Knowledge hub
The reference shelf for an innovator
Handbooks, templates, guidance and directories — the things an innovator or founder should not have to work out alone, gathered in one place.
Library status
14 resources catalogued, 1 published so far. Each is listed with its status so you can see what is coming and ask for it in the meantime.
Resource library
Filter by what you need
A document appears as available only once it exists and has been approved for publication. Nothing here links to a file that has not been supplied.
- HandbookComing soon
Startup Handbook
Practical guidance for founders moving from a validated idea to a registered venture.
Published when approved — request a copy
- HandbookComing soon
Innovation Handbook
How the Centre approaches problem discovery, experimentation and prototype development.
Published when approved — request a copy
- GuideComing soon
Design Thinking Resources
Worksheets and methods for the empathise-to-iterate cycle used across programmes.
Published when approved — request a copy
- TemplateComing soon
Business Model Templates
Structured templates for describing customers, value, channels, costs and revenue.
Published when approved — request a copy
- TemplateComing soon
Pitch Deck Templates
Presentation structures for review panels, demo days and investor conversations.
Published when approved — request a copy
- TemplateComing soon
Business Plan Templates
Formats for a written plan suitable for institutional and funding review.
Published when approved — request a copy
- TemplateComing soon
Financial Planning Tools
Costing, pricing and runway tools for early-stage ventures.
Published when approved — request a copy
- DirectoryComing soon
Government Scheme Directory
Central and state schemes relevant to innovators, startups and community enterprises.
Published when approved — request a copy
- GuideComing soon
IPR Guidance
What intellectual property means for an early-stage innovator, and when to act on it.
Published when approved — request a copy
- HandbookComing soon
Mentor Resources
Session structures, review formats and expectations for mentors working with the Centre.
Published when approved — request a copy
- Case StudyComing soon
Community Innovation Case Studies
Documented cases published once the innovator and the Centre have approved them.
Published when approved — request a copy
- GuideComing soon
SDG Resources
How to map an innovation to the Sustainable Development Goals and evidence the link.
Published when approved — request a copy
- ReportComing soon
Reports & Publications
Annual reports, programme reports and approved disclosures.
Published when approved — request a copy
- FAQAvailable
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions innovators, mentors and partners ask most often.
Using these materials
Resources published by ACIC-PUSH may be used by innovators, students and community organisations for non-commercial purposes with attribution. Where a resource is drawn from a government scheme or third-party publication, that source governs its use.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people actually ask
If your question is not answered here, the helpdesk route will reach the programme team.
Who can approach ACIC-PUSH?Innovators & Applicants
Students, research scholars, faculty, alumni and associates of Pondicherry University, together with community innovators, grassroots problem-solvers and aspiring entrepreneurs from the wider Puducherry region. You do not need a company, a technical background or a finished product to start a conversation.
My idea is not fully formed. Is it too early?Innovators & Applicants
No. The Centre is designed to begin at the problem, not the product. Pre-incubation exists precisely for ideas that still need problem validation, user discovery and a prototype plan.
What does it cost to participate?Programmes
Programme terms, including any fees or cost-sharing, will be published with each open call. Nothing is charged for submitting an idea or an enquiry.
How are applications assessed?Programmes
Against the published admission criteria for the programme concerned: the clarity of the problem, the evidence behind it, the feasibility of the proposed approach, the capability of the team and the potential for community or market impact. The Admission Policy will be published under Governance.
Who owns the intellectual property in my idea?Innovators & Applicants
Ownership is governed by the Centre’s IPR Policy and by any agreement you sign for a specific programme. The IPR Policy will be published under Governance before programme agreements are executed.
Can I use the innovation and prototyping facilities?General
Facilities are being established. Each one will be published with its purpose, eligible users, equipment, availability, access procedure, safety requirements and booking route. Until a facility is commissioned it is shown as planned.
How do I become a mentor?Partners & Mentors
Register your interest through the mentor registration form. The Ecosystem Coordinator will contact you about domains, availability and the mentoring formats the Centre runs.
What kinds of partnership does ACIC-PUSH seek?Partners & Mentors
Eight routes: community, industry, technology, knowledge, CSR, finance and investment, mentor and expert, and market or deployment partnerships. Each is described on the Mentors & Partners page.
Why do the impact figures show “To be updated”?General
Because the Centre publishes a number only when it can be traced to a programme record, a verified declaration or an approved report. Indicator definitions and evidence sources are published in advance so that figures remain auditable when they appear.
Will ACIC-PUSH use AI in its processes?General
AI support is planned for a later phase and will be decision-support only. It will not replace formal selection, legal, financial, funding or governance decisions, all of which remain with the responsible people and committees.