Incubation Support Systems and Their Impact on SDG-Driven Start-Ups in Coimbatore

In recent years, start-ups aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have emerged as critical drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Business incubators and innovation hubs play a pivotal role in nurturing such ventures by providing structured support in the form of infrastructure, mentoring, financial access, and networking opportunities. This study examines the role of incubation support systems in promoting SDG-driven start-ups in Coimbatore, a major industrial and entrepreneurial hub in South India. Using a descriptive and analytical research design, the paper analyses the nature of incubation support available, its impact on start-up performance, and the challenges faced by sustainability-oriented enterprises. The study is based on primary data collected from incubated start-ups and secondary data from policy reports and institutional publications. Findings indicate that incubation support systems significantly enhance innovation capacity, business sustainability, and SDG alignment of start-ups. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen incubation ecosystems in Tier-II cities to accelerate sustainable development.