AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect
A 24-week accelerator for 4-6 AI fintech startups offering up to ₹3cr investment and fast-track term sheets.
- Funding amount
- ₹3Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SanchiConnect (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Closed (16 Dec 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is a 24-week intensive program co-launched with ThinKuvate. It aims to support 4-6 selected startups building AI-driven fintech solutions by providing an upfront investment of INR 2-3 Crore per startup. The program focuses on accelerating growth through Go-to-Market strategies, partner connections, pilot opportunities, and an offshore global demo day. Unlike many grant programs, this accelerator offers a term-sheet sign-off within 30-45 days for selected startups, along with one-on-one sessions with industry leaders, seasoned founders, and functional experts. Startups from India and South-East Asia with plans to expand globally are encouraged to apply.
Highlights
- 24-week accelerator program by SanchiConnect and ThinKuvate.
- Upfront investment of ₹2-3 Crore per selected startup.
- Supports 4-6 startups per cohort.
- Term-sheet sign-off within 30-45 days.
- Open to startups in India and South-East Asia.
- Focus on AI-driven fintech solutions in 15+ sub-domains.
Who can apply
To be eligible, startups must be at the Proof of Concept (PoC) or early revenue stage with a clear roadmap to commercialization. They should be building AI-powered fintech solutions and have a strong technical team and product expertise. The startup must address a significant market opportunity and have a clear competitive advantage. Startups should be incorporated in India or South-East Asia and plan to expand into multiple markets (India, SEA, Global). They must also be able to meet compliance requirements across jurisdictions. The accelerator supports a wide range of fintech sub-domains such as Money Movement, Consumer Banking & Lending, BNPL, Commerce Enablers, CFO Suite, Risk & Identity, Embedded Finance, Social & Business Finance, Inclusive Lending, Fraud Detection, Supply Chain Finance, Insurance Tech, RegTech, Open Banking, and emerging domains aligned with ONDC.
AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect 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
The most recent application window for AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect closed on 16 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive an upfront investment of ₹2-3 Crore in the form of a grant. Additionally, the program provides:
- Access to Go-to-Market strategies and partner connects.
- Pilot opportunities with industry players.
- Participation in an offshore global demo day.
- One-on-one sessions with industry leaders, seasoned founders, and functional experts.
- Term-sheet sign-off within 30-45 days.
- Intensive workshops, expert mentoring, and growth-focused business support.
About the provider
AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is offered by SanchiConnect, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by SanchiConnect 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
The selection process involves six stages:
- Submit Application (15 mins): Complete the online form with startup details, team info, and product description. Required: clarity of the use case/problem statement, market research, and idea/MVP exhibition.
- Initial Screening (2-3 weeks): The team reviews applications and shortlists candidates based on innovation, team, and market potential. Requirements: technical feasibility, market opportunity, and team capability.
- Pitch Presentation (2-3 weeks): Present to the selection committee via video or in-person. Submit a 10-slide pitch deck, product demo, and business model clarity.
- Termsheet & Due Diligence (4-6 weeks): Deep dive into technology, market validation, team background, and growth potential. This includes releasing a tentative cohort list, term sheet sign-off with NDA, financial and legal due diligence, followed by SHA/SSA signing.
- Onboarding & Physical Bootcamp (3-5 days): Final selection committee meeting and notification. Includes expectation setting, team building, investor meet-ups, workshops, and networking.
- Acceleration (11 weeks & ongoing support): Intensive workshops, expert mentoring, and growth-focused support including an opportunity calendar, visibility, and business network expansion.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect, 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
AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the accelerator offer?
Selected startups receive an upfront investment of ₹2-3 Crore as a grant.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is December 16, 2025.
Are there any fees or equity dilution?
This is a grant program, so no equity is taken. However, it is an accelerator program with investment, so startups should be prepared to give up equity based on the term sheet and investment agreement.
Which stages of startups are eligible?
Startups at the Proof of Concept (PoC) or early revenue stage are eligible.
Can startups from outside India apply?
Yes, startups incorporated in India or South-East Asia are eligible, provided they plan to expand into multiple markets.
What types of fintech solutions are supported?
The program covers diverse sub-domains including Money Movement, Consumer Banking & Lending, BNPL, Commerce Enablers, CFO Suite, Risk & Identity, Embedded Finance, Social & Business Finance, Inclusive Lending, Fraud Detection, Supply Chain Finance, Insurance Tech, RegTech, Open Banking, and emerging domains aligned with ONDC.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement.
How long is the selection process?
The selection and onboarding process spans approximately 10-14 weeks: 2-3 weeks for initial screening, 2-3 weeks for pitch presentation, 4-6 weeks for term sheet and due diligence, and 3-5 days for physical bootcamp.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need a completed application form, a 10-slide pitch deck, a product demo, and clarity on business model, use case, market research, and idea/MVP. You should also have information about your team and product.
Where and how do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the SanchiConnect website at https://sanchiconnect.com/pulse-program/.
Who is eligible to apply for AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect?
AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect?
AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is offered by SanchiConnect, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect
Not sure AI for Fintech Accelerator by SanchiConnect is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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