AumVC's INDIA Deepspark 2026
By Aum Ventures
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Quick Answer
Aum Ventures' flagship initiative accelerating early-stage, IP-led deep tech companies with up to US$1M in pre-seed investment and global network access.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹9.52 Cr
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- Aum Ventures
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
Aum Ventures' INDIA Deepspark 2026 is a flagship initiative meticulously crafted to propel India's most promising IP-led deep technology companies from nascent research stages to successful market commercialization. This program is a critical bridge for startups developing breakthrough innovations, fostering an ecosystem where Indian ingenuity can not only thrive domestically but also command a significant presence on the global technological landscape. Deepspark is committed to identifying and nurturing ventures that are poised to redefine industries through proprietary technologies, ranging from advanced materials and quantum computing to aerospace and AI. It embodies Aum Ventures' vision of igniting India's deep tech future by empowering early-stage founders with the capital, strategic guidance, and global connections necessary to scale their transformative solutions. The initiative specifically targets companies that are building for global impact, leveraging India's rich talent pool and innovative spirit to solve complex challenges.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Aum Ventures, also written AUM VC and online at aumvc.com, is an early-stage venture capital firm. It backs founders who are building IP-led technology businesses from India for global markets. It runs INDIA DeepSpark, an initiative for early-stage deep-tech companies, and takes…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹9.52 Cr
What You Get
The INDIA Deepspark program offers up to US$1 million (approximately ₹9.52 crore) in pre-seed capital, a crucial early-stage investment decided on the conviction in the founding team and their proprietary technology, rather than requiring a fully finished product. This significant financial injection is coupled with comprehensive strategic support designed to accelerate growth. Participants gain unparalleled access to a global network, including strategic partners across the U.S., Israel, and the Middle East, facilitating international market entry and collaboration. Direct introductions to industry leaders are provided to foster valuable synergies. Founders receive dedicated guidance on achieving key business milestones and navigating the complex fundraising landscape, preparing them for subsequent investment rounds. Market validation for proprietary technologies is facilitated through insights from sectoral experts and advisors, ensuring product-market fit. Additionally, the program includes founder-focused roadshows, bringing together India's vibrant DeepTech Ecosystem across leading innovation hubs for peer learning, networking, and visibility.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for INDIA Deepspark is highly competitive and designed to identify the most innovative and impactful deep tech ventures. Applications are first meticulously reviewed by a dedicated team at Aum Ventures, focusing on the novelty and defensibility of the intellectual property, the depth of the technological solution, market opportunity, and the strength and vision of the founding team. Shortlisted companies proceed through several rounds of evaluation, which may include technical deep-dives with sectoral experts, interviews with Aum Ventures partners, and presentations to a wider panel of advisors. The final decision is made by an investment committee comprising experienced venture capitalists, deep tech founders, and industry leaders, who assess each startup's potential for global scale and transformative impact. The program prioritizes conviction in breakthrough technology and the entrepreneurial spirit, even if the product is not fully mature.
Application Process
- 1
Online Application
Submit initial application details about your team, deep tech solution, market potential, and proprietary technology.
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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
Q: What is INDIA Deepspark 2026?
A: INDIA Deepspark 2026 is Aum Ventures' flagship accelerator and investment program designed to support early-stage, IP-led deep tech companies from India. It provides pre-seed capital, global network access, and strategic guidance to help these startups bring breakthrough technologies from research to market and achieve global impact.
Q: What kind of companies are eligible for Deepspark?
A: The program seeks early-stage, IP-led deep tech companies with proprietary technologies. This includes sectors such as SpaceTech, Aerospace & DefenseTech, Semiconductors, Edge AI, Energy & Infrastructure, Advanced Materials, Quantum, and Robotics. Companies should be building from India with a vision for global markets.
Q: What is the investment amount offered by Deepspark?
A: INDIA Deepspark offers up to US$1 million (approximately ₹9.52 crore) in pre-seed capital. The exact amount is determined based on the conviction in the startup's technology and team, rather than requiring a fully finished product.
Q: What kind of support does Aum Ventures provide beyond funding?
A: Beyond capital, participants receive access to a global network of strategic partners in the U.S., Israel, and the Middle East, direct introductions to industry leaders, tailored guidance on milestones and fundraising, mentorship from sectoral experts, and participation in founder-focused roadshows to connect with India's DeepTech Ecosystem.
Q: Is this program open to all stages of startups?
A: The program specifically targets "early-stage" companies, focusing on ventures taking technologies "from research to market." This generally means startups in the idea or product development stages, often pre-revenue.
Q: Are there any geographical restrictions for applicants?
A: The program explicitly focuses on "Indian Innovation" and "founders building proprietary technologies from India for the world," implying a focus on India-based startups, though with an ambition for global reach.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
