WE Start

Cohort 3

A 3 month Pre-Incubation Program for Women Entrepreneurs
Focused on Ideation to MVP stage startups

Timeline
JAN 23, 2026

Registrations Open

FEB 06, 2026

Registration Closes

FEB 20, 2026

Kick Off Event

APRIL 29, 2026

Graduation Day

Need
Only 18% of startups are founded by women and less than 20% of women hold key roles in the Indian startups. This lack of female representation is in contrast with studies that show that women directors in active board roles positively contribute to firms’ financial performances and economic value creation.
This pre-incubation program offered by KSUM aims to identify strong women innovators and provide them the necessary business fundamentals and tools to build successful companies.
WE Start
The 3-month pre-incubation program is designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs to tackle the challenges faced and to gain access to tools and knowledge to run their business ventures. The program offers 10+ comprehensive workshops which cover essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, from business foundations to MVP development and getting your first early believers as customers.. Whether you're just starting with an idea or further along in your business venture, we welcome women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to join us and embark on the journey to turn your startup dreams into reality.
Key Takeaways

10 Workshops: Basics to Marketable product

Exclusive access to a series of 10 workshops that cover everything from startup basics to building MVP and Marketable product

Networking Opportunities

Connect with a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators through our offline meet-ups .

Exclusive Mentorship to Convert your startup to Next Phase

One to one mentorship by the experts in industry to help you build your venture to the next phase.

Business Tips

Learnings that will help you to take your startup from an idea to a well-structured, growth-oriented business.

Insights from Industry Experts

Get firsthand insights and live Q & A sessions from industry experts who've been there, done that, and achieved success.

Resource Materials

Access exclusive event resources, materials, and propel your business to new heights.

WEGROW

Founders participating will be eligible for the paid incubation program, WEGROW by KSUM.

Sessions at a glance
SESSION 1:

From Idea to Intent

Transforming ideas into viable concepts

SESSION 2:

Innovation Through Design Thinking

Creating User-centered solutions through Design Thinking

SESSION 3:

Building Smart with the Lean Startup Approach

Build, Measure, Learn: A potential approach for an early stage founder

SESSION 4:

Tech Enablement for Early-Stage Startups

Integrating Tech in your startup

SESSION 5:

From MVP to Market Readiness

Refining the MVP to create a Market ready product

SESSION 6:

Finding Your Champions – Customers, Mentors & Early Believers

How to Get the First Early Adopters for your MMP

SESSION 7:

Iteration, Validation & Growth Readiness

Building the right product through continuous improvement

SESSION 8:

Running a Startup 101

Building the right product through continuous improvement

SESSION 9:

Founder Personal Branding & Visibility

Building your own personal brand

SESSION 10:

Pitching Your Story

Mastering the art of pitching and storytelling

SESSION 11:

Understanding the Startup Ecosystem

Introduction to various support mechanisms for Early Stage Startups

Selection Priority

Startups at the Ideation stage, Testing & Validation stage, Prototype Development stage, and MVP Development stage are eligible to apply.

Technology-based startups will be given priority consideration.

Women-led startups, startups addressing women-specific problems, and solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be given additional preference.

The innovation element, along with the technical and commercial feasibility and scalability of the proposed solution, will be key parameters for shortlisting

FAQ
Have Questions ?

The "We Start" program welcomes applications from all women entrepreneurs at various stages, including Ideation, testing and validation, prototype development, and MVP development. Startups beyond the product stage are not eligible for this cohort.

No, any startup from any sector can attend this program.

To apply for the "We Start" program, please complete the google form available on our website.

Participation in the "We Start" program is entirely free of charge.

The program consists of 10+ online sessions and offline workshops in between

Sessions will be held every Wednesday/ Thursday via Zoom, with each session lasting a maximum of 1.5 hours. The program is scheduled to start from Feb 20, 2026.

No, attendance at the physical meetups is optional and entirely at your discretion.

Networking Opportunities: Available for Selected Startups,Exclusive Insights from Industry Experts,Eligibility for the "WE Grow"  Incubation Program for Selected Women Founders

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Join a thriving ecosystem of opportunities, partnerships, and support designed to help your startup grow and succeed.
Contact Us
Kerala Startup Mission, G3B,
Thejaswini, Technopark, Trivandrum
08047180470
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
info@startupmission.in
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