GrowX Accelerator Program
By Nasscom AI Centre of Excellence, Gandhinagar
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Quick Answer
An accelerator program for AI and Deep-tech startups, offering market access, funding support, compute infrastructure, mentorship, and co-working space within GIFT City.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The GrowX Accelerator Program, spearheaded by the AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, is a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing promising AI and Deep-tech startups building innovative solutions in India. This program stands as a testament to collaborative innovation, being a joint effort supported by key governmental and industry leaders including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and the NASSCOM Center of Excellence for IoT & AI. Additionally, global tech giants Microsoft and Google contribute their expertise and resources, further strengthening the program's foundation.
The accelerator is designed to provide comprehensive support, enabling startups to overcome common challenges in scaling deep technology solutions. It focuses on empowering early to growth-stage ventures that are leveraging artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to create impactful solutions across various sectors. Through strategic partnerships and a robust ecosystem, GrowX aims to transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready products, fostering a new generation of Indian tech leaders and contributing significantly to the nation's digital economy. The program’s ethos is captured in its taglines: "Nurturing AI & Deep-tech Startups to Grow further," "Your Network = Your Networth," and "Right mentorship turns Ideas into Impact."
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
The Nasscom AI Centre of Excellence is a government-backed deep-tech centre on the 13th floor of GIFT One Tower in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Its own pages describe it as a Digital India initiative led jointly by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the…
Learn moreOverview MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the startup-focused initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It serves as the central coordination platform linking incubation centres, accelerators, investors, and corporates to…
Learn moreMicrosoft is a technology company whose products span AI, cloud, productivity, computing, gaming and apps. Its productivity suite, Microsoft 365, bundles cloud storage, security and the Copilot AI assistant into its applications, and is sold to businesses as a way to bring AI…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The GrowX Accelerator Program provides a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to accelerate the growth of AI and Deep-tech startups. While it does not offer direct cash funding, it delivers substantial in-kind grants and strategic support.
- Market Access: Gain direct connections with top industry leaders, seasoned policymakers, and potential enterprise customers. This provides unparalleled visibility for high-impact solutions and facilitates crucial business development opportunities.
- Funding Support: Receive tailored investor-readiness guidance, including assistance with pitch deck refinement and strategic introductions to a network of venture capitalists and grant-making organizations actively seeking AI and Deep-tech investments. This significantly enhances a startup's ability to secure external funding.
- Compute Infrastructure: Access high-performance cloud-based resources essential for Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development, advanced model training, and rigorous solution testing. This crucial support allows startups to scale their technical operations without being constrained by infrastructure limitations.
- Mentorship: Benefit from expert, hands-on guidance from a diverse pool of mentors, including seasoned entrepreneurs, technical specialists, and business strategists. Mentorship focuses on refining business models, technology roadmaps, and scaling strategies for AI innovations.
- Showcase Opportunities: Participate in exclusive tech events and gain prominent features in the AI Experience Zone. These platforms offer invaluable opportunities to demonstrate innovations, attract media attention, and engage with potential partners and investors.
- Co-working Space: Access a dedicated AI-driven collaborative co-working space located within the vibrant GIFT City ecosystem. This physical environment fosters peer learning, networking, and direct access to the AI CoE's resources.
- Capability Building: Engage in specialized workshops and training programs focused on advanced AI techniques, product development, intellectual property management, and critical business insights required to effectively scale AI innovations in the market.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications undergo an initial screening based on the submitted information via the online registration form. This preliminary evaluation assesses the innovation, scalability, market potential, and strength of the founding team for their AI and Deep-tech solutions. Startups that meet the initial criteria are then shortlisted and may be invited for further assessments. These subsequent stages typically include virtual or in-person interviews with experts from the AI CoE, NASSCOM, and other supporting partner organizations. A final selection round might involve a pitch presentation to a distinguished selection committee, comprising investors, industry veterans, and government representatives. The entire process is geared towards identifying high-potential ventures that align closely with the program's objectives and the strategic focus of its diverse partners.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application through the Startup Application Registration Form with all required details.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
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 are eligible for the GrowX Accelerator Program?
The program is specifically designed for AI and Deep-tech startups that are building innovative solutions in India, addressing challenges across various sectors such as Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Fintech, and more.
What are the key benefits provided by the accelerator?
Participants gain access to market connections, dedicated funding exploration support, advanced compute infrastructure, expert mentorship, opportunities to showcase their innovations, collaborative co-working space, and capability-building workshops.
Is there any direct funding provided by the GrowX Accelerator Program?
While the program does not provide direct cash funding, it offers extensive support to help startups explore and secure external grants and venture capital funding, coupled with investor-readiness guidance. The value of in-kind resources like compute and co-working space serves as a significant non-repayable benefit.
Is equity taken from participating startups?
The GrowX Accelerator Program is equity-free, focusing on providing support and resources without taking an ownership stake in the participating startups.
What is the application process for the program?
Interested startups can apply by filling out the online Startup Application Registration Form, detailing their startup, solution, and target industries. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may proceed to further evaluation rounds.
Is physical relocation to GIFT City mandatory?
While the program offers a dedicated co-working space within GIFT City, Gandhinagar, the application content does not explicitly state that physical relocation is a mandatory requirement for program entry. However, active participation in the ecosystem through the co-working facilities would likely enhance the program experience and benefits.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
