AI, SaaS & Enterprise Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026

As of July 2026, at least ten active funding programs are open for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups in India. These include grants, incubations, and competitions from government agencies, corporate accelerators, and academic incubators.

The funding landscape for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise in India is characterised by a mix of deep-tech focused grants, social impact initiatives, and sector-specific challenges. Programs range from early-stage proof-of-concept support to cross-border expansion opportunities, with amounts from ₹13 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.

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Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs

Genesis by IKP (IKP Knowledge Park)

The Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 is a 12-month venture-building program for deep science startups at Technology Readiness Level 2–3. Hosted by IKP Knowledge Park, it provides up to ₹30 lakh in grant funding, hands-on support from in-house experts, and guidance on commercialisation. The program is open to founders translating lab research into market-ready products. Deadline: 31 July 2026.

Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)

The Women's Economic Empowerment program by IIMA Ventures and the Gates Foundation offers from ₹45 lakh in grant funding for AI-enabled startups focused on women's economic empowerment. It targets technology solutions that enhance financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and livelihoods for women. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Schaeffler Social Innovator Fellowship (India Accelerator)

The Schaeffler Social Innovator Fellowship 2026 is a grant and incubation program for social innovators from Tier II, Tier III, and rural India. Hosted by India Accelerator and funded by Schaeffler India, it provides mentorship, catalytic funding, and industry access. AI, SaaS, and Enterprise solutions addressing developmental challenges are eligible. Rolling applications.

ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator (Invention Engine)

The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is a six-month accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. It offers up to ₹90 lakh in investment, hands-on support from AI researchers and entrepreneurs, and help with product-market fit, GTM, and fundraising. Rolling admissions.

iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)

The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support provides up to ₹30 lakh in grant funding for turning a prototype or proof-of-concept into a product. Managed by iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, it includes business and technical mentorship, lab access, and incubation. Rolling applications.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation competition for early-stage startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India (services can be nationwide). Focus domains include mobility tech, sustainability, social impact, and enterprise & manufacturing (e.g., automation, computer vision, GenAI). Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13 lakh, paid PoC opportunities, and mentorship. Rolling applications.

UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 (UAE-India CEPA Council)

The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is a competition for Indian startups seeking expansion into the UAE and beyond. It offers up to ₹56.75 lakh in prize funding, market access, and partnerships. The program targets AI, SaaS, and Enterprise solutions with global potential. Deadline: 30 August 2026.

Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance (IIMA Ventures)

The Swanari TechSprint 4.0 is an innovation challenge for AI-enabled fintech solutions that improve financial inclusion for women SHGs. Co-created by RBIH and IIMA Ventures, it focuses on credit access, savings, and digital bookkeeping. Winners receive funding and support. Deadline: 15 August 2026.

iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence)

The iDEX Open Challenge invites startups, MSMEs, and engineers to develop solutions for defence and aerospace. Areas include autonomous systems, AI, advanced materials, and rocket engines. Selected innovators receive up to ₹1.5 crore in grant funding and support from the defence ecosystem. Deadline: 30 September 2026.

Open Challenge Program 8.0 - Electropreneur Park Bhubaneswar (EP Bhubaneswar)

The Open Challenge Program (OCP) 8.0 by Electropreneur Park Bhubaneswar targets ESDM startups in semiconductor design, AI, IoT, and computer vision. It offers up to ₹25 lakh in funding, mentorship, and lab facilities. Supported by STPI and MeitY. Deadline: 9 August 2026.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The Genesis by IKP program requires startups to be at TRL 2–3 and focused on deep science. Schaeffler Social Innovator Fellowship targets social innovators from Tier II/III and rural areas. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE is restricted to startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. iDEX Open Challenge requires solutions for defence and aerospace, and OCP 8.0 mandates a focus on ESDM. Additionally, programs like Women's Economic Empowerment and Swanari TechSprint require AI applications for women's economic empowerment and financial inclusion, respectively.

Deadlines are approaching: Genesis by IKP closes on 31 July 2026, followed by OCP 8.0 on 9 August, Swanari TechSprint on 15 August, UAE-India Start-up Series on 30 August, and iDEX Open Challenge on 30 September. The remaining programs accept rolling applications but may have cohort-based cycles; for instance, Genesis is Cohort 1, Maruti is Cohort 4, and OCP is 8.0. Review each program's detailed criteria and prepare application materials accordingly.