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

As of July 2026, there are 10 active grants, incubators, and competitions tailored for AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in India. These include government-backed schemes, institutional programs, and corporate challenges offering funding from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.97 crore.

The funding landscape for AI, SaaS & Enterprise in India is robust, with central and state government bodies, academic incubators, and corporate accelerators providing seed funding, proof-of-concept support, and venture-building programs. Programs cover early-stage grants, deep science translation, and pitching competitions.

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 government-recognised Technology Business Incubator (TBI) offering funding and holistic support for startups turning prototypes or proof-of-concepts into market-ready products. Based in Gujarat, iCreate provides access to multiple government schemes from the Government of India and Government of Gujarat.

Startups receive business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, incubation support, and investor connections. Hostel accommodation is available on campus. The program is open to early-stage AI, SaaS, and Enterprise tech startups with a working prototype or PoC. Funding is up to ₹30 lakh, with rolling applications.

Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 (IKP Knowledge Park)

Genesis by IKP is a 12-month funding and venture-building program for deep science startups translating lab research into commercial ventures. Hosted by IKP Knowledge Park, it targets startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–3 — concept validation and experimental proof-of-concept.

The program provides up to ₹30 lakh in funding, plus hands-on engagement from IKP's in-house experts. Support includes scientific mentoring, business development, and access to IKP's network. Applications close 31 July 2026. This program is ideal for AI and SaaS startups based on deep tech innovations, such as novel algorithms or enterprise platforms arising from research.

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 targets technology-enabled solutions that enhance economic opportunities for women, particularly in developing regions.

Startups receive funding from ₹45 lakh, along with incubation support from IIMA Ventures. The program is open to AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups with a product or prototype addressing women's economic empowerment. Applications are rolling. This program is particularly relevant for AI-driven platforms that improve access to finance, skills, or markets for women.

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 operates as a co-founding partner, providing hands-on support from AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and global operators.

Funding is up to ₹90 lakh. Startups receive help sharpening their ideal customer profile, iterating products through real user feedback, launching go-to-market strategies, and preparing for fundraising. Selection is rolling. The program is designed for AI and SaaS founders who have moved beyond demos and are focused on customer value.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is hosted at IIT Delhi under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS). IHFC focuses on deep tech, including Cyber Physical Systems, Robotics, IoT, and AI.

Startups receive incubation support, access to IIT Delhi's R&D infrastructure, mentorship, and potential funding. The amount varies based on milestones. Applications are rolling. This program suits AI and Enterprise startups working on hardware-software integration or industrial IoT solutions.

SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)

SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech startup pitching competition, organised by Enterprise Singapore and held at SWITCH 2026. The prize pool includes grant prizes: Grand Winner ₹2.88 crore, 1st Runner-Up ₹2.16 crore, 2nd Runner-Up ₹1.44 crore, and Top 10 Global Startups ₹57.6 lakh each. Top 50 global startups get a sponsored trip to Singapore.

Categories include Advanced Computing & Intelligence and Digital Technologies & Security, directly relevant to AI and SaaS. Registration closed 30 June 2026, but the deadline for the competition itself is 27 July 2026. Startups must be deep tech and ready to pitch at an international stage.

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

NERVE CoE is a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator offering GPU infrastructure, seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, and hands-on mentoring. The 18-month program is based at STPI Nagpur and targets AI and deep tech startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining.

Startups get dedicated AI compute, bootcamp-style product validation workshops, go-to-market support, IPR and legal assistance. Applications close 15 July 2026. This program is ideal for AI and SaaS startups needing compute power and industry-specific mentorship.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park for early-stage startups, with focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India. It covers mobility, tech in mobility, sustainability, social impact, and enterprise & manufacturing.

Cash rewards up to ₹13 lakh are offered, plus a paid PoC opportunity and mentorship from Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Applications are rolling. AI and SaaS startups in computer vision, IoT, GenAI, or process automation would find this relevant.

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

The STPI CoE-EA Open Challenge Program 3.0 is run by STPI in partnership with Schneider Electric. It aims to identify and support startups developing Industry 4.0 solutions for efficiency augmentation across industrial, service, and government domains.

Selected startups receive up to ₹25 lakh for PoC development, plus industry validation and ecosystem support. Applications close 17 July 2026. AI and SaaS startups working on energy management, industrial automation, or digital twin technologies are a good fit.

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

The Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (GRVP) is an annual cash prize competition by the Government of Goa, implemented by the Goa State Innovation Council. It awards innovators and scientists whose ideas have been implemented or show high adoption probability in Goa.

Three awards of ₹2 lakh each are given in categories: Innovation, Environment, and Societal Impact. Applications are rolling. Open only to Goan innovators or those based in Goa. AI and SaaS startups with solutions relevant to Goa's ecosystem can apply.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility constraints. The WEE program is restricted to startups focused on women's economic empowerment. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE targets mobility, sustainability, and enterprise/manufacturing domains, and gives preference to startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. GRVP is limited to Goan innovators. Genesis by IKP requires deep science startups at TRL 2-3. NERVE CoE focuses on HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, and Mining. SLINGSHOT expects deep tech readiness for international pitching.

Urgency: Three programs close in July 2026 — NERVE OCP on 15 July, STPI Schneider on 17 July, and IKP Genesis on 31 July. SLINGSHOT's final deadline for the competition is 27 July (registration closed earlier). The remaining programs have rolling deadlines, allowing more flexibility. Note that SLINGSHOT and NERVE involve multiple stages; Startups should review the application process carefully. For rolling programs, cohorts may fill up, so early application is advisable.