AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint

The AP Build Grant is a key component of the "Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint," an initiative by the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) under the Government of Andhra Pradesh. This program is designed to support prototype-stage startups and MSMEs within Andhra Pradesh that are tackling operational hurdles and seek to develop an AI prototype to address these issues.

The grant offers between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh in funding. This capital is specifically allocated to cover expenses related to the development, testing, and validation of an AI prototype, helping teams advance beyond initial concepts to create a functional product for users.

This funding is paired with an intensive four-week hybrid program. It combines virtual sessions with mandatory in-person activities at RTIH's main hub in Amaravati, as well as its regional centers located in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Anantapur. The sprint emphasizes practical implementation, connecting founders with experienced domain mentors, technical experts, and AI specialists. The goal is to transform a defined problem into a deployable AI prototype within the program's duration.

Key sectors targeted by this program include:

• AI
• HealthTech
• Agritech
• ClimateTech
• DeepTech
• Manufacturing
• Mobility
• EdTech
• Drones
• Rural Innovation

The program prioritizes teams with specific, measurable operational problems that are well-suited for an AI solution, rather than broad AI concepts. It is ideal for Andhra Pradesh-based startups and MSMEs ranging from the idea/pre-prototype stage to MVP/beta-testing, particularly those with a clear problem statement, a small technical team, and the availability to commit fully for the four-week execution period.

• Equity-free grant: ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
• Intensive 4-week AI prototype development sprint.
• Hybrid program across RTIH hubs in Andhra Pradesh.
• Supported by Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH).
• Focus on 10 deep-tech sectors, including AI, HealthTech, Agritech.

The AP Build Grant is open to:

• Startups and MSMEs based in Andhra Pradesh.
• Entities at the idea, pre-prototype, or MVP stage.
• Teams operating in sectors including AI, HealthTech, Agritech, ClimateTech, DeepTech, Manufacturing, Mobility, EdTech, Drones, and Rural Innovation.
• Applicants must have a clearly defined operational problem that can be addressed by developing an AI prototype.
• The applying team must be available to fully participate in the entire four-week hybrid sprint program.

Participants in the AP Build Grant program receive several key benefits:

• An intensive four-week AI sprint providing dedicated mentorship and expert guidance.
• Access to RTIH's central hub in Amaravati, along with its five regional centers in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Anantapur.
• Exposure to RTIH's broader incubation ecosystem, including programs like Catalyst Incubation and Future Founders.
• The ultimate outcome is the successful development of a functional AI prototype.

The RTIH Build with AI team assesses applications based on three main criteria:

• The clarity and definition of the identified operational problem.
• The feasibility of developing an AI prototype to resolve this problem within the four-week program duration.
• The applying team's demonstrated capability for execution.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or requested to provide further details on their problem statement before final acceptance into the sprint cohort.