INDIA Deepspark 2026 — Up to ₹9.5 Cr Equity for Deep Tech Startups — Frequently Asked Questions

It is the flagship programme run by Aum Ventures for early-stage Indian deep tech companies. It combines a pre-seed equity investment with strategic guidance, mentorship and access to a global network, with the goal of helping breakthrough technologies reach commercial markets and compete internationally.

Up to US$1 million, which works out to roughly ₹9.52 crore, invested at the pre-seed stage. The final figure is settled case by case, based on how strongly Aum Ventures believes in the founding team and its proprietary technology.

Yes. INDIA Deepspark is an equity investment programme rather than a grant or a loan, so Aum Ventures takes a stake in the business in return for the capital and support it provides.

Early stage. Deepspark is aimed at ventures moving their technology out of research and towards the market, which typically means idea-stage or product-development companies that may not have any revenue yet. A finished product is not a precondition — the investment call rests on the founding team and the technology.

Deep tech companies built on proprietary intellectual property. The sectors named are SpaceTech, Aerospace & DefenseTech, Semiconductors, Edge AI, Energy & Infrastructure, Advanced Materials, Quantum and Robotics.

The published eligibility criteria do not list DPIIT or MSME registration as a condition, and no specific entity type is named. What matters is that you are an early-stage, IP-led deep tech company building from India.

The programme is built around Indian innovation, and around founders developing proprietary technologies from India for global markets, so it centres on India-based startups. Its stated ambition, though, is international reach — the network spans the U.S., Israel and the Middle East.

There is no deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and the programme is always open, so you can apply once your team and technology are ready. The route in is Aum Ventures' online portal at https://aumvc.com/deepspark-apply, where you will be asked about your team, your deep tech solution, its market potential and the proprietary technology behind it.

Participants gain introductions to industry leaders, access to strategic partners in the U.S., Israel and the Middle East, guidance on hitting business milestones and on raising later rounds, market validation from sectoral experts and advisors, and founder-focused roadshows across India's DeepTech hubs. Training and workshops are part of the mix too.

Aum Ventures screens applications for fit with the Deepspark thesis, looking at the technology, the market opportunity and the founding team. Shortlisted teams may be asked for a fuller pitch deck and details on their IP and business model. That is followed by interviews, technical deep-dives and due diligence, and finally a pitch to an investment committee of venture capitalists, deep tech founders and industry leaders. Successful startups then receive an investment offer and join the cohort.

INDIA Deepspark 2026 — Up to ₹9.5 Cr Equity for Deep Tech Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

INDIA Deepspark 2026 — Up to ₹9.5 Cr Equity for Deep Tech Startups is offered by Aum Ventures. It is provided as an investment.