Unnati Se Pragati — Startup Acceleration (UNNATI AI 2.0)
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Quick Answer
Microsoft × FITT IIT Delhi zero-equity grant up to ₹30 lakh for AI startups ready to scale a local pilot nationally — IIT Delhi & Microsoft ecosystem, market validation and Demo Days.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- FITT, IIT Delhi
- Application deadline
- 25d — 30 Sept 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
Unnati Se Pragati (UNNATI AI 2.0) is a flagship initiative by FITT, IIT Delhi, supported through Microsoft's CSR program (Microsoft Elevate), dedicated to transforming AI innovation into meaningful societal impact.
The Startup Acceleration track — "Your Gateway to National Reach" — helps AI startups that have validated a local pilot secure zero-equity grant support of up to ₹30 lakh, institutional funding pathways, access to the IIT Delhi and Microsoft ecosystem, expert market validation, fundraising readiness, and high-impact Demo Days.
Building on Unnati AI First Edition (10 startups from 600+ applications; ~₹1,690 Cr portfolio valuation), Cohort 2 applications opened in July 2026, close in September 2026, with selected startups announced in October 2026. Knowledge partner: ISBA (Indian STEPs & Business Incubators Association).
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
FITT, IIT Delhi — Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) is the primary industry-academia interface of IIT Delhi. Established on 9 July 1992 as a registered society by the IIT Delhi Board of Governors, FITT…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected Startup Accelerator 2.0 startups receive a zero-equity grant of up to ₹30 lakh, plus access to institutional funding pathways, the IIT Delhi & Microsoft Elevate ecosystem, expert market validation, fundraising readiness support, and high-impact Demo Days — designed to turn a local AI pilot into a national-scale venture.
- Funding source
- CSR funded
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for UNNATI AI 2.0 Cohort 2 involves a multi-stage evaluation designed to identify promising AI innovations with high potential for national impact and scalability. Applications submitted by the September 2026 deadline will undergo a rigorous screening by a committee comprising experts from FITT, IIT Delhi, Microsoft, and other ecosystem partners. Shortlisted startups may be invited for further presentations or interviews to delve deeper into their technology, business model, team, and projected societal contributions. The final cohort announcement will be made in October 2026, initiating the onboarding of selected ventures into the accelerator program.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your comprehensive application through the official UNNATI AI 2.0 portal before the September 2026 deadline.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of UNNATI AI 2.0?
UNNATI AI 2.0 aims to transform AI innovations into meaningful societal impact by uniting startups, innovators, incubators, industry, academia, and government to accelerate the development, adoption, and deployment of AI solutions across India. It particularly focuses on fostering innovation for public good in critical sectors and empowering innovators from Tier-II and Tier-III regions.
Who is eligible to apply for the Startup Accelerator 2.0 track?
The Startup Accelerator 2.0 is designed for AI startups that have already validated their technology with real-world pilots and are ready to scale their solutions nationally. The program is particularly interested in ventures that can drive innovation across various industries for public good and are seeking corporate clients and funding to expand their reach across the country.
Is there any financial support provided to the selected startups?
Yes, UNNATI AI 2.0, supported by Microsoft's CSR program, provides funding to selected startups in the Accelerator track. While specific amounts are not detailed, the program aims to provide the necessary financial resources to help startups launch their businesses nationally and secure corporate clients, enabling them to turn local pilots into national success stories.
What kind of support can startups expect from the accelerator?
Startups in the accelerator receive multi-faceted support including funding, access to Microsoft's corporate client network, comprehensive mentorship from FITT's investment experts, and opportunities for strategic collaborations. They also benefit from capacity-building initiatives, specialized training, and access to the AI Maker Space, all designed to foster growth and enable deployment at scale.
Are there programs for individuals or other ecosystem players besides startups?
Yes, UNNATI AI 2.0 is an ecosystem with five interconnected programs. Besides the Startup Accelerator 2.0, it includes "The Next-Level Incubators Training" for incubator professionals, an "AI Developer Training Program" for individuals seeking AI certification, and a "From Hackathon to Company" track for aspiring founders to turn ideas into funded startups.
What is the application deadline for UNNATI AI 2.0?
The applications for UNNATI AI 2.0 Cohort 2 startups open in July 2026 and close in September 2026. Interested applicants should ensure their submissions are completed before the end of September 2026 for consideration in the upcoming cohort.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
