TSOM-IA

TSOM-IA Policies & Framework

Innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship initiatives at TSM.

TSOM-IA Thrust Areas Directors Advisory Board Members Students Startups Startups Faculty & Staff Partners TSOM IA Team Policies & Framework

Policies & Framework

Startup Governance, Compliance & Incubation Management Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish a comprehensive framework governing the conduct, compliance, reporting, operational responsibilities, intellectual property management, facility utilization, confidentiality, and governance obligations of startups incubated under TSOM-IA. This policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, ethical business practices, effective utilization of incubation resources, and alignment with the objectives of TSOM-IA.

Purpose

To establish a comprehensive framework governing the conduct, compliance, reporting, operational responsibilities, intellectual property management, facility utilization, confidentiality, and governance obligations of startups incubated under TSOM-IA.

This policy aims to ensure transparency, accountability, ethical business practices, effective utilization of incubation resources, and alignment with the objectives of TSOM-IA.

Applicability

This policy shall apply to:

Physical Incubatees (Students / Faculty / Staff / Lateral Entries / Newbies)
Virtual Incubatees
Pre-Incubation Participants
Startup Founders and Co-Founders
Startup Employees and Representatives

2.1 Selection Criteria

Innovation and uniqueness
Market potential
Team capability
Scalability
Social and economic impact

2.2 Selection Process

Application Submission
Preliminary Screening
Pitch Presentation
Evaluation Committee Review
Approval by Incubation Committee
Incubation Agreement Signing

Startup Governance Responsibilities

All incubated startups shall operate in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and statutory requirements; maintain transparency in business operations; and inform TSOM-IA of any significant changes relating to:

Company structure
Shareholding pattern
Founding team
Board composition
Business model
Funding rounds
Mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships

Financial Policy

Incubation Fee

₹3,500 per seat per month.
Dedicated office space may also be allocated on a square-foot basis, subject to availability and mutually agreed commercial terms.

Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit equivalent to three months' incubation fees shall be payable at the time of onboarding.

Payment Terms

Incubation fees shall be payable on or before the 10th day of each month.
Additional charges may apply for event and venue usage, specialized services and facilities, and external consultancy and expert support.

Information Disclosure & Reporting Requirements

To facilitate monitoring and institutional reporting, startups shall provide periodic information including:

Monthly Reporting

Revenue and sales performance
Product development progress
Customer acquisition updates
Team expansion
Operational challenges

Quarterly Reporting

Financial statements
Business performance metrics
Fundraising activities
Market traction indicators
Strategic milestones achieved

Annual Reporting

Audited financial statements (wherever applicable)
Intellectual property filings
Annual business performance summary
Impact assessment

Infrastructure & Facility Utilization

Startups shall utilize TSOM-IA facilities responsibly and exclusively for approved business purposes.

Allocated space shall not be subleased, transferred, or shared without approval.
Common facilities shall be maintained in good condition.
Noise levels shall be kept within acceptable limits.
Equipment shall not be removed from the premises without prior approval.
Meeting rooms and conference facilities shall be used through the approved booking system.
Any damage caused to infrastructure, furniture, equipment, or institutional assets shall be repaired or compensated by the startup concerned.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

All intellectual property created, developed, or acquired by incubated startups shall remain the exclusive property of the startup.

TSOM-IA Support

Patent filing
Trademark registration
Copyright protection
Design registration
IP awareness and commercialization support

Institutional IP Usage

No startup shall use TSOM-IA intellectual property, trademarks, logos, or proprietary materials without prior written approval.

Confidentiality & Data Protection

All stakeholders shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding information exchanged during the incubation period.

Confidential Information Includes

Business plans
Financial information
Product designs
Proprietary technologies
Customer information
Investor discussions
Strategic business plans

Startup Obligations

Protect confidential information received.
Prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Use confidential information solely for authorized purposes.

Advisory Equity Policy

To establish a long-term strategic relationship between TSOM-IA and high-potential startups that benefit significantly from incubation support and ecosystem access.

Equity Structure

2% advisory equity shall be applicable selectively to some startups after evaluation, applicable at the end of incubation tenure. This will be communicated at the time of onboarding.

Conditions

All equity transactions shall comply with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance requirements.
Necessary board, shareholder and statutory approvals shall be obtained by the startup for issuance of 2% equity certificate favouring TSOM IA.

Fee Waiver

Monthly incubation fees may be waived upon completion of the advisory equity allotment, subject to agreed terms.

Governance Rights

The startup shall provide periodic business updates.
TSOM-IA may nominate an observer, advisor, or representative to monitor startup progress.
The startup shall keep TSOM-IA informed of significant developments including fundraising, shareholding changes, and strategic transactions.

Success Fee / Fundraising Support Policy

This policy shall apply where TSOM-IA facilitates access to investors, angel networks, venture capital firms, grant opportunities, CSR funding programs, and other funding avenues.

TSOM-IA may charge a success fee of up to 5% maximum of the funds successfully raised through direct facilitation and support provided by the incubator.

Mentorship Policy

Mentor Pool

Industry experts
Entrepreneurs
Faculty mentors
Investors
Domain specialists

Engagement

Monthly mentoring sessions
Need-based consultations
Sector-specific guidance

Mentor Code of Conduct

Maintain strict confidentiality
Disclose any conflict of interest

Ethics, Professional Conduct & Compliance

All startups shall conduct business ethically, comply with applicable laws and regulations, maintain professional behaviour, and respect fellow incubatees, mentors, staff, and visitors.

Prohibited Activities

Fraudulent practices
Misrepresentation of information
Harassment or discrimination
Illegal business activities
Misuse of institutional resources
Activities damaging the reputation of TSOM-IA

Risk Management & Compliance Monitoring

TSOM-IA shall periodically review startup compliance through:

Monthly review meetings
Quarterly performance assessments
Documentation audits
Financial and operational reviews

Startup Graduation & Exit Policy

Graduation Criteria

Revenue generation
Funding raised
Market validation
Operational stability

Exit Categories

Successful graduation
Voluntary exit

Termination & Exit Management

Incubation support may be terminated under the following circumstances:

Breach of incubation agreement
Non-payment of fees
Misrepresentation of information
Violation of institutional policies
Illegal or unethical conduct
Failure to meet reporting obligations
Misuse of facilities
Force Majeure

Exit Procedure

All dues shall be cleared.
Institutional assets shall be returned.
Workspace shall be vacated within the prescribed period.
Exit documentation shall be completed.
Usage of TSOM-IA name, logo, and branding shall cease.

Diversity, Inclusion, Sustainability & ESG Policy

TSOM-IA is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. The incubator shall encourage startups to adopt responsible business practices that create positive social, environmental, and economic impact.

Women-led startups
Rural and underserved entrepreneurs
Social enterprises
Inclusive and accessible entrepreneurship
Environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices
Social impact and community development initiatives
Good governance, ethical business conduct, and accountability
Adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in startup operations and growth strategies

Advisory Board Governance Policy

Advisory Board Composition

Academia
Industry
Investors
Entrepreneurs
Government and allied institutions

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide strategic guidance and direction.
Support ecosystem development and stakeholder engagement.
Review incubation programs and performance.
Facilitate resource mobilization and partnerships.
Share best practices and industry insights.

Record Management & Compliance Documentation

TSOM-IA shall maintain records relating to:

Startup applications
Incubation agreements
Equity holdings
Review reports
Funding records