6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad
A six-month accelerator for early-stage tech social startups in India, offering up to ₹2L seed grant and deep tech ecosystem access.
- Funding amount
- ₹2L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC-IIITH Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The 6th Akash Acceleration Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation is a premier six-month accelerator tailored for early-stage, tech-based social startups in India. It focuses on ventures that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping founders refine their business models, strengthen technical capabilities, and build scalable, impact-driven enterprises. The program combines structured bootcamps, leadership development, dedicated mentorship, and access to IIIT Hyderabad's deep tech ecosystem—including research labs, technology expertise, and investor networks. Selected startups receive seed investment support up to ₹2L alongside extensive non-financial benefits, delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.
Highlights
- Flagship six-month accelerator by AIC – IIIT Hyderabad for SDG-aligned social startups.
- Startups receive seed grant support of up to ₹2L.
- Eligible for incorporated or unincorporated early-stage ventures in HealthTech, CleanTech, AgriTech, EdTech, FinTech, and more.
- Access to deep tech ecosystem: research labs, tech expertise, investor networks, and coaching.
- Program delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person bootcamps and mentoring sessions.
- No prior funding or revenue required to apply.
Who can apply
This program is open to early-stage, for-profit social startups based in India. Both incorporated and unincorporated entities can apply. Eligible sectors span Healthcare IT, HealthTech/MedTech, Sustainability, Environment, Waste Management, Clean Energy, AgriTech/Food Processing, EdTech, FinTech enablers, Social Innovation, Circular Economy, and other SDG-aligned domains. Startups should be at prototype, user, or paying customer stage—prior funding or revenue generation is not required, but neither is a disqualification.
6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive seed investment support of up to ₹2L as a grant. Beyond funding, the program provides extensive non-financial benefits: access to IIIT Hyderabad's research labs and technology expertise, mentorship from industry experts, investor network connections, ongoing business coaching, leadership development workshops, and a structured curriculum via bootcamps. Engagement is a blend of virtual and in-person activities.
About the provider
6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad is offered by AIC-IIITH Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC-IIITH Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to 6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Selected startups receive seed investment support of up to ₹2L (₹2 lakh) in the form of a grant.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is not specified in the provided information.
Who is eligible to apply?
Early-stage, for-profit social startups based in India in sectors like Healthcare IT, HealthTech/MedTech, Sustainability, Environment, Waste Management, Clean Energy, AgriTech/Food Processing, EdTech, FinTech enablers, Social Innovation, Circular Economy, or related SDG-aligned domains. Startups can be incorporated or unincorporated and must be at prototype, user, or paying customer stage.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
DPIIT or MSME registration is not explicitly required according to the provided details.
Does the program take equity?
This is a grant program, so no equity is taken. The seed investment is provided as a grant.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The specific documents are not listed, but applicants should generally be prepared to submit information about their startup, team, business model, and impact alignment. You will likely need a pitch deck or executive summary.
How and where do I apply?
Applications are submitted via the F6S platform. Visit https://www.f6s.com/6th-akash-acceleration-program/about to start your application.
What is the program duration?
The Akash Acceleration Program runs for six months.
Is prior funding or revenue required?
No, startups can apply even if they have not raised prior funding or generated revenue yet.
Is the program virtual or in-person?
The program is delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person engagement, combining online activities and physical presence at IIIT Hyderabad.
Who offers 6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad?
6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad is offered by AIC-IIITH Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for 6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
More funding from AIC-IIITH Foundation
AIC-IIITH Foundation runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to 6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad
Not sure 6th Akash Acceleration Program at AIC - IIIT Hyderabad is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.