Cisco LaunchPad
By Cisco
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Quick Answer
Cisco LaunchPad is a B2B Corporate Accelerator program designed to propel deep-tech startups working in disruptive technologies through grants, mentorship, and extensive tech and investor access.
About this grant
Cisco LaunchPad serves as a premier B2B Corporate Accelerator, passionately committed to fostering the growth of deep-tech startups pioneering disruptive technologies. Operating in direct alignment with Cisco's strategic vision, the program aims to co-create innovative solutions that deliver tangible value to both the organization and society at large through a collaborative ecosystem approach. This initiative is geared towards cultivating solutions for the next generation of internet users, bringing together Cisco's advanced technologies, promising startups, and a robust partner community. Through this synergy, the program facilitates the development of business-relevant, end-to-end technological solutions, positioning Cisco LaunchPad as a pivotal hub for innovation. It emphasizes collaboration and provides a fertile ground for startups to integrate with Cisco's cutting-edge platforms, connect with industry experts, and access critical market opportunities, ultimately aiming to drive significant technological advancements.
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.
Grant providers
Cisco for Startups is the startup programme of Cisco Systems, run through its India arm. It was previously called Cisco LaunchPad, and the application form still uses that name in one place. The programme gives startups mentors, access to Cisco technology and labs, a coworking…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Participating startups receive a nominal grant at the commencement of the cohort, providing essential initial capital. An additional performance-based grant is awarded at the conclusion of the program, incentivizing progress and successful outcomes. Beyond funding, startups gain access to extensive mentorship from over 100 internal Cisco experts and external industry leaders, focused on product and technology guidance. The program offers invaluable investor connects with prominent Angel investors and Venture Capitalists, coupled with access to Cisco's advanced tech platform (APs, ASR, ISR, IR, UCS, MSE, CMX, ISE) for integration and development. Furthermore, startups benefit from customer/partner access for PoC/demo opportunities and a world-class co-working space within the Cisco campus, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 6 months
- Cohort size
- 6 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for Cisco LaunchPad is rigorous and designed to identify high-potential deep-tech startups. Applications are first screened by a dedicated committee comprising Cisco leaders and industry experts, who evaluate the technological innovation, business viability, and strategic alignment with Cisco's objectives. Shortlisted startups typically undergo multiple rounds of interviews, where they present their solutions in detail, demonstrate their proof-of-concept or MVP, and discuss their team's capabilities and vision. This stage often involves interactions with various Cisco business units and technical teams to assess the potential for integration and co-creation. The final selection is made by a high-level committee, prioritizing startups that not only show disruptive potential but also exhibit a strong potential for collaboration and mutual value creation with Cisco.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your startup application through the official Cisco LaunchPad portal during the open registration periods.
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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
What kind of startups does Cisco LaunchPad support?
Cisco LaunchPad primarily supports deep-tech startups that are developing disruptive B2B technologies. We look for innovative solutions in areas like Networking and Infrastructure, Security, IoT, AI & Machine learning, Image Processing, Video Analytics, and Healthcare-Specific Technologies. The program is designed for companies that have a strong technological foundation and are looking to scale their solutions through corporate collaboration.
What is the duration of the Cisco LaunchPad accelerator program?
The core accelerator program runs for a duration of six months. During this period, selected startups engage in intensive mentorship, tech integration, and ecosystem enabling events. After successful completion, startups become part of a robust alumni program offering continued support.
Does Cisco LaunchPad take equity from participating startups?
No, the grants provided during the Cisco LaunchPad accelerator are equity-free. While Cisco may choose to invest in or acquire a startup after the program if there's a strategic interest, this is not a condition for participation in the accelerator or for receiving the grants.
What kind of financial support is offered?
Selected startups receive a nominal grant at the beginning of the cohort. An additional grant may be provided at the end of the program, contingent on performance and achievement of agreed-upon milestones. The specific amounts of these grants are not publicly disclosed but are designed to support early-stage development and scaling.
Is relocation to Cisco's campus mandatory for the program?
While the program offers a world-class co-working space in the Cisco campus, strongly suggesting an on-site presence, the explicit mandate for relocation is not stated. However, to fully leverage the collaborative environment, direct access to Cisco technologies, and in-person mentorship, physical presence or frequent visits would be highly beneficial and is generally expected for intensive accelerator programs like this.
How often does Cisco LaunchPad accept applications?
Cisco LaunchPad conducts registrations and accepts applications twice a year. While there isn't a single fixed annual deadline, the program operates on a recurring intake model, allowing startups to apply during these biannual cycles.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
