AI, SaaS & Enterprise Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026
We have curated 10 active grants, incubators, and competitions open to AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in India as of July 2026. Programs range from deep science venture-building to cross-border expansion, with deadlines from 27 July to 30 September.
As of July 2026, there are 10 active grant, incubation, and competition programs in India targeting AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups. These include government-backed challenges, corporate innovation initiatives, and deep-tech accelerators. The funding landscape for AI, SaaS & Enterprise in India is broad: from central defence innovation programs to university-run incubators and cross-border pitching competitions. This article covers each opportunity with deadlines, funding details, and sector-specific eligibility.
Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis by IKP – Cohort 1 | Grant/Incubation | 31 July 2026 | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| Women's Economic Empowerment | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | From ₹45,00,000 |
| ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹90,00,000 |
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore | Competition | 27 July 2026 | Up to ₹2,97,18,312 |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13,00,000 |
| UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 | Competition | 30 August 2026 | Up to ₹56,75,000 |
| Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance | Competition | 15 August 2026 | Varies |
| iDEX Open Challenge | Competition | 30 September 2026 | Up to ₹1,50,00,000 |
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 TRL 2–3. IKP Knowledge Park runs this program for founders translating lab research into commercial ventures. It offers up to ₹30,00,000 grant funding, hands-on mentoring from IKP experts, and support in business development, IP strategy, and market access. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups working on deep-tech solutions—such as novel algorithms, hardware-software integration, or platform technologies—are eligible if they originate from scientific research. Deadline: 31 July 2026.
Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)
The Women's Economic Empowerment program by IIMA Ventures, supported by the Gates Foundation, provides from ₹45,00,000 in grant funding to technology-enabled solutions that advance women's economic participation. While focused on social impact, it welcomes AI and SaaS startups building tools for financial inclusion, skilling, or market access. Eligible startups must be early-stage and demonstrate potential for large-scale impact. Deadline is rolling.
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine (Invention Engine)
The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator is a six-month program offering up to ₹90,00,000 in funding, with deep engagement from AI researchers and operators. Invention Engine selects startups building globally relevant AI and deeptech products. The accelerator focuses on ICP definition, product iteration, GTM execution, and fundraising preparation. It is suited for AI-first SaaS and enterprise startups that have crossed the demo stage. Rolling deadline.
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway supports startups with up to ₹30,00,000 to convert prototypes or PoCs into market-ready products. iCreate, a government-recognised TBI, offers mentorship, access to prototyping labs, incubation space, and investor connections. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups with a working prototype can apply. This program is rolling.
Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program (NASSCOM)
The Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad is a virtual incubation program for early-stage deeptech startups. NASSCOM provides mentorship, IP support, and market access through a continuous pipeline model—no fixed cohorts. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups working on advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, or quantum computing are eligible. Funding varies per startup. Rolling deadline.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore (Enterprise Singapore)
The SLINGSHOT 2026 competition offers prizes up to ₹2,97,18,312 (including grant prizes). Organised by Enterprise Singapore, it targets deep tech startups in five domains, including Advanced Computing & Intelligence and Digital Technologies & Security. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups that can demonstrate global scalability are encouraged. The grand winner receives ₹2.88 crore. Registration closed on 30 June 2026; last date to submit is 27 July 2026.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation program offering cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000 and a paid PoC opportunity. Focus areas include Tech in Mobility (ADAS, V2X, EV, autonomous mobility), Enterprise & Manufacturing (process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, GenAI), and Sustainability. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups in these domains are eligible. Preference for startups based in eastern, north-eastern, and central India, but open to all. Rolling deadline.
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 (UAE-India CEPA Council)
The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 offers up to ₹56,75,000 in prizes and market access to Indian startups. It targets high-potential startups looking to expand into the UAE. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups with a cross-border growth plan can apply. The program includes mentorship, investor connects, and exposure to the UAE ecosystem. Deadline: 30 August 2026.
Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance (IIMA Ventures)
The Swanari TechSprint 4.0 is a national innovation challenge using AI to improve financial inclusion for women SHGs. Co-created by RBIH and IIMA Ventures, it seeks fintech and AI solutions for credit access, savings, and digital bookkeeping. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups building for the B2B or B2G financial inclusion space are eligible. Deadline: 15 August 2026.
iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence)
The iDEX Open Challenge provides up to ₹1,50,00,000 in funding for innovations in defence and aerospace. Areas include autonomous systems, intelligent machines, predictive algorithms, and advanced materials. AI, SaaS & Enterprise startups developing defence-relevant technologies are eligible. Startups must be Indian and meet iDEX criteria. Deadline: 30 September 2026.
Before Applying
Eligibility constraints vary. The iDEX Open Challenge requires the startup to be recognised by DPIIT and incorporated in India. Genesis by IKP is limited to deep science ventures at TRL 2–3, so purely software SaaS may not qualify. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE prioritises startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though it is open to all. For Women's Economic Empowerment and Swanari TechSprint, the focus is on solutions for women's economic participation or inclusive finance—general SaaS tools may not fit. Some programs, like iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway, require a working prototype.
Deadlines are near for SLINGSHOT 2026 (27 July) and Genesis by IKP (31 July). Swanari TechSprint closes 15 August, UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 on 30 August, and iDEX Open Challenge on 30 September. Programs like ACE $100k, iCreate, Nasscom Launchpad, WEE, and Maruti Suzuki NURTURE have rolling applications, but early submission is advised as competition may intensify. Many programs require a thorough application with pitch deck and problem validation. Check each program's page for detailed guidelines.
