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

India’s AI, SaaS & Enterprise startup ecosystem currently has 10 active grant, incubation, and competition programs that together offer more than ₹5.6 crore in funding, prizes, and support. These programs range from government-backed incubators at IIT Delhi and STPI to corporate innovation challenges by Schneider Electric and Maruti Suzuki.

The funding landscape for AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in India combines direct grants from technology business incubators, equity-free seed funding through competitions, and pre-seed incubation support. Many programs also provide GPU compute, mentorship, and go-to-market assistance, reflecting a shift toward holistic support for deep-tech and enterprise-focused ventures.

Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs

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

The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support is a rolling program hosted by iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator in Gujarat. It provides up to ₹30 lakh in funding to help AI, SaaS, and enterprise startups turn a proof-of-concept or prototype into a market-ready product. The program offers business and technical mentorship, access to a prototyping and digital innovation lab, incubation space, and connections to investors. Startups also receive hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus. There is no fixed deadline—applications are accepted year-round.

Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)

The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) program is an AI and innovation initiative by IIMA Ventures, supported by the Gates Foundation. It offers grant funding starting at ₹45 lakh for technology-enabled solutions that can enhance economic empowerment for women. The program targets startups using AI, SaaS, or enterprise technologies to address gender equality and development challenges. IIMA Ventures provides mentorship and network access. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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

The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator is a six-month accelerator for early-stage AI and deep-tech startups building globally relevant products. Invention Engine offers up to ₹90 lakh in funding and embeds with founders like a co-founding partner. Startups receive hands-on support from AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising. The program focuses on sharpening ideal customer profile, iterating through user feedback, and preparing for institutional fundraising. Rolling applications.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is an intensive incubation hosted at IIT Delhi under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS). It supports deep-tech startups in AI, robotics, IoT, and Cyber Physical Systems. Funding amounts vary based on startup needs. The program provides access to IIT Delhi’s research infrastructure, mentorship, and industry connections. Applications are accepted year-round.

IHFC READY Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC READY Program is a pre-seed incubation program offering up to ₹5 lakh in funding. It targets early-stage startups in deep-tech fields including AI, cobotics, drones, and autonomous systems. Based at IIT Delhi and supported by DST, the program provides mentorship and access to IIT Delhi’s ecosystem. Rolling applications.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)

The SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia’s leading deep-tech pitching competition, organised by Enterprise Singapore. The grand winner receives up to ₹2.88 crore, with a total grant prize pool over ₹15.84 crore. AI, SaaS, and enterprise startups can apply under the “Advanced Computing & Intelligence” or “Digital Technologies & Security” domains. Registration closed on 30 June 2026, but the final deadline for the competition is 27 July 2026. Top 50 startups get a sponsored trip to Singapore.

Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE)

The NERVE CoE Open Challenge Program is an 18-month program for AI and deep-tech startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. Backed by MeitY and located at STPI Nagpur, it provides dedicated GPU infrastructure, seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, expert mentoring, go-to-market support, and IPR assistance. The deadline is 15 July 2026.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative for early-stage startups, with a focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India—though startups servicing anywhere in India are welcome. Focus domains include mobility tech, enterprise automation, computer vision, and GenAI. Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13 lakh, a paid proof-of-concept opportunity, and mentorship from Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta. Rolling applications.

STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 (STPI CoE-EA, Bengaluru)

The STPI CoE-EA: Schneider Electric Open Challenge Program 3.0 is a competition run by STPI’s Centre of Excellence for Efficiency Augmentation in Bengaluru. Startups develop proof-of-concepts using Industry 4.0 technologies for industrial efficiency. AI and SaaS solutions are eligible. Funding up to ₹25 lakh. The deadline is 17 July 2026.

Scheme for Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (Goa State Innovation Council)

The Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar is an annual cash prize competition for Goan innovators. It awards up to ₹2 lakh in three categories: Innovation, Environment, and Societal Impact. AI, SaaS, or enterprise solutions that have been implemented or have high adoption probability in Goa are eligible. Rolling applications.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar is restricted to innovators from Goa. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE program, while open to all India, prioritises startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The NERVE CoE OCP focuses on HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining sectors. If your AI or SaaS startup operates outside these domains, it may not qualify for that program.

Urgency varies: SLINGSHOT 2026 has a final pitch deadline of 27 July 2026, but registration closed on 30 June 2026—if you missed it, you cannot apply. NERVE CoE OCP closes on 15 July 2026, and STPI Schneider Electric OCP on 17 July 2026. Most other programs are rolling, but cohort-based programs like ACE and Maruti Suzuki NURTURE may have batch intake periods not explicitly stated—contact providers directly for cohort start dates.