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

Indian startups operating in the Artificial Intelligence, Software-as-a-Service, and Enterprise technology sectors currently have access to 10 active funding and support programs. These opportunities include direct grants, seed investments, comprehensive incubation programs, and innovation challenges.

The funding landscape for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise ventures in India is characterized by a mix of government-backed schemes, institutional incubation initiatives, and corporate-sponsored competitions. These programs aim to provide capital, infrastructure, and strategic guidance to early and growth-stage technology companies, facilitating product development and market entry.

Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs

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

iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support serves as a pathway for startups to secure funding and assistance for developing a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a market-ready product. iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, connects startups with various schemes from government institutions at both central and state levels.

The program offers support encompassing business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping facilities and digital innovation labs, and direct incubation services. It also facilitates connections with investors, industry leaders, and the broader startup ecosystem. Startups accepted into the program may also access hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus. Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis.

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

The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program provides a subsidized incubation environment for technology startups focused on IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana through Hartron, this program emphasizes ecosystem access and enterprise integration over direct grant capital.

Selected startups benefit from a subsidized co-working space and advanced prototyping labs, which assist in product development and technical validation. The program also provides shared GPU access, a resource for AI-focused startups training and testing computational models. This is a rolling application program.

Soma Fellows (Soma)

Soma Fellows is a program by Soma, an investment firm with experience in building and funding startups. Soma, in collaboration with the Ranadive family, supports founders across their entrepreneurial journey, leveraging a global network and a history of seeding over 30 unicorn companies in technology sectors.

The program offers investment, with initial amounts potentially reaching up to ₹18,00,00,000. Beyond capital, Soma Fellows provides strategic guidance derived from direct involvement in startup growth and investment. The program operates with a rolling application process.

Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures)

Pre Seed Fund from Forum Ventures focuses on B2B technology startups, specifically B2B SaaS and AI companies. Forum Ventures aims to support early-stage founders by providing hands-on assistance, strategic advice, and industry knowledge, recognizing the importance of initial development stages for long-term success.

This fund offers up to ₹9,00,00,000 in investment to selected startups. This capital infusion supports innovation, market validation, and product development. Forum Ventures integrates startups into a supportive ecosystem. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Forum Accelerator (Forum Ventures)

The Forum Accelerator by Forum Ventures is a B2B technology program designed for early-stage B2B software companies. Developed by experienced founders and operators, its purpose is to enhance the B2B software journey for its portfolio companies through a tailored support system.

Forum Ventures operates as a fractional co-founder, providing guidance to help startups achieve traction and prepare for subsequent funding rounds. The program focuses on B2B SaaS, offering founders specialized knowledge and networks relevant for enterprise sales and growth. This accelerator also has a rolling application intake.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP)

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation program for early-stage startups, a joint initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). While primarily focused on eastern, north-eastern, and central India, it is open to startups offering services across India.

The program targets specific domains, including Mobility Convenience/Assistance, Tech in Mobility (such as ADAS, V2X, EV & EV infrastructure, autonomous mobility), Sustainability, Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing (encompassing process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, and Generative AI). Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000, opportunities for paid Proof of Concept (PoC) development, mentorship from industry experts, and access to Maruti Suzuki’s ecosystem. Applications are rolling.

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. This initiative, supported by MeitY and the Governments of Karnataka, Haryana, and Gujarat, invites deep-tech startups to develop solutions for industrial problems.

The current challenge, developed with a major port terminal operator, aims to solve the issue of foreign object detection within deep vessel holds during coal unloading. Startups are tasked with creating advanced solutions to mitigate equipment damage and operational costs caused by hidden debris. The challenge features a rolling application process, with varying awards.

iDEX Open Challenge (iDEX)

The iDEX Open Challenge, a program by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX, supports innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s defence and aerospace sectors. It connects engineering talent with military needs, focusing on advanced technological capabilities for national security.

The program targets engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in areas such as autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines. Through this challenge, iDEX seeks to identify and nurture innovative ideas and products that contribute to India's military capabilities. The deadline for this challenge is 30 September 2026, offering up to ₹1,50,00,000 in funding.

Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program (NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore)

The Maruti Suzuki - NSRCEL Mobility Incubation Program is a 6-month initiative from NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore’s innovation hub, in partnership with Maruti Suzuki India Limited. It aims to accelerate technology and mobility startups transforming the automotive sector.

The program targets ventures beyond the ideation stage, specifically those with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or paid pilot, up to companies focused on growth and scale. It fosters innovation in areas such as electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, data analytics, sustainable manufacturing, connected cars, IoT, AI, and machine learning. Startups can receive up to ₹1,00,00,000. Applications are rolling.

Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program (Social Alpha)

The Social Alpha SpIN SpaceTech Innovation Program is an initiative by Social Alpha, supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It functions as a lab-to-market platform for SpaceTech entrepreneurs and startups in India.

The program addresses the application of space science and technology across various sectors, including aviation, maritime and land transportation, urban planning, mapping, disaster management, food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management. SpIN provides a support ecosystem that includes access to labs, mentorship, and funding, facilitating innovation from the grassroots level. This program features a rolling application deadline and offers varying amounts of funding.

Before Applying

Startups should carefully review program-specific eligibility requirements. For instance, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4, while broadly open, identifies specific regional focuses. Programs like NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI and Forum Ventures’ offerings specifically target deep-tech, AI, or B2B SaaS applications, requiring a clear alignment with these technical domains. Similarly, iDEX Open Challenge mandates relevance to the defence and aerospace sectors, including intelligent machines and predictive algorithms.

Applicants should note the varied intake schedules for these programs. The iDEX Open Challenge has a firm deadline of 30 September 2026, requiring prompt submission. Most other programs, including those from iCreate, NASSCOM CoE, Soma, Forum Ventures, Maruti Suzuki NURTURE, and Social Alpha SpIN, operate on a rolling application basis, allowing submissions throughout the year. However, even with rolling deadlines, early application can be beneficial for cohort-based programs.