AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint

The AP Build Grant is the funding component of the Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint, managed by the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) under the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The program targets prototype-stage startups and MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh that face a real operational bottleneck and want to develop a working AI prototype to solve it. Selected teams receive ₹3–5 lakh in grant support to cover building, testing, and validating their prototype. The grant is intended for ventures that are beyond pure ideation and need resources to put a functional product into users' hands.

The grant is paired with a 4-week intensive hybrid sprint that includes virtual sessions and in-person participation at RTIH's central hub in Amaravati or one of its regional spoke centres in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, or Anantapur. The sprint focuses on execution: domain mentors, technical builders, and AI experts guide founders from a defined bottleneck to a deployable AI prototype within the four weeks.

Priority sectors include AI, HealthTech, Agritech, ClimateTech, DeepTech, Manufacturing, Mobility, EdTech, Drones, and Rural Innovation. The program favours teams whose AI use-case addresses a measurable operational problem rather than a generic "AI for X" concept. Eligible ventures are Andhra Pradesh-based startups and MSMEs at the idea, pre-prototype, or MVP/beta-testing stage. Teams with a clear bottleneck statement, a small technical core, and the ability to commit four weeks to focused execution are best suited for this program.

• ₹3–5 lakh grant support
• 4-week intensive AI prototype sprint
• Hybrid format — virtual + RTIH hubs/spokes across AP
• Backed by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (RTIH)
• Sector-agnostic across 10 deep-tech verticals

This grant is open to startups and MSMEs that are based in Andhra Pradesh and working on technology-driven innovations in AI, HealthTech, Agritech, ClimateTech, DeepTech, Manufacturing, Mobility, EdTech, Drones, or Rural Innovation. Your venture should be at the prototype, pre-prototype, or MVP stage as determined by the application form. You must have a clear operational bottleneck that an AI prototype can address. Your team must be available for the entire 4-week hybrid sprint, which involves both virtual sessions and in-person attendance at RTIH's central hub in Amaravati or one of its regional spoke centres in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, or Anantapur. Eligible entity types include private limited companies, LLPs, partnerships, and proprietorships. DPIIT registration is not required, and MSME registration is also not mandatory.

AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in ai saas enterprise, health pharma biotech, agri food rural and climate energy ev. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Andhra Pradesh. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.

The most recent application window for AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint closed on 14 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• ₹3–5 lakh equity-free grant to cover the cost of building, testing, and validating your AI prototype.
• 4-week intensive AI sprint with hands-on mentor support from domain experts, technical builders, and AI specialists.
• Access to RTIH's infrastructure including the central hub in Amaravati and five regional spoke centres (Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Anantapur) for in-person collaboration.
• Exposure to RTIH's broader incubation pipeline such as Catalyst Incubation and Future Founders, offering further growth opportunities.
• A working AI prototype at the end of the sprint, ready for deployment or user testing.

AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint is offered by Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed by the RTIH Build with AI team based on three criteria: clarity of the operational bottleneck you aim to solve, feasibility of solving it using an AI prototype within four weeks, and your team's ability to execute the sprint. Shortlisted applicants may receive a clarification call to discuss their problem statement further before the final cohort selection. The process includes the following stages: 1. Online Application, 2. Application Screening, 3. Clarification Call (Optional), 4. Cohort Selection, and 5. 4-Week Prototype Sprint.

Before you apply to AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint is best suited for idea and product-stage ai saas enterprise, health pharma biotech and agri food rural startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹3L – ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.