Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India

The Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition is a highly focused, three-week program specifically crafted for ambitious founders in the artificial intelligence sector. It aims to provide a rapid pathway for these founders to establish and launch globally-oriented AI companies right from their inception.

This residency is structured to enable participants to move with exceptional speed, validate their AI startup concepts, assemble robust founding teams, and secure crucial pre-seed funding within a matter of weeks. The program culminates in an expedited investment decision, presenting selected startups with the opportunity to receive an investment of up to ₹4 crore in exchange for an equity stake.

Participants gain access to extensive operational support and invaluable mentorship from seasoned global AI founders and investors. They also benefit from a powerful global network facilitated by Antler, which spans over 27 countries. Furthermore, the residency offers significant AI-specific advantages, including guaranteed Azure credits and, post-investment, access to Antler's programs for US market expansion and securing follow-on capital.

The program is ideally suited for startups that are inherently AI-native or AI-first, possessing the ambition to develop category-defining companies intended for international markets.

• Intensive three-week residency for AI founders.
• Opportunity for up to ₹4 crore pre-seed equity investment.
• Designed for AI-native or AI-first startups at day zero or idea stage.
• Access to global mentorship, operator support, and Antler's network.
• Includes guaranteed Azure credits and US market expansion support.
• Focus on building globally scalable AI companies.

To be considered for the Antler India AI Residency, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• The applicant must be an ambitious founder or a founding team actively developing an AI-native or AI-first startup.
• The startup can be at the day zero, idea, or very early product stage.
• Founders are required to commit to full-time participation throughout the three-week residency period.
• The startup should demonstrate strong potential for building a globally scalable AI company.
• Founders must be open to an equity-based investment model and committed to achieving long-term, venture-scale growth.
• The startup should be willing to engage actively with Antler's network of mentors, operators, and investors.

Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India closed on 19 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the Antler India AI Residency program can expect comprehensive support designed to accelerate their startup's growth:

• Pre-seed Investment: Selected startups have the opportunity to receive an investment of up to ₹4 crore in exchange for an equity stake.
• Operational Support: Access to deep operator support from experienced professionals.
• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from seasoned global AI founders and investors.
• Global Network: Connection to Antler's powerful global network, spanning over 27 countries.
• AI-Specific Perks: Guaranteed Azure credits to support AI development.
• Market Expansion: Post-investment access to Antler's programs for US market expansion.
• Follow-on Capital: Support in securing additional funding through Antler's follow-on capital programs.

Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India is offered by Antler India, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by Antler India as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the Antler India AI Residency is structured to identify high-potential AI founders and startups:

• Online Application: Interested founders are required to submit an online application through the official Antler India AI Residency application page.
• Initial Evaluation: Applicants are assessed primarily on their founder potential, level of ambition, and the strength of their AI-first startup idea.
• Interview Stage: Shortlisted founders will proceed to an interview with members of the Antler investment and residency team.
• Residency Invitation: Selected founders receive an invitation to join the intensive three-week AI Residency program.
• Residency Activities: During the residency, participants focus on critical activities such as idea validation, refining product direction, and forming strong teams.
• Investment Review: Towards the conclusion of the residency, startups undergo a review for a fast-tracked investment decision.
• Investment Offer: Startups that are successfully selected may receive an investment offer of ₹4 crore in exchange for 11% equity.

Before you apply to Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India, 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.

Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹4Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.