Samvardhan Design Accelerator 3.0
By PIEDS
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
A 6-month deeptech accelerator by PIEDS & Studio Carbon, offering up to ₹15 lakhs equity funding for climate and health startups.
About this funding program
The Samvardhan Design Accelerator (SDA) is a specialized 6-month physical product accelerator designed to identify and nurture promising deeptech startups. Operated jointly by PIEDS and Studio Carbon, this third cohort focuses on innovative solutions in the critical sectors of climate and health. The program aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking ideas and market readiness by providing a comprehensive support system.
SDA 3.0 offers a unique blend of technical expertise, design thinking, and strategic market access. Startups will benefit from financial investment coupled with intensive mentorship, hands-on design consultation, and access to crucial prototyping and manufacturing facilities. The program is structured to accelerate product development, refine business models, and prepare startups for successful market entry through a blend of bootcamps, curated sessions, and investor networking. This initiative is particularly beneficial for founders who are developing physical products and require a strong emphasis on industrial design, user experience, and go-to-market strategy.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) is the Technology Business Incubator of BITS Pilani, an autonomous not-for-profit society registered in 2013 under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act. It is based at the Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Center on the…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹15 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected startups will receive up to ₹15 lakhs in equity funding in exchange for a 2% stake in the company (1% each to PIEDS and Studio Carbon). Beyond capital, the 6-month accelerator provides extensive support including a dedicated 1-week bootcamp at Studio Carbon in Gandhinagar, 100 hours of specialized design consultation, access to state-of-the-art prototyping facilities, and vendor connects for manufacturing. PIEDS contributes mentorship from investors, industry experts, and successful founders, alongside curated sessions on Intellectual Property (IP), regulatory compliance, and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The program culminates in a Demo Day, offering startups a platform to present to potential investors and partners.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 6 months
- Cohort size
- 4 startups
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Samvardhan Design Accelerator 3.0 typically involves a multi-stage evaluation. Applications will first be screened based on the submitted information and pitch deck, focusing on the startup's deeptech innovation, relevance to climate or health sectors, and potential for impact. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further assessments, which could include interviews or a detailed presentation to a selection committee composed of representatives from PIEDS, Studio Carbon, and industry experts. The final cohort of 4 startups will be selected based on their alignment with the program's objectives, the strength of their team, the feasibility and scalability of their solution, and their willingness to commit to the program's equity terms.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application form and pitch deck via the provided online portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Samvardhan Design Accelerator (SDA) 3.0?
SDA 3.0 is a 6-month physical product accelerator jointly run by PIEDS and Studio Carbon. It aims to support deeptech startups in the climate and health sectors, helping them develop their ideas into market-ready products through funding and comprehensive support.
What kind of funding does SDA 3.0 offer?
The accelerator offers up to ₹15 lakhs in equity funding for a 2% equity stake in your startup (1% to PIEDS and 1% to Studio Carbon).
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is open to deeptech startups in climate and health. Applicants must be registered as a Private Limited Company or be willing to incorporate as one if selected. Startups at various stages from Idea to Revenue Generating are welcome.
Are startups with prior funding eligible to apply?
Yes, startups with no prior funding (bootstrapped) or those that have received less than ₹20 lakhs in funding are eligible. The application form collects information about funding received so far.
What kind of support does Studio Carbon bring to the program?
Studio Carbon provides expertise in Industrial Design, Brand Strategy & UI/UX Design. This includes a 1-week focused bootcamp, 100 hours of design consultation, access to prototyping facilities, and guidance on manufacturing with vendor connects.
What kind of support does PIEDS bring to the program?
PIEDS offers up to ₹15 lakhs in funding, a bootcamp at BITS Campus, mentorship from investors, industry experts, and successful founders, curated sessions on IP & Regulatory & GTM, and a Demo Day.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
