AI, SaaS & Enterprise Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — June 2026
For June 2026, Indian AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups have access to eight active funding and support programs. Opportunities range from early-stage prototype grants and deep-tech incubation to major international competitions with significant prize pools.
In June 2026, the Indian startup ecosystem offers eight active support programs tailored for the AI, SaaS, and Enterprise sectors. These opportunities include government-backed incubation, institutional seed funds, corporate venture programs, and high-stakes international competitions designed to accelerate growth from prototype to market leadership.
The funding landscape for these technology sectors is varied. Support mechanisms range from government-recognized incubators like iCreate and NERVE CoE providing infrastructure and seed capital, to institutional accelerators such as IIMA Ventures and corporate units like the BMW Group Startup Garage that offer deep industry integration. Competitions like SLINGSHOT 2026 provide a global stage and significant non-dilutive capital for winners.
Active ai_saas_enterprise Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹30 Lakh |
| GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹4.2 Crore |
| Women's Economic Empowerment | Incubation | Rolling | From ₹45 Lakh |
| BMW Group Startup Garage | Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹90 Lakh |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur | Competition | 15 Jul 2026 | Up to ₹50 Lakh |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore | Competition | 30 Jun 2026 | Up to ₹2.97 Crore |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13 Lakh |
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway (iCreate)
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support is designed for early-stage innovators looking to transform a proof-of-concept or prototype into a market-ready product. As a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator, iCreate provides access to funding schemes from both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat, with support of up to ₹30 lakh.
Beyond capital, the program offers business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and connections to investors and industry leaders. Participants also receive incubation support and can access hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus, creating an immersive development environment.
GRO8 Cohort 2 (888VC)
GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is a 12-week, AI-enabled venture accelerator focused on integrating artificial intelligence into core startup operations. The program moves beyond ideation to provide execution-focused support in strategy, sales, product, and fundraising. Each cohort is limited to 12 startups to ensure hands-on mentoring.
Participants receive a minimum direct investment of $25,000, with standout companies eligible for $50,000-$100,000. The program also facilitates access to seed funding of up to $500,000 (approximately ₹4.2 crore). Startups gain support in go-to-market strategy, AI automation, and investor readiness, along with a startup kit valued at $60,000.
Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)
Supported by the Gates Foundation, the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) program is an AI and innovation initiative from IIMA Ventures, the incubator at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. The program targets technology-enabled solutions that can significantly advance economic opportunities for women.
IIMA Ventures leverages its institutional network to back startups with high impact potential. This program specifically seeks ventures that address societal challenges related to gender equality and economic empowerment in developing nations, with funding starting from ₹45 lakh.
BMW Group Startup Garage (BMW Group)
The BMW Group Startup Garage operates as the venture client unit for the BMW Group, integrating innovative startup solutions directly into its business operations. Instead of direct investment, the program facilitates paid collaborations, turning startups into suppliers for one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers.
The Garage evaluates over 1,000 startups annually and partners with companies from more than 50 countries. The goal is to match startup technology with internal business challenges. Over half of the 35+ startups that complete the program each year secure paid follow-up projects, establishing a direct path to enterprise-level contracts.
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator (Invention Engine)
The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is a six-month program for early-stage AI and deep-tech startups building global products. It offers an investment of up to $100,000 (around ₹90 lakh). The accelerator operates like a co-founding partner, providing hands-on support from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators.
ACE focuses on disciplined product development and real customer value. The program assists founders in refining their ideal customer profile, iterating products based on user feedback, launching targeted go-to-market strategies, and preparing for institutional fundraising rounds.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) at NERVE CoE, Nagpur
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is an 18-month deep-tech incubation program backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It targets AI and DeepTech startups in sectors like HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. The application deadline is July 15, 2026.
Selected startups receive up to ₹50 lakh in seed support, dedicated AI and GPU computing infrastructure, and expert mentoring. The program includes bootcamps on product validation and investor readiness, go-to-market support with enterprise introductions, and assistance with intellectual property rights and legal compliance.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Competition (Enterprise Singapore)
SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech startup pitching competition, organized by Enterprise Singapore. It offers a total grant prize pool of over S$2.2 million (approximately ₹16.34 crore). The Grand Winner receives a S$400,000 grant prize (≈₹2.97 crore). Indian startups with a focus on deep tech in domains like Advanced Computing & Intelligence and Digital Technologies are eligible to apply before the June 30, 2026 deadline.
The Top 50 global startups receive a sponsored trip to Singapore to compete in the Domain Finals at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH). This provides significant international exposure and networking opportunities in addition to the substantial grant funding.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation program run jointly by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. It is designed for early-stage startups and has a particular focus on those from eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though it is open to startups providing services nationwide.
The program's focus domains include mobility solutions, sustainability, and enterprise technologies like process automation, computer vision, and GenAI. Benefits include cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh, the opportunity for a paid Proof of Concept (PoC) with Maruti Suzuki, mentorship from industry experts, and access to the company's extensive ecosystem.
Before Applying
When evaluating these programs, founders should consider the specific sector alignment required. For instance, the NERVE CoE program explicitly targets startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. Similarly, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE is geared towards mobility, manufacturing, and sustainability solutions, while the Women's Economic Empowerment program requires a clear focus on technology for social impact. The BMW Group Startup Garage seeks solutions directly applicable to its automotive and manufacturing business units.
Urgency is a key factor for two of the competitions. SLINGSHOT 2026 has a deadline of June 30, 2026, and the NERVE CoE's Open Challenge Program closes on July 15, 2026. In contrast, programs like the iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway, GRO8 Cohort 2, and the BMW Group Startup Garage operate on a rolling basis, offering more flexibility for application submission throughout the year.
