ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine
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Quick Answer
High-touch, founder-first accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. Provides up to ₹93 lakh in capital and six months of co-founder-style support across product, GTM, and fundraising, with a very small cohort for deep engagement.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹90 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Invention Engine
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Invention Engine. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
ACE is a high-touch, founder-first accelerator designed for early-stage AI and deeptech startups building globally relevant products. The program is built for founders who move beyond demos and focus on delivering real customer value through strong problem understanding, fast execution, and disciplined product development.
Unlike traditional accelerators, ACE embeds deeply with founders, operating like a co-founding partner over a six-month period. Startups receive hands-on support from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising.
The accelerator focuses on helping founders sharpen their ICP, iterate products through real user feedback, launch focused GTM strategies, and prepare for institutional fundraising. Selected teams receive founder-first capital of up to ₹93 lakh, along with access to a global customer advisory board spanning the US, Europe, and Singapore. Only a very small cohort is selected to ensure deep, personalized engagement.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Invention Engine is a founder-led accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. It runs one programme, a six-month accelerator called ACE, and its published address is at 91 Springboard, Udyog Vihar, Sector 18, Gurugram, in the Delhi NCR region. The footer of its site…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹90 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Up to ₹93 lakh in founder-first capital. A six-month high-touch accelerator with hands-on support from AI researchers and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising. Assistance with sharpening ICP, iterating products, launching GTM strategies, preparing for institutional fundraising, and access to a global customer advisory board. Deep, personalized engagement.
- Duration
- 6 months
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applicants are evaluated on founder capability, depth of problem understanding, and product vision. Shortlisted teams are invited for further discussions, interviews, or roadshow interactions. Final selection is made for a very small cohort of AI and deeptech startups to enable deep, co-founder-style engagement.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACE open to Indian founders?
Yes. ACE by Invention Engine is based in Delhi NCR and is primarily designed for Indian founders. Teams should be willing to relocate to Delhi NCR for the majority of the six-month programme.
Do founders give up equity for the ₹93 lakh?
ACE describes the capital as founder-first and equity-free. However, confirm the exact terms with Invention Engine before applying, as accelerator arrangements can include advisory equity or convertible instruments.
What stage should my startup be at?
Startups should typically be operational for 6–12 months with a working product or MVP and at least early users. College founders with a working product may also apply.
Is the programme only for AI startups?
The programme is focused on AI and deeptech startups building globally relevant products. Pure software-as-a-service without a meaningful AI or deeptech component is unlikely to be selected.
How competitive is the selection?
ACE deliberately accepts a very small cohort to provide high-touch, co-founding-level support. Competition is high — teams are evaluated on founder capability, depth of problem understanding, and product vision.
What non-monetary support does ACE provide?
Selected founders get hands-on support from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising, plus access to a global customer advisory board spanning the US, Europe, and Singapore.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
