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

This September 2026, Indian AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups can access 10 active programs. These opportunities span grants, seed funds, incubation support, and innovation challenges. The funding landscape for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise in India includes government-backed schemes, institutional incubation programs, and sector-specific competitions. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, provide capital, and integrate startups into industry ecosystems.## Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding ||---|---|---|---|| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹30 lakh || NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program | Incubation | Rolling | Varies (subsidized) || Soma Fellows | Seed Fund | Rolling | Up to ₹18 crore || Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures) | Seed Fund | Rolling | Up to ₹9 crore || The Forum Accelerator | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹90 lakh || Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13 lakh || CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders | Competition | Rolling | Varies || iDEX Open Challenge | Competition | 30 September 2026 | Up to ₹1.5 crore || Startup League 2026 | Competition | 15 September 2026 | Up to ₹10 crore || MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 | Competition | 20 September 2026 | Up to ₹2 crore |## iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support provides funding support and assistance for developing a proof-of-concept or prototype into a product. iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, offers access to schemes from government institutions.The program supports startups with business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and incubation. It connects participants with investors, industry, and the startup ecosystem. Funding of up to ₹30,00,000 is available, and hostel accommodation at the iCreate campus is also provided. This program is suitable for early-stage AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups focused on product development.## NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM)The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program offers a subsidized zero-equity incubation program. It is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana through Hartron. The program accelerates technology startups working in IoT and Artificial Intelligence.This incubation program provides 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. Shared complimentary GPU access is available, supporting AI-focused startups in training and testing computational models.## Soma Fellows (Soma)Soma Fellows is a program by Soma, an investment firm that builds and invests in startups. Soma, along with the Ranadive family, supports founders through their entrepreneurial journey. The firm has a global network and has seeded over 30 unicorn companies across technology sectors. Soma Fellows provides strategic guidance based on direct involvement in startup growth and investment.The program offers uncapped funding for startups. Initial investments can reach up to ₹18.6 crore. This capital infusion assists founders in driving innovation and validating market fit.## Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures)Pre Seed Fund by Forum Ventures focuses on B2B technology startups, specifically B2B SaaS and AI companies. Forum Ventures aims to make the B2B software journey more accessible for early-stage founders. They provide hands-on support, strategic guidance, and industry expertise.The fund offers up to ₹9,00,00,000 in investment to selected startups. This capital helps founders with innovation, market validation, and building scalable B2B software solutions. The program integrates startups into a supportive ecosystem.## The Forum Accelerator (Forum Ventures)The Forum Accelerator is a B2B tech program from Forum Ventures, designed by experienced founders and operators for early-stage B2B software companies. The mission is to enhance the B2B software journey for portfolio companies. Forum Ventures acts as a fractional co-founder, providing guidance to help startups achieve traction and prepare for subsequent funding rounds.The program provides up to ₹90,00,000 in investment. Its focus on B2B SaaS addresses the specific challenges and opportunities in this sector, equipping founders with specialized knowledge and networks for enterprise sales and growth.## Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) for early-stage startups. While open nationally for services, it maintains a geographical focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India for startup registration.Focus domains include Tech in Mobility (ADAS, V2X, EV & EV infrastructure, autonomous mobility), Sustainability, Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing (process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, GenAI). Benefits include cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh, opportunities for paid Proof of Concept (PoC), mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem.## 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, an initiative with MeitY and the Governments of Karnataka, Haryana, and Gujarat. This challenge targets deep-tech startups to develop advanced solutions for industrial problems.The current challenge, in collaboration with a port terminal operator, addresses detecting foreign objects within deep vessel holds during coal unloading. Solutions must improve visibility and prevent equipment damage from hidden debris in 18-19 meter deep holds, offering a use case for AI and computer vision startups in enterprise solutions.## iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence)The iDEX Open Challenge is a flagship initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX. It fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in India's defence and aerospace sectors. The program bridges engineering talent with military needs, harnessing technological capabilities for national security.It targets next-generation engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas like autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. Through this challenge, iDEX identifies and nurtures ideas, technologies, and products for India's military. The deadline for this challenge is 30 September 2026, with funding up to ₹1,50,00,000 available.## Startup League 2026 (Startup Stairs)Startup League 2026 is India's DeepTech startup funding program, powered by Startup Stairs and backed by Startup Haryana, aligning with Startup India and DPIIT goals. It supports innovative Indian startups across DeepTech sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Drone Technology, PCB & Semiconductor, and Defence Technology.The program helps early to growth stage companies secure investment, foster connections with investors, and accelerate business trajectory. It brings together startups, venture capital firms, incubators, and corporate partners. The deadline for Startup League 2026 is 15 September 2026, with up to ₹10,00,00,000 in funding.## MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation)The MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026, from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, promotes innovation for sustainability and infrastructure challenges in MIDC's industrial estates. It invites students, startups, and independent innovators to propose ready-to-implement solutions.Focus areas include road maintenance, carbon emissions, wastewater management, green energy adoption, and leveraging AI for smarter industrial infrastructure. The goal is to transform MIDC industrial estates into sustainable and efficient hubs. The deadline for this challenge is 20 September 2026, with up to ₹2,00,00,000 available.## Before ApplyingProspective applicants should review specific eligibility criteria. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4, while open nationally for services, maintains a geographical focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India for startup registration. Forum Ventures' programs (Pre Seed Fund and The Forum Accelerator) specifically target B2B technology startups, with a pronounced focus on B2B SaaS and AI companies. Additionally, the iDEX Open Challenge invites next-generation engineers, startups, and MSMEs to address defence and aerospace needs.Attention to deadlines is important for several programs in September 2026. The Startup League 2026 closes on September 15, the MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 on September 20, and the iDEX Open Challenge on September 30. Other programs, such as those from iCreate, NASSCOM CoE, Soma Fellows, and Forum Ventures, operate on a rolling application basis, allowing for continuous submissions without a fixed end date.