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.

ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine – Up to ₹90 Lakhs

Q: 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.

Grant providers

Provider

Invention Engine

New Delhi · Delhi · India

Invention Engine is a founder-led accelerator focused on AI and deeptech startups, based in Delhi NCR, India. The accelerator was built on the belief that deeptech and AI startups need sharp thinking, real validation, and operator-led support rather than surface-level…

Learn more

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.

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.

ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine

ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine

Grant providers

How to apply

Sources

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Am I likely to win this grant — and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

About this grant

Eligibility

Timelines & Process

Benefits & Funding

Grants closing soon

Competitions closing soon

Equity closing soon

Debt programs

Subsidies

Startup Software Credits

Notion

Semrush

Reclaim.ai

Microsoft

Datadog

Google

IBM

DigitalOcean

Mixpanel

Razorpay

Akamai Technologies

Huawei