17 Startup Grants and Seed Funds Closing This Week (6-13 July 2026)
17 startup grants, seed funds, and incubation programs close between 6-13 July 2026. Opportunities from NextUnicorn.Fund, FITT IIT Delhi, 100+ Accelerator, Ahmedabad University, Watson Institute, PharmStars, UNHCR, and several competitions. Check eligibility and apply.
A total of 17 startup grants, seed funds, incubation programs, and competitions close between 6 July and 13 July 2026. These opportunities span equity-based accelerators, government-backed seed support, corporate innovation challenges, and global competitions. The providers include NextUnicorn.Fund, FITT IIT Delhi, 100+ Accelerator, Ahmedabad University, Watson Institute, PharmStars, UNHCR, Kongu Engineering College, Zepto, Alibaba Cloud, Kaya, Pegasus Tech Ventures, EAST2046, Hack United, RELX, and the Moonshot Platform.
At a Glance
NextUnicorn Accelerator (NextUnicorn.Fund) Closes 6 July
The NextUnicorn Accelerator is an equity-based global program that aims to compress a startup's journey to scale from 4–5 years to 12–24 months. It operates with on-site hubs in San Francisco and Bangalore. Selected startups receive up to ₹47.64 lakh in funding, mentorship, and access to a global network. The accelerator is focused on tech-enabled, data-driven ventures with global ambition. Equity stake is required; specific terms are disclosed upon selection.
Avanzare V19.0 – 24-Hour National Level Hackathon (Kongu Engineering College) Closes 6 July
The Avanzare V19.0 is a 24-hour hackathon for UG and PG students across India. Teams build working prototypes from problem statements provided at the event. The top prize is ₹50,000. Participants need a valid college ID. The hackathon runs 17–18 August 2026, but applications close today.
Zepto Nova - Food Safety Innovation Challenge (Zepto) Closes 7 July
The Zepto Nova Food Safety Innovation Challenge seeks AI and automation solutions for food safety in quick commerce. It is organized with DPIIT and FSSAI, offering up to ₹3 lakh in prizes. Open to startups and innovators; specific eligibility details are on the program page.
Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud (Alibaba Cloud) Closes 9 July
The Global AI Hackathon Series invites participants to build AI applications using Qwen Cloud. The total prize pool is ₹41.85 lakh. Individuals and teams can submit projects via Devpost. Judging criteria include innovation and technical implementation.
Startup World Cup 2026 — Bangalore Regional (Pegasus Tech Ventures) Closes 10 July
The Startup World Cup Bangalore Regional is the Indian qualifier for the global competition, with a grand prize of up to ₹9 crore. Early-stage founders pitch to investors and industry experts. The winner advances to the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley. Applications close 10 July.
Exim Bank Ubharte Sitaare Programme (FITT, IIT Delhi) Closes 10 July
The Ubharte Sitaare Programme identifies Indian companies with export potential and provides a mix of equity, debt, and technical assistance. Funding is up to ₹1.1 crore. Startups with differentiated technology or products are targeted. The program is implemented by FITT, IIT Delhi.
NIDHI-SSS Seed Support Programme (Ahmedabad University) Closes 10 July
The NIDHI Seed Support Programme offers up to ₹1 crore to early-stage startups with a developed prototype. It bridges the gap between prototype and market entry. The program is a DST initiative, executed by VentureStudio at Ahmedabad University. Startups must be DPIIT recognized and have a proof of concept.
100+ Accelerator (Cohort 8) Closes 10 July
The 100+ Accelerator provides non-dilutive funding of up to ₹83 lakh for pilot projects with corporate partners like AB InBev, Coca-Cola, and Unilever. Focus is on sustainability solutions. Selected startups also receive mentorship and access to corporate supply chains.
Kaya AI IIT India Hackathon 2026 Closes 10 July
The Kaya AI IIT India Hackathon is a virtual hackathon with a prize pool of ₹3.5 lakh. Themes include IoT, AI, and enterprise applications. Open to Indian students and developers. Submissions are due by 10 July.
Global AI Filmmaking Hackathon (EAST2046 × TapNow × Bionic Awards) Closes 10 July
The Global AI Filmmaking Hackathon invites creators to produce a short film using AI tools within one week. Prize pool is ₹1.25 lakh. Teams of 1–6 members; open globally.
UNHCR Innovation Accelerator 2026 Closes 12 July
The UNHCR Innovation Accelerator provides up to ₹2.075 crore to scale proven solutions for refugees and displaced populations. Supported by the Government of Luxembourg, the program targets innovations that have completed pilot phases and are ready for large-scale adoption.
RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 Closes 12 July
The RELX Environmental Challenge awards two prizes of $75,000 each (approx. ₹62.25 lakh total) for projects in clean water/sanitation and ocean innovation. Open globally; projects must demonstrate sustainable impact.
United Hacks V7 Closes 12 July
United Hacks V7 is a beginner-friendly global hackathon with tracks in design and education. Prize pool is ₹23.7 lakh. Individuals or teams can participate virtually.
Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 (Watson Institute) Closes 12 July
The Western Union Global Fellowship is a fully funded 16-week virtual program for entrepreneurs addressing challenges in underserved communities. It includes mentorship, curriculum, and seed funding (varies). Focus on social impact ventures.
PharmStars Fall 2026 Accelerator: Digital Innovations in Immunology (PharmStars) Closes 12 July
The PharmStars Fall 2026 Accelerator is a virtual 10-week program for digital health startups. It connects startups with pharma partners for collaboration. Funding amounts vary; the program does not take equity.
2026 Flagship Fellowship (Watson Institute) Closes 12 July
The 2026 Flagship Fellowship is another Watson Institute program: a fully funded 16-week virtual fellowship for impact entrepreneurs. It includes immersive training, mentorship, and access to capital. Open globally.
Moonshot Awards 2026 (Moonshot Platform) Closes 13 July
The Moonshot Awards 2026 offers up to ₹49.8 lakh to young changemakers (startup founders, scientists, builders) working on UN SDG-aligned solutions. The program provides funding, mentorship, and global recognition.
Before Applying
Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The NextUnicorn Accelerator requires equity; the Exim Bank Ubharte Sitaare Programme targets companies with export potential; NIDHI-SSS requires DPIIT recognition and a prototype. Competitions like Avanzare and Kaya AI are restricted to students or Indian participants. The UNHCR Accelerator focuses on refugee-related innovations, and the 100+ Accelerator requires sustainability themes. Always check the full criteria before applying.
Time sensitivity is high: the NextUnicorn Accelerator and Avanzare hackathon close today, 6 July. The Zepto Nova challenge closes 7 July, and the Global AI Hackathon closes 9 July. The majority of opportunities — including the Startup World Cup, Exim Bank, NIDHI-SSS, and 100+ Accelerator — close on 10 July. Programs with rolling or cohort-based deadlines, like the Watson Institute fellowships and PharmStars, may have later cohorts, but missing this window means waiting months. Prepare applications now to avoid last-minute issues.
