MIET Incubation Forum’s impactful contributions have positioned it as one of the top five incubators in Uttar Pradesh. By fostering a culture of innovation, providing crucial resources, and nurturing young talent, the forum is shaping the future of startups in Meerut.
Meerut, a prominent city in Uttar Pradesh, is steadily emerging as a hub for startups despite its Tier-2 and Tier-3 status. Traditionally known for its expertise in sports goods manufacturing, the scissors industry, design, and agriculture, the city is now witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activities. Grassroots innovators and young entrepreneurs are developing unique, locally inspired solutions, driving the region’s startup ecosystem forward.
However, the journey is not without challenges. Limited access to funding, low investor interest, and a scarcity of high-end technological infrastructure continue to hinder entrepreneurial growth.
Unlike metropolitan cities, where government grants and private investments are more readily available, startups in Meerut must navigate a more constrained financial landscape.
The Role of MIET Incubation Forum
One of the key institutions fostering innovation in the region is the MIET Incubation Forum. Over the years, it has evolved into a well-structured incubation center, playing a crucial role in supporting and nurturing startups.
Despite being located in a Tier-3 city, where grants and opportunities are relatively scarce, MIET Incubation Forum provides essential support, including mentorship, infrastructure, and technical expertise, enabling startups to transform their ideas into viable business models.
Through strategic networking, the forum has also facilitated stronger connections between entrepreneurs and potential investors. CEO Rehan Ahmed has been instrumental in shaping the forum’s vision, ensuring that startups receive tailored support to bridge gaps in technical knowledge, market strategies, and investor readiness.
His efforts go beyond traditional mentorship—he actively cultivates an environment where innovation is encouraged, risks are calculated, and businesses are equipped with the right tools to succeed.
Empowering Startups Through Strategic Support
Under Rehan Ahmed’s leadership, MIET Incubation Forum has supported over 97 startups, guiding them from their initial phase to full-scale commercialization.
The forum has secured grants worth Rs. 2 crore, which have been instrumental in helping startups refine their business models and craft compelling investor pitches.
As a result, incubated ventures have not only secured funding but have also witnessed significant growth, collectively surpassing Rs. 5 crore in revenue.
The forum’s commitment to fostering innovation has also resulted in notable achievements. Two incubated startups received the prestigious Best Tech Startup Award in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the high quality of entrepreneurial talent emerging from Meerut.
Additionally, five startups nurtured by the forum have crossed a revenue milestone of over Rs. 5 crore, demonstrating that businesses from Tier-3 cities can compete on a national scale.
Shaping Meerut’s Entrepreneurial Future
MIET Incubation Forum’s impactful contributions have positioned it as one of the top five incubators in Uttar Pradesh. By fostering a culture of innovation, providing crucial resources, and nurturing young talent, the forum is shaping the future of startups in Meerut.
Despite persistent challenges, the growing startup ecosystem in Meerut stands as a testament to the fact that with the right vision and support, groundbreaking innovation can thrive even in Tier-3 cities.
As MIET Incubation Forum continues its mission, it is paving the way for a new era of entrepreneurship in the region, ensuring that Meerut-based startups not only survive but also achieve remarkable success on a national and global scale.
*All the opinions in this article are of Rehan Ahmed | CEO | MIET INCUBATION FORUM. The Volt Post takes no responsibility for the opinions, figures, and statistics mentioned in the column.*
