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

Ten active programs are currently open for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups across India, encompassing grants, seed funds, incubation programs, and competitions.

The funding landscape for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise sectors in India is supported by a mix of central and state government schemes, institutional incubation initiatives, and private venture funds, providing varied support from early-stage prototyping to market entry.

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Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs

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

iCreate's Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support provides funding and assistance for developing a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a product. As a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, iCreate offers access to various schemes from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.

The program offers up to ₹30,00,000 in funding. It also provides business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, incubation support, and connections with investors and industry. Hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus is available for selected startups.

Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program – IC IIT Patna (Incubation Centre IIT Patna)

The Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program – IC IIT Patna is the incubation program of the Incubation Centre at IIT Patna (IC IITP), designed to take innovative ideas from concept to market-ready startup. IIT Patna's incubation centre provides selected startups with access to world-class technical infrastructure, including prototyping labs, bioscience labs, and semiconductor fabrication facilities. It is one of the few incubators in Bihar with deep-tech lab access.

The program targets technology-driven startups across high-priority sectors, including AI/ML and IoT. Startups with scalable ideas in adjacent technology domains are also encouraged to apply. Funding amounts vary based on individual startup requirements and program evaluations.

NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM)

The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana, offers a subsidized zero-equity incubation program. It accelerates technology startups working in emerging domains such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence.

This incubation program focuses on providing infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration opportunities. Selected startups gain access to a subsidized co-working environment and advanced prototyping labs for product development and technical validation. The program also provides shared complimentary GPU access, enabling AI-focused startups to train and test computational models.

Soma Fellows (Soma)

Soma Fellows is a program by Soma, an investment firm with experience in building and investing in startups. Soma and the Ranadive family aim to be a primary resource for founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The firm is known for its global network and track record, having played a role in seeding over 30 unicorn companies across various technology sectors.

The program provides substantial, uncapped funding for startups, with initial investments reaching up to ₹18.6 crore. Soma Fellows offers capital and strategic guidance derived from years of direct involvement in startup growth and investment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures)

Pre Seed Fund is operated by Forum Ventures, a pre-seed fund for B2B technology startups, with a focus on B2B SaaS and AI companies. Forum Ventures, a venture capital firm, supports early-stage founders in the B2B software journey by providing hands-on support, strategic guidance, and industry expertise.

The fund provides up to ₹9,00,00,000 in investment to selected startups. This capital infusion helps founders drive innovation, validate their market fit, and build scalable solutions. Forum Ventures integrates startups into a supportive ecosystem. The fund accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) for early-stage startups. It focuses on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, but is open to startups offering services anywhere in India.

Focus domains include Mobility Convenience/Assistance, Tech in Mobility, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing, specifically process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, and GenAI. Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13 lakh, opportunities for a paid Proof of Concept (PoC), mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

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

The Scheme for Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (GRVP) is an annual award by the Government of Goa through the Department of Science & Technology & Waste Management (DS&T&WM), implemented by the Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC). It identifies and recognizes innovators/scientists who have implemented their ideas into innovations.

The GRVP is awarded each year to innovators/scientists who develop a product or process adopted or likely to be adopted in Goa. Three awards are given each financial year, one each in Innovation, Environment, and Societal Impact categories. Each award provides up to ₹2,00,000 in cash. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.

CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders (NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI)

The CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders is presented by the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI, a joint initiative with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and the Governments of Karnataka, Haryana, and Gujarat. This program targets deep-tech startups to develop advanced solutions for industrial problems.

The current challenge, in collaboration with a major port terminal operator, seeks AI-powered solutions for detecting foreign objects within deep vessel holds during coal unloading. Current operations lack visibility inside 18-19 meter deep vessel holds, where hidden debris can cause equipment damage and operational delays. Support varies based on project scope and is offered on a rolling basis.

iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX))

The iDEX Open Challenge is an initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within India's defence and aerospace sectors. It connects India's engineering talent with the nation's military needs, seeking advanced technological capabilities for national security.

The program targets next-generation engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas such as autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. It aims to nurture innovative ideas, technologies, and products contributing to India's military capabilities. The challenge offers up to ₹1,50,00,000. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

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

The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is an initiative fostering cross-border innovation between India and the UAE, anchored in the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This program targets high-potential Indian startups, providing opportunities to expand into the UAE and beyond.

This series deepens economic ties and collaboration in technology and business development. It facilitates market access, investment pathways, and strategic partnerships for Indian startups scaling globally. The program offers up to ₹56,75,000. The deadline for applications is 30 August 2026.

Before Applying

Applicants should note specific eligibility criteria. The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway targets startups at the proof-of-concept or prototype stage. Vision 2 Venture Incubation Program and NASSCOM CoE Gurugram focus on technology-driven startups, specifically including AI/ML and IoT. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 includes Enterprise & Manufacturing, computer vision, industrial IoT, and GenAI as key domains. For the Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar, eligibility is restricted to Goan innovators with solutions applicable within the state.

Potential applicants should observe deadlines carefully. The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 closes on 30 August 2026, requiring immediate action. The iDEX Open Challenge has a deadline of 30 September 2026. Most other programs, including iCreate Pro-Fund, Vision 2 Venture, NASSCOM CoE Gurugram, Soma Fellows, Pre Seed Fund, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar, and the NASSCOM CoE Innovation Challenge, maintain rolling deadlines, allowing for continuous submissions.