Future Founders
A programme by Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) (Ratan Tata Innovation Hub)
A six-week, in-person programme that takes founders from an idea to a prototype and a registered startup.
At a glance
| Best for | Andhra Pradesh student founders, research teams and early-stage startups |
|---|---|
| Stage | Idea – Prototype |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Format | In person |
| Run with | Academic institutions, RTIH mentors |
About Future Founders
Future Founders sits between an idea and formal incubation. It runs in person at an RTIH hub or spoke, with mentor checkpoints along the way, and leads into the Catalyst programme. It was not taking applications in September 2026.
What you get
- Mentor-led sprints
- Prototype support
- Customer validation
- A pathway to incubation through Catalyst
Who can apply
- Student founders, research teams and early-stage startups
- You must be a resident of Andhra Pradesh and a citizen of India
- You must attend the six weeks in person at an RTIH hub or spoke
- You are expected to register a startup by the end of the programme
How selection works: Submit → Screen → Build over six weeks → Showcase
How to apply: Apply through RTIH's online incubation form and pick your hub or spoke.
Where to apply
Other RTIH programmes
- SPARKA five-day bootcamp for idea-stage founders and first-time teams.
- Catalyst Incubation ProgramRTIH's incubation programme for startups that already have a prototype, MVP or proof of concept.
- Velocity LabsA hybrid programme that helps founders move quickly from ideas and assumptions to a tested product and business model.
- Sector cohortsSector programmes for startups in AVGC, climate, medtech, EV and mobility, food, fintech, agriculture, education and defence technology.
- InnoTribeRTIH's student programme, taking students at Andhra Pradesh institutions from first ideas to incubation readiness.
- Grassroot Innovation and Rural EntrepreneurshipSupport for village innovators and rural entrepreneurs through Rural Smart Village Centres.
- RTIH Innovation ChallengesProblem statements from Andhra Pradesh government departments, with pilots and possible government purchase for the best solutions.
- AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0A closed 2026 challenge for alternate energy solutions in cooking, mobility, agriculture and small businesses.
- AI-Based Early Childhood Development Innovation ChallengeA closed 2026 challenge for AI solutions in early childhood development, set by the state's Women Development and Child Welfare Department.
- Sunrise ConnectsA global network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and professionals of Telugu origin.