LiftOff Acceleration Program – Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation
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Wadhwani Foundation is a global non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Romesh Wadhwani. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, the foundation operates across more than 30 countries with a mission to accelerate economic development by driving large-scale job creation through…
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Selection Process
Applications submitted via the Wadhwani Foundation portal are reviewed on startup stage, traction, and current fundraising readiness gaps. Shortlisted founders go through a further evaluation before being accepted into the 12-week program. Selected startups receive structured fundraising readiness support, mentoring from IAN mentors, and investor introductions.
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
Submit on the official portal
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Follow up
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Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
LiftOff is designed for MVP-stage startups with traction — early users, initial revenue, or validated demand. It is most relevant if your primary gap is investor readiness rather than product development.
The programme does not disburse a cash grant or take equity. The primary financial opportunity is the final pitch to Indian Angel Network (IAN) at the end of the 14 weeks, which may lead to angel investment.
Seven sprint modules: business vision and roadmap, product and value proposition refinement, business model and financial planning, customer acquisition, growth and scaling, team building, and funding readiness including valuation and pitch preparation.
Quick Answer
14-week virtual accelerator for MVP-stage startups with traction , sprint execution, CXO mentorship, and a final pitch to Indian Angel Network.
LiftOff is a 14-week virtual acceleration programme built jointly by the Wadhwani Foundation and the Indian Angel Network (IAN), designed for MVP-stage startups that already have traction but need structured support to sharpen their fundraising readiness and investment narrative. The programme is built around practical execution rather than theory , founders go through weekly sprints that move them from business vision and roadmap clarity through product refinement, financial modelling, and customer acquisition strategy, culminating in a final pitch opportunity directly to IAN investors.
The curriculum is sequenced across seven core modules: business vision and roadmap development, product and value proposition refinement, business model validation and financial planning, customer acquisition strategy, growth and operational scaling, team building and hiring plans, and funding readiness including valuation and pitch preparation. Each module is supported by sprint reviews, pitch practice sessions, and direct interactions with mentors and investors throughout the 14 weeks.
A key differentiator is the IAN pitch at the end of the programme. Indian Angel Network is one of India's largest and most active angel investor networks, and direct access to IAN's investment committee for a final pitch , having already been coached and prepared through the programme , is a meaningful opportunity for startups at the pre-Series A stage.
Beyond the final pitch, participants get access to CXO mentor clinics, a global mentor network, consultant and service provider connects, masterclasses, case studies, and fireside chats with investors and operators. Startup baselining and goal-setting workshops at the start of the programme help founders identify their specific gaps before the sprint cycle begins.
LiftOff is particularly relevant for founders whose primary gap is investor readiness rather than product development , specifically those who have product-market fit signals but struggle with financial storytelling, positioning, or pitch clarity. The programme does not disburse a direct cash grant; its value is in structuring the path to equity investment through IAN and the wider angel ecosystem.
What You Get
LiftOff does not disburse a direct cash grant or take equity through the programme. The primary financial opportunity is the final pitch to Indian Angel Network (IAN) at the end of the 14-week programme, giving selected startups direct access to IAN's investor network for potential early-stage investment.
Selected startups pitch directly to the Indian Angel Network (IAN) investment team at the end of the programme. IAN is one of India's largest angel investor networks.
The programme is fully virtual, running over 14 weeks with weekly sprints, mentor clinics, and pitch sessions conducted online.
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