ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine
The ACE AI Accelerator by Invention Engine provides up to ₹90 lakhs in grants and intensive, hands-on support for early-stage AI and deeptech startups focused on global products.
- 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
The ACE accelerator, spearheaded by Invention Engine, is a meticulously designed, founder-centric program for early-stage AI and deeptech startups. It targets companies dedicated to developing globally relevant products, moving beyond mere demonstrations to deliver tangible customer value through robust problem understanding, swift execution, and disciplined product development. The program emphasizes a deep commitment to real-world impact.
Unlike conventional accelerator models, ACE integrates closely with founders, functioning as a co-founding partner over a six-month period. Participating startups benefit from direct, hands-on guidance provided by seasoned AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators. This comprehensive support spans critical business areas including product development, go-to-market strategies, talent acquisition, and fundraising preparation.
The accelerator's core mission is to assist founders in refining their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), iterating products based on authentic user feedback, launching targeted market entry strategies, and getting ready for institutional fundraising rounds. Selected teams are awarded founder-first capital of up to ₹90 lakhs, alongside unparalleled access to a global customer advisory board that includes experts from the US, Europe, and Singapore. To ensure profound, personalized engagement, only a very select cohort of startups is chosen for each program cycle.
Highlights
- Up to ₹90 lakhs in grant funding for early-stage AI and deeptech startups.
- Six-month high-touch accelerator with deep, personalized engagement.
- Targeting startups operational for 6-12 months with an MVP and early users.
- Hands-on support from AI researchers and global operators.
- Access to a global customer advisory board.
- Open to founders willing to relocate to Delhi NCR for the program duration.
Who can apply
The ACE AI Accelerator is designed for specific types of startups and founders:
- The applying startup must be an AI or deeptech-focused company actively developing a significant product.
- Typically, the startup should have been operational for a period of 6 to 12 months.
- Applicants are required to possess a working product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP), ideally demonstrating engagement with early users.
- Founders must exhibit a strong willingness to commit fully to the six-month, high-intensity accelerator program.
- Teams should be amenable to relocating to Delhi NCR for the majority of the program's duration.
- Preference is given to founders who have prior experience within product-based companies or who possess robust technical backgrounds.
- College founders are welcome to apply, provided they already have a functional product.
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
Participants in the ACE AI Accelerator receive comprehensive support and financial backing:
- Up to ₹90 lakhs in founder-first capital is provided as a grant.
- Startups engage in a six-month, high-touch accelerator program.
- Recipients benefit from hands-on support delivered by expert AI researchers and global operators, covering crucial areas such as product strategy, go-to-market execution, hiring processes, and fundraising preparation.
- The program offers dedicated assistance to help founders sharpen their Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), iterate products effectively through user feedback, launch focused go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and meticulously prepare for institutional fundraising.
- Access is granted to a global customer advisory board, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
- The accelerator ensures deep, personalized engagement for each selected startup, fostering tailored growth and development.
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.
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
What is the maximum funding available through the ACE AI Accelerator?
The ACE AI Accelerator offers up to ₹90 lakhs in founder-first capital to selected startups.
Is the funding provided through the ACE program a grant or an equity investment?
The funding provided by the ACE program is a grant, meaning it is non-dilutive and does not require giving up equity in your startup.
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.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.