AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum
4-month AI accelerator in Karnataka for early-stage startups, up to ₹10L seed funding.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L – ₹1Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- ACSEL Technology Forum (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 is a 16-week program tailored for early-stage AI startups operating in Karnataka. The accelerator is organized by the ACSEL Technology Forum in collaboration with the IT BT Department, Government of Karnataka, and the IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru. It is designed for companies that have progressed from the minimum viable product (MVP) stage to seed stage and require at least two full-time co-founders. Participants receive up to ₹10 lakhs in seed funding, distributed based on achieving specific milestones. Exceptional performers may qualify for additional follow-on funding of up to ₹1 crore. The program offers mentorship from experienced industry leaders and IIT alumni, networking opportunities with founders and investors, and an optional co-working space in Bengaluru. The accelerator concludes with a Demo Day, and all graduates gain access to the ACSEL Alumni Network.
Highlights
- 4-month (16-week) AI accelerator for Karnataka-based early-stage startups.
- Seed funding up to ₹10 lakhs with milestone-based disbursement.
- Follow-on funding of up to ₹1 crore for top-performing startups.
- Partnership with IT BT Department, Government of Karnataka, and IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru.
- Mentorship from industry leaders and IIT alumni, plus founder/investor network access.
- Optional co-working space in Bengaluru and membership in ACSEL Alumni Network.
Who can apply
This accelerator is open to AI-focused startups based in Karnataka that are at the MVP to Seed stage. The startup should have a team size of 2 to 10 members, with a minimum of two full-time founders. All founders must commit to active participation throughout the entire 4-month program. At least one core team member is required to attend all mandatory sessions, mentorships, reviews, and the Demo Day. Startups must adhere to professional conduct and comply with ACSEL's code of conduct. Additionally, they must maintain transparent financial accounts that can be provided upon request.
AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum 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
AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakhs in seed funding, with milestones governing disbursement. Top performers are eligible for follow-on funding of up to ₹1 crore. Beyond funding, benefits include mentorship from industry leaders and IIT alumni, access to a curated founder and investor network, an optional co-working space in Bengaluru, and membership in the ACSEL Alumni Network.
About the provider
AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum is offered by ACSEL Technology Forum, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ACSEL Technology Forum as a grant. 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
Startups are evaluated across five key pillars: founding team, market opportunity, product innovation, business model, and impact potential. The selection process culminates in a Demo Day at the end of the 4-month program, where selected startups present their progress.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum, 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
AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the AVINYA AI Accelerator offer?
Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakhs in seed funding, disbursed based on milestones. Top-performing startups are eligible for follow-on funding of up to ₹1 crore.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 2?
The deadline has not been specified in the program details.
Which startups are eligible to apply?
Eligible startups must be AI-focused, based in Karnataka, and at the MVP to Seed stage. The team should have 2–10 members with at least two full-time founders. All founders must commit to active participation for the full 4 months.
Does the program take equity?
The funding is structured as a grant (seed funding and follow-on funding), so no equity is taken.
What are the key selection criteria?
Startups are assessed on five pillars: founding team, market opportunity, product innovation, business model, and impact potential.
Is there a mandatory Demo Day?
Yes, the program concludes with a Demo Day, and at least one core team member must be available to present.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The program details do not specify any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
Where is the accelerator based?
The accelerator is based in Karnataka, and an optional co-working space is available in Bengaluru.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official ACSEL accelerator application form at https://acsel.in/accelerator-application-form/.
What happens after the program?
All graduates become members of the ACSEL Alumni Network, gaining continued access to the community and resources.
Who offers AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum?
AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum is offered by ACSEL Technology Forum, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum
Not sure AVINYA AI Accelerator – Cohort 2 by ACSEL Technology Forum is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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