AI, SaaS & Enterprise Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026
In July 2026, 10 active funding programs are open for AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in India, including grants from iCreate, Genesis by IKP, and competitions like SLINGSHOT. These programs offer up to ₹5 crore+ in total funding, covering prototype grants, seed funding, and innovation sprints.
As of July 2026, there are 10 active funding programs, grants, and competitions specifically open to AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in India. These include government-backed schemes, institutional incubators, and innovation sprints.
The funding landscape for AI, SaaS & Enterprise in India has matured with multiple channels: central and state government schemes through bodies like MeitY, corporate-led initiatives, and global competitions. Startups can access prototype funding, equity-free grants, seed investment, and prize pools, often with mentorship and infrastructure support.
Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 | Grant | 31 July 2026 | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| North East Growth Lab 2026 | Grant | 15 July 2026 | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program Cohort 6 | Grant | 10 August 2026 | Varies |
| Women's Economic Empowerment | Grant | Rolling | From ₹45,00,000 |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition | Competition | 27 July 2026 | Up to ₹2,97,18,312 |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur | Competition | 15 July 2026 | Up to ₹50,00,000 |
| HealthSprint 2026: Indo-Israel Innovation Sprint for Healthcare Startups | Competition | 20 July 2026 | Varies |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13,00,000 |
| Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance | Competition | 15 August 2026 | Varies |
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support is a program by iCreate, a government-recognized Technology Business Incubator in Gujarat. It offers up to ₹30,00,000 in funding assistance to help startups turn a proof-of-concept or prototype into a market-ready product.
Startups receive holistic support including business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation lab, incubation support, and connections with investors and industry. Hostel accommodation on campus is also provided. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis with no specified deadline. It is open to startups across sectors including AI, SaaS, and Enterprise.
Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 (IKP Knowledge Park)
The Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 is a 12-month venture-building program for deep science startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2–3. Hosted by IKP Knowledge Park, it provides up to ₹30,00,000 in funding, plus hands-on mentoring, lab access, and market connect. The deadline for Cohort 1 is 31 July 2026.
This program is particularly relevant for AI and SaaS startups that rely on deep tech innovations like machine learning models or advanced algorithms requiring proof-of-concept validation. Eligible startups must be translating research from lab to commercial application.
North East Growth Lab 2026 (IIMA Ventures)
The North East Growth Lab 2026 by IIMA Ventures in collaboration with SAP is a grant and incubation program for early-stage startups in the eight North Eastern states. It offers up to ₹5,00,000 in financial grants plus technical assistance and business support. The deadline is 15 July 2026.
AI and SaaS startups focused on solving regional challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, or logistics are eligible. The program is restricted to startups registered in or operating from the North East region.
AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program Cohort 6 (T-Hub)
The AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program Cohort 6 is a grant and incubation program for DeepTech startups in healthcare and life sciences. Powered by Atal Innovation Mission and T-Hub, it targets companies with a validated MVP using AI, AR/VR, IoT, or Blockchain. The deadline is 10 August 2026.
While the funding amount varies, the program provides access to a global network of mentors, investors, and industry experts. AI and SaaS startups building solutions for clinical diagnostics, hospital management, or medical devices are a good fit.
Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)
The Women's Economic Empowerment program by IIMA Ventures with support from the Gates Foundation provides at least ₹45,00,000 in funding to technology-enabled solutions that enhance economic opportunities for women. It accepts applications on a rolling basis.
AI and SaaS startups developing platforms for financial inclusion, digital literacy, or women's workforce participation are particularly encouraged. The program is equity-free grant funding.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)
The SLINGSHOT 2026 is Asia's leading deep tech pitching competition, with a total grant prize pool of over ₹15.84 crore. Grand winner receives up to ₹2.97 crore. The deadline is 27 July 2026.
Categories include Advanced Computing & Intelligence, Digital Technologies & Security, and others. AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups can compete. Top 50 startups get a sponsored trip to Singapore for the finals at SWITCH.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE)
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator, offers up to ₹50,00,000 in seed funding, GPU infrastructure, and mentoring. The deadline is 15 July 2026.
AI and SaaS startups in HealthTech, AgriTech, Forestry, or Mining are eligible. The 18-month program includes bootcamp-style sessions, IPR support, and go-to-market assistance.
HealthSprint 2026: Indo-Israel Innovation Sprint for Healthcare Startups (GINSERV)
The HealthSprint 2026 is a 30-day innovation sprint for healthcare and MedTech startups, focusing on Clinical AI & Diagnostics, MedTech, and Hospital SaaS. Deadline is 20 July 2026.
Participants gain access to hospital networks and mentorship from Israeli and Indian experts. Funding varies but includes potential investment and pilot opportunities.
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 cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000. Focus domains include Tech in Mobility, Enterprise & Manufacturing, and Sustainability. Deadlines are rolling.
AI and SaaS startups building solutions for process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, or GenAI are welcome. The program offers mentorship and a paid Proof-of-Concept opportunity with Maruti Suzuki.
Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance (IIMA Ventures)
The Swanari TechSprint 4.0 is an innovation challenge co-created by RBIH and IIMA Ventures to leverage AI for financial inclusion of women Self-Help Groups. Deadline is 15 August 2026.
Funding varies, and the program aims to build scalable fintech solutions for credit access, savings, and digital bookkeeping. AI and SaaS startups focused on inclusive finance are ideal.
Before Applying
Several programs have geographic or sector-specific eligibility. The North East Growth Lab is restricted to startups in the eight North Eastern states. Genesis by IKP targets deep science startups at TRL 2–3. AIC T-Hub Healthcare Program requires a validated MVP in healthcare or life sciences. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE focuses on mobility, manufacturing, and sustainability domains.
Deadlines are tight: North East Growth Lab and Open Challenge Program both close on 15 July 2026, just a day away. HealthSprint 2026 closes on 20 July, SLINGSHOT on 27 July, and Genesis by IKP on 31 July. AIC T-Hub and Swanari TechSprint close in August. Programs with rolling deadlines like iCreate, WEE, and Maruti Suzuki NURTURE accept applications year-round but may have cohort-based selection.
