The Indian startup ecosystem is built on the promise of support, innovation, and transformation. Across the country, Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) were launched to help startups grow, access funding, mentorship, and resources. However, not every incubation center is staying true to its mission. One such center, AIC BAMU Foundation, located in Marathwada, Maharashtra, has now come under serious scrutiny for alleged scams and corruption involving its CEO and management.
Allegations Against AIC BAMU Foundation and Its CEO
Multiple startup founders have stepped forward with disturbing accounts of unethical practices within AIC BAMU Foundation. The most alarming allegations include:
- Demanding black money from startups
- Collecting personal benefits like flight tickets and hotel stays in the name of official startup activity
- False promises of funding and support
- Delays in releasing grants or support despite government approvals
- Misuse of power and influence by the CEO, Mr. Amit Ranjan Tiwari
How the Scam Operates
Startups are lured with the promise of incubation, funding support, and access to central government schemes under NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission. However, once they are accepted into the program, they are pressured into booking personal flights and hotel stays for the CEO under the pretense of official travel. These expenses are not reimbursed by AIC or any official fundingâthey come directly from the startupsâ pockets.
In some cases, startup founders were directly asked to transfer money under the table if they wanted faster approvals or media exposure. This is not just unethicalâitâs criminal.
Why Nothing Happens: The Rot in the System
Whatâs worse is that multiple cases and complaints have been raised against AIC BAMU Foundation and its management. Despite overwhelming evidence and witness accounts, no serious action has been taken. The ecosystem meant to empower innovators is actively shielding those exploiting it.
Instead of creating an environment for new businesses to thrive, AIC BAMU Foundation is turning into a hotspot of startup exploitation, political favoritism, and personal profit.
The Impact on Startup Founders
This isn’t just about financial lossâitâs about lost hope, mental stress, and shattered dreams. Early-stage startups rely on incubators to access:
- Mentorship
- Seed capital
- Government grants
- Networking opportunities
- Market linkages
When the very system designed to support them starts to exploit them, founders are left stranded, disillusioned, and often forced to shut down their ventures.
Real Stories from Real Startups
Several entrepreneurs from the Marathwada region have spoken up anonymously due to fear of retaliation. Their accounts reveal:
- Forced bookings of business class flight tickets for AIC BAMU CEO
- Threats of blacklisting from government schemes
- Seizure of laptops and personal items from the co-working space
- Ghost mentors and fake events for PR only
- Fabricated startup success stories used in government reporting
This toxic environment is killing innovation before it begins.
Who Is Responsible?
At the center of this storm is Mr. Amit Ranjan Tiwari, the current CEO or key decision-maker at AIC BAMU Foundation. Founders allege that he:
- Has created a personal network of agents who act as middlemen to extract bribes
- Misuses his power to intimidate, delay, or suppress founders
- Travels extensively under the guise of startup programs, but bills the cost to incubated startups
- Is connected to local political lobbies, which may be shielding him from accountability
If even 10% of these allegations are true, itâs a huge betrayal of public trust and a violation of government policies designed to promote entrepreneurship.
Why Is This a Bigger Problem?
The issue at AIC BAMU Foundation isnât isolatedâitâs a symptom of a larger disease in Indiaâs startup ecosystem, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Marathwada, a region with immense potential, is seeing its innovators flee to Pune, Mumbai, or Bengaluruânot because of lack of talent, but because of toxic incubators like AIC BAMU Foundation. As long as corrupt management exists:
- Government schemes will never reach the deserving
- Founders will lose trust in the system
- True innovation will be replaced by favoritism and fraud
We Need to Take Action
If we truly want to see startups flourish in rural and semi-urban India, this corrupt system must be exposed and replaced. Founders, journalists, and concerned citizens must demand:
- A full forensic audit of AIC BAMU Foundation
- Immediate suspension and investigation of Mr. Amit Ranjan Tiwari
- A grievance redressal platform for incubated startups
- Stronger legal protection for whistleblowers
- Strict monitoring of incubator operations by NITI Aayog and state startup missions
Letâs Not Let the System Crush the Innovators
Too often in India, the corrupt win and the honest stay silent. But if we let this continue, weâre killing our own future. Startups are the lifeblood of economic growth and job creation. They deserve better than this.
To every startup founder in Marathwada and across India: Your voice matters. Speak up. Document your experience. Demand accountability. The only way to cleanse the system is to expose it.
