BuildAI Tech PitchSprint 2026
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Quick Answer
A national AI hackathon and incubation program by ITEL Foundation, IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, and IIT Gandhinagar, offering cash prizes, incubation, and future grant opportunities for early-stage AI startups.
- Funding amount
- ₹50,000 – ₹2L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- ITEL Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 5 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by ITEL Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The "BuildAI Tech PitchSprint" is a flagship national initiative designed to propel India towards self-reliance and global leadership in artificial intelligence. Jointly orchestrated by the ITEL Foundation, IndiaAI Mission, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and IIT Gandhinagar, this program serves as a critical platform for identifying, nurturing, and accelerating promising early-stage AI startups from across the nation. It aims to anchor cutting-edge AI technology in addressing India's most pressing challenges. The core of the program revolves around an intensive two-day, in-person Hackathon and PitchSprint, hosted at the vibrant IIT Gandhinagar Research Park. During this immersive event, participating startups are challenged to develop innovative AI solutions to real-world problems. This culminates in a PitchSprint, where they present their groundbreaking ideas and prototypes to a distinguished panel of expert judges, competing for significant cash prizes. Beyond the competitive aspect, the program offers a robust pathway to further growth and development. A key differentiator of BuildAI Tech PitchSprint is its integrated incubation support. Winners and selected high-potential startups gain direct access to comprehensive incubation under the ITEL Foundation–IndiaAI Mission, complemented by co-incubation facilities and expertise from IIT Gandhinagar. This incubation period is designed to provide startups with the structured support, resources, and mentorship necessary to transform their innovative concepts into viable, scalable businesses. Furthermore, successful completion of the incubation phase can unlock opportunities for substantial follow-on grants, reinforcing the long-term commitment of the program to startup success.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
ITEL Foundation — short for Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Labs — is a not-for-profit company based at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai. It was founded by a group of industry leaders to bring scientists, start-ups and young innovators together to work on large,…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹50,000 – ₹2L
What You Get
The BuildAI Tech PitchSprint offers a multi-faceted benefits package designed to significantly boost early-stage AI startups. Immediately, participants compete for attractive cash prizes: ₹2,00,000 for the 1st prize winner, ₹1,00,000 each for the 2nd and 3rd prizes, and ₹50,000 each for the 4th and 5th prizes. Beyond this initial financial reward, selected startups gain invaluable incubation support from the ITEL Foundation–IndiaAI Mission, with additional co-incubation facilities at IIT Gandhinagar, providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a stimulating innovation ecosystem. This comprehensive incubation includes multi-dimensional training programs to enhance business acumen and technical skills, alongside dedicated mentoring support from industry experts and academicians. Startups will also receive business scaling support and facilitation of access to angel investors and venture capital funds, greatly improving their chances of securing follow-on investment. The program ensures continuous monitoring and performance guidance, alongside travel reimbursement up to ₹10,000 for shortlisted startups attending the in-person event. Crucially, successful incubated startups become eligible to apply for follow-on grants of up to ₹20,00,000, providing significant non-dilutive capital for further product development and market entry.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 2 days
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the BuildAI Tech PitchSprint is multi-staged and rigorous, designed to identify high-potential AI startups. It begins with an initial screening of online applications and submitted pitch decks by an expert panel, evaluating the startup's innovation, technical feasibility, market viability, and team capabilities. Shortlisted startups are then invited to the mandatory in-person AI Hackathon at IIT Gandhinagar. This 10-hour intense session allows evaluators to assess the teams' problem-solving skills, technical prowess, and ability to execute under pressure. Following the Hackathon, the top 20 performing teams are selected as finalists to present their solutions during the PitchSprint. This live pitch event before a grand jury is a crucial stage where startups articulate their vision, demonstrate their prototypes, and defend their business models. The jury, comprising distinguished experts from academia, industry, and government, assesses pitches based on criteria such as technological innovation, market potential, scalability, social impact, and overall presentation. Final winners receive cash prizes, and further incubation selection is made by the ITEL–IndiaAI Steering Committee and an expert panel, ensuring a comprehensive assessment for long-term support.
Application Process
- 1
Online Application
Submit your application and pitch deck via the ITEL AI-based Interactive Screening Application portal.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the BuildAI Tech PitchSprint 2026?
The BuildAI Tech PitchSprint 2026 is a national initiative focused on identifying, incubating, and supporting early-stage AI startups that are developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges across various sectors in India.
What kind of funding is offered through this program?
The program offers immediate cash prizes ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 for top-performing startups in the pitch competition. Additionally, selected incubated startups will become eligible to apply for follow-on grants of up to INR 20,00,000 after successfully completing the incubation phase.
Are student startups eligible to apply for the BuildAI Tech PitchSprint?
No, student startups are explicitly *not* eligible for this program. The program is designed for incorporated or pre-incorporated startups (company format) with AI solutions.
What are the key benefits beyond the cash prizes?
Beyond cash prizes, selected startups receive comprehensive incubation support from the ITEL Foundation–IndiaAI Mission and co-incubation with IIT Gandhinagar. This includes multi-dimensional training, dedicated mentoring, business scaling support, access to angel investors and VCs, continuous monitoring, and the opportunity to apply for larger grants.
What is the application deadline for the program?
The application deadline for the BuildAI Tech PitchSprint 2026 is 05th July 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of this date.
Is it mandatory to attend the event in person?
Yes, shortlisted applicants are required to attend the in-person AI Hackathon and PitchSprint event at IIT Gandhinagar Research Park. Travel reimbursement up to INR 10,000 is provided for shortlisted startups to cover travel costs.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
