ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine
ACE $100k is a high-touch, founder-first accelerator for early-stage AI and deeptech startups, offering up to $100K in capital with six months of intensive support across product, GTM, hiring, and fundraising. Only a very small cohort is selected for deep engagement.
- Funding amount
- ₹90L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Invention Engine (Accelerator)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Run by Invention Engine, the ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator is built for early-stage AI and deeptech startups that want to create globally relevant products. The program stresses founder commitment, fast execution, and delivering real customer value rather than just demos. Unlike traditional accelerators, ACE acts like a co-founding partner, embedding deeply with each startup over six months. Startups get hands-on help from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators in product development, go-to-market strategy, hiring, and fundraising. They also sharpen their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), iterate using user feedback, run targeted GTM campaigns, and prepare for institutional fundraising. Selected teams receive up to $100,000 in founder-first capital and access to a global customer advisory board with members from the US, Europe, and Singapore. The cohort is deliberately kept very small to ensure personalized, intensive engagement.
Highlights
- Up to $100,000 in non-dilutive capital for AI and deeptech startups
- Six-month high-touch accelerator with hands-on co-founder-style support
- Access to a global customer advisory board spanning US, Europe, and Singapore
- Focus on early-stage startups with an MVP and initial users within 6–12 months of operation
- Requires relocation to Delhi NCR for most of the program duration
- Open to college founders if they already have a working product
Who can apply
The program is open to AI or deeptech startups that have been operational for about 6 to 12 months. You must have a working product or MVP, ideally with some early user traction. Teams must be deeply committed to a full-time, six-month high-intensity accelerator. Founders need to be willing to relocate to Delhi NCR for most of the program. Preference is given to founders with prior experience in product-based companies or strong technical backgrounds. Even college founders can apply if they already have a working product and show strong commitment.
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise and deeptech electronics robotics. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine 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
Participating startups receive up to $100,000 in founder-first capital as a grant (non-dilutive). Beyond funding, the accelerator provides six months of intensive support across product development, go-to-market strategy, hiring, and fundraising with hands-on involvement from AI researchers and global operators. Teams get help sharpening their ICP, iterating their product based on user feedback, executing focused GTM strategies, and preparing for the next fundraising round. All startups gain access to a global customer advisory board with members from the US, Europe, and Singapore. The engagement is deep and personalized due to the very small cohort size.
About the provider
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is offered by Invention Engine, a startup accelerator. It is delivered directly by Invention Engine as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are initially evaluated based on founder capability, depth of problem understanding, and product vision. Shortlisted teams may be invited for additional discussions, interviews, or roadshow interactions. Final selection is made for a very limited number of startups to ensure high-touch, personalized support throughout the six-month program. The evaluation team looks for founders who move beyond demos and focus on delivering real customer value.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine, 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
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is best suited for product and revenue-stage ai saas enterprise and deeptech electronics robotics startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹90L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding do startups receive under ACE?
Startups can receive up to ₹90L (equivalent to up to $100,000) in founder-first capital, which is provided as a grant without equity dilution.
What is the application deadline?
The program has a rolling admissions process, so there is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the cohort is filled.
What types of startups are eligible for this accelerator?
The program is designed for early-stage AI and deeptech startups that have an MVP, have been operational for 6–12 months, and preferably have some early users. Founders with a strong product background are preferred.
Can college students apply?
Yes, college founders are eligible to apply, but only if they have a working product already developed.
Where is the accelerator based, and must founders relocate?
The program is based in Delhi NCR. Founders must be willing to relocate to Delhi NCR for the majority of the six-month program.
Does the startup have to be registered as a particular entity type or have DPIIT/MSME registration?
There are no specific entity-type or DPIIT/MSME registration requirements mentioned in the program details. However, startups should be legally incorporated.
What format of support, other than capital, is provided?
Startups receive hands-on mentorship across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising, along with access to a global customer advisory board. The entire experience lasts six months with deep, personalized engagement.
Is equity taken in exchange for the funding?
The program offers a grant-based model. No mention of equity is made, so it is considered non-dilutive capital for selected startups.
Who is eligible to apply for ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine?
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in ai saas enterprise and deeptech electronics robotics. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine?
ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is offered by Invention Engine, a startup accelerator. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine
Not sure ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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