Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India
A three-week high-intensity residency for AI founders to build global companies from day zero, with up to ₹4Cr fast-tracked investment.
- Funding amount
- ₹4Cr (equity)
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- Antler India (VC/Investor)
- Application deadline
- Closed (19 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition is a three-week, high-intensity program for ambitious founders building AI-native or AI-first startups. It is designed for founders who want to move rapidly from idea to launch, forming strong teams, validating their concept, and securing pre-seed funding within weeks. The program culminates in a fast-tracked investment decision, offering selected startups up to ₹4 crore in exchange for equity.
Participants gain access to deep operator support, mentorship from experienced global AI founders and investors, and Antler's vast network spanning over 27 countries. The residency also provides AI-focused perks, including guaranteed Azure credits and post-investment access to Antler's US market expansion and follow-on capital programs. This edition is tailored for those with ambitions to build category-defining companies for global markets.
Highlights
- Three-week high-intensity residency for AI-native or AI-first startups at day zero, idea, or early product stage.
- Fast-tracked investment decision with up to ₹4 crore in pre-seed funding for 11% equity.
- Access to Antler's global network spanning 27+ countries and mentorship from experienced AI founders and investors.
- Guaranteed Azure credits and post-investment support for US market expansion and follow-on capital.
- Designed for founders building globally scalable, category-defining AI companies.
- Application deadline: February 19, 2026.
Who can apply
The program is open to ambitious founders or founding teams building AI-native or AI-first startups. Startups can be at day zero, idea, or very early product stage. Founders must commit to full-time participation during the three-week residency and demonstrate potential to build a globally scalable AI company. They should be open to equity-based investment and long-term venture-scale growth, and willing to actively engage with Antler's mentors, operators, and investor network.
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.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
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.
What the funding covers
- Up to ₹4 crore in pre-seed investment in exchange for equity (specifically 11% equity as per the application process)
- Fast-tracked investment decision within weeks
- Guaranteed Azure credits
- Access to Antler's global network spanning over 27 countries
- Mentorship from experienced global AI founders and investors
- Post-investment support for US market expansion and follow-on capital programs
About the provider
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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
- Online Application: Founders submit an application through the official Antler India AI Residency page.
- Evaluation: Applicants are assessed based on founder potential, ambition, and the AI-first startup idea.
- Interview: Shortlisted founders are interviewed by the Antler investment and residency team.
- Residency Invitation: Selected founders join the three-week high-intensity AI Residency program.
- During Residency: Founders work on idea validation, product direction, and team formation.
- Investment Decision: At the end of the residency, startups are reviewed for a fast-tracked investment decision. Selected startups may receive an offer of ₹4 crore for 11% equity.
Documents you’ll need
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.
Who this is best for
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.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Antler India AI Residency offer?
The program offers up to ₹4 crore in pre-seed investment in exchange for equity. Specifically, selected startups receive ₹4 crore for 11% equity.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2nd Edition is February 19, 2026.
What stage does my startup need to be at?
The program is open to startups at day zero, idea, or very early product stage.
Is there any sector or industry restriction?
The program is focused on AI-native or AI-first startups with ambitions to build globally scalable companies. Any industry where AI is core to the business is eligible.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
The program does not require DPIIT or MSME registration based on the provided information.
Does the program take equity?
Yes, it is an equity-based investment. Selected startups receive ₹4 crore for 11% equity.
What documents or information do I need to apply?
The application process requires you to submit an online application detailing your founder potential, ambition, and AI-first startup idea. Specific documents are not listed, but you should be prepared to discuss your idea, team, and vision.
How do I apply?
Interested founders must submit an online application through the official Antler India AI Residency page at the URL provided in the program details.
What happens during the three-week residency?
During the residency, founders work on idea validation, product direction, and team formation. They receive mentorship, operator support, and access to Antler's network. At the end, startups are reviewed for a fast-tracked investment decision.
Can I apply as a solo founder or do I need a team?
Both solo founders and founding teams are welcome. The program also helps with team formation during the residency.
Who is eligible to apply for Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India?
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.
Who offers Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India?
Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India is offered by Antler India, a venture-capital firm. It is provided as an investment.
Alternatives to Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India
Not sure Antler India AI Residency – 2nd Edition by Antler India is the right fit, or already applied? These are other equity open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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