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

As of mid-August 2026, at least 10 funding programs, incubation schemes, and innovation challenges are open for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups in India. They range from grant support of ₹45 lakh for women-led ventures to competitive awards of up to ₹1.5 crore in defence technology.

The Indian AI and SaaS funding landscape now comprises a mix of government-backed challenge grants (iDEX), private accelerators (ACE), institutional initiatives (IIMA Ventures, IIT Delhi), and industry-specific programmes from Maruti Suzuki and NASSCOM. Most are rolling admissions, while a few close by September 2026.

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Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs

Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)

The Women's Economic Empowerment program is an AI and innovation initiative led by IIMA Ventures, with support from the Gates Foundation. It targets technology-enabled solutions that can improve economic opportunities for women in developing nations. Startups receive seed funding and incubation support, with access to IIMA's network and mentorship.

The program is designed for early-stage ventures that apply AI to areas like financial inclusion, healthcare, education, or livelihood generation for women. IIMA Ventures prioritizes startups with a clear social impact thesis and a scalable technology model. There is no fixed deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Selected ventures get up to ₹45 lakh in funding. The program does not specify an equity stake in the public description, so founders should expect standard incubation terms to be discussed during evaluation.

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

The ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is a founder-first accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. It runs for six months and embeds experienced operators with founding teams, focusing on product-market fit, go-to-market execution, and fundraising readiness.

Unlike cohort-based accelerators with fixed curricula, ACE adapts to the startup's specific needs. Founders work directly with AI researchers, entrepreneurs, and global operators. The program includes up to ₹90 lakh in funding (as per the listed amount) and is open to startups worldwide, though it is based in India.

Applications are rolling. The program is intentionally small — each cohort accepts a limited number of startups. Ideal candidates are technical founders who have moved beyond demo and are building for real customer traction.

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

The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support helps startups turn prototypes or proof-of-concepts into market-ready products. iCreate is a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, offering access to schemes from the Government of India and Government of Gujarat.

Selected startups receive up to ₹30 lakh in funding, along with business and technical mentorship. The incubation includes access to a digital innovation lab, prototyping facilities, and hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus. Startups also get introductions to investors, industry partners, and the broader startup ecosystem.

There is no specified deadline; applications are processed on a rolling basis. The program is open to startups across sectors, but iCreate prioritises deep-tech, AI, IoT, and software ventures. Companies may need to be registered in India and meet Government of India MSME or DPIIT recognition criteria to access certain funding schemes.

Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program (NASSCOM)

The Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad is a virtual incubation program for early-stage, long-gestation deeptech startups. It supports startups working on AI, machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and other frontier technologies. The program helps founders strengthen their IP, build products, and connect with markets and investors.

One key feature is its continuous, pipeline-based model — startups can join throughout the year rather than waiting for fixed cohorts. This flexibility allows startups to enter at the stage that suits them. The program does not offer a fixed funding amount; instead, it provides incubation support, access to NASSCOM's corporate network, and investor connections.

Eligibility is open to Indian startups with a working prototype or strong technical team. NASSCOM does not charge equity in its incubator, but this is not explicitly stated in the public listing. Startups should verify fee structures directly.

IHFC Startup Incubation Program (IHFC, IIT Delhi)

The IHFC Startup Incubation Program is an incubation and acceleration scheme hosted at IIT Delhi. It operates under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS), focusing on cyber-physical systems, robotics, IoT, and AI.

The program provides seed funding, mentorship, lab access, and industry partnerships. It is designed for early-stage startups that want to build hardware-plus-software products in the CPS space. IHFC supports both product development and business scaling, with guidance from IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts.

Funding amounts are not publicly fixed; they depend on the stage and needs of the startup. Applications are rolling. Startups with a strong R&D component and a clear plan for deployment in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare are preferred.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative run jointly with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). It focuses on startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though startups from other regions can also apply if they serve those areas.

Focus domains include mobility tech (ADAS, V2X, EV infrastructure), sustainability (eco-friendly packaging, alternative fuels, plastic substitutes), social impact (rural mobility, skill development), and enterprise & manufacturing (process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, GenAI). Shortlisted startups receive up to ₹13 lakh in cash rewards and an opportunity for a paid proof-of-concept with Maruti Suzuki.

The program also offers mentorship from industry experts and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Applications are rolling for Cohort 4, but the program may follow a batch structure. Startups should have a working prototype or a clear MVP for consideration.

Swanari TechSprint 4.0: AI for Inclusive Finance (IIMA Ventures)

The Swanari TechSprint 4.0 is a national innovation challenge co-created by RBIH and IIMA Ventures. It invites startups to build AI-enabled fintech solutions for women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India. The goal is to improve credit access, savings, and digital bookkeeping for grassroots women entrepreneurs.

This is a competition, not a direct grant — winning teams receive recognition, seed funding, and incubation support. The amount is listed as variable. The deadline is 15 August 2026, which is today, so interested startups must have already submitted. Late applications are generally not accepted.

Participants are expected to use secure and scalable AI technologies. The program focuses on practical challenges such as credit scoring for SHG members, vernacular language interfaces, and offline-first solutions for rural connectivity.

iDEX Open Challenge (iDEX)

The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX. It seeks innovations in defence and aerospace, including autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. It is open to startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators.

Selected winners receive up to ₹1.5 crore in funding, spread across development phases. The program also provides access to military testing infrastructure, domain experts, and potential procurement pathways. iDEX is a competition, so startups must pass through multiple stages of proof-of-concept, prototyping, and user evaluation.

The current challenge closes on 30 September 2026. Startups must be registered in India and meet DPIIT recognition. Proposals should align with the specific problem statements listed on the iDEX platform.

CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection (NASSCOM CoE)

The CoE Innovation Challenge is a problem-specific competition from NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI, in collaboration with a major port terminal operator. It asks deep-tech startups to build AI-powered solutions that detect foreign objects inside deep vessel holds (18–19 meters deep) during coal unloading.

This is a real industrial problem: hidden debris damages equipment and slows operations. Startups will need to propose computer vision or sensor-based systems that can work in the dusty, low-light conditions of a cargo hold. The challenge is open to startups with expertise in AI, IoT, and industrial inspection.

Funding is variable, and the deadline is rolling, meaning the partner may evaluate submissions as they arrive. Startups accepted into the program get a chance to pilot their solution at an operational port terminal and potentially sign a procurement contract.

UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 (UAE-India CEPA Council)

The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is a cross-border initiative under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It provides Indian startups with support to enter the UAE market, including access to investors, accelerators, and local corporates.

The program includes a pitch competition, after which selected startups receive up to ₹56.75 lakh in funding or in-kind support. It also offers co-working space, legal and regulatory guidance, and introductions to the wider Gulf ecosystem. The program is open to startups in sectors such as AI, fintech, healthtech, and clean tech.

Applications close on 30 August 2026. Startups must be incorporated in India or the UAE. The series is designed for ventures that are ready to scale internationally.

Before Applying

Several programmes in this round-up have specific eligibility constraints. The iDEX Open Challenge requires DPIIT recognition for startups and registration as an Indian venture. iCreate's funding routes may depend on MSME or DPIIT status, particularly for government schemes. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE cohort gives preference to startups based in eastern, north-eastern, or central India, even though it accepts other applicants. The UAE-India series requires incorporation in India or the UAE, and the NASSCOM deep-tech incubator expects early-stage teams with working prototypes.

Pay attention to deadlines and intake structure. Swanari TechSprint 4.0 closes on 15 August 2026 — today — so only last-minute submissions will count. The UAE-India series closes on 30 August, and iDEX on 30 September. Most other programmes accept applications on a rolling basis, but some — like ACE and Maruti NURTURE — run in fixed cohorts, which means early application matters. If you are targeting a specific programme, confirm whether it expects a prototype, a DPIIT number, or a country of incorporation before applying.