.

How unique is it? Few academic institutions anywhere in India have dared to specialize this way.

How useful will it be? For the academic world, it means a chance to lead, not just follow.