Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad

Avishkar Venture Studio is a six-month acceleration program designed for emerging technology startups, run by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad—a premier deep tech incubator. The program leverages IIIT Hyderabad's research ecosystem, including faculty expertise and advanced labs, to help founders build scalable deep tech ventures. It offers seed funding of up to ₹40 lakhs (with an initial tranche of up to ₹10 lakhs) based on evaluation of the startup's stage, pitch deck, and technical validation. Beyond funding, participants receive mentorship from IIIT Hyderabad professors and experienced mentors with over a decade of entrepreneurial support, access to prototyping and research labs, cloud credits, and networking opportunities with investors, industry experts, and potential customers.

The program specifically targets startups working on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Deep Tech, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Startups should have a basic Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with customer validation. The program plays a crucial role in bridging cutting-edge research and market-ready solutions, empowering founders to build scalable ventures.

• 6-month deep tech acceleration program by CIE, IIIT Hyderabad.
• Up to ₹10 lakh seed funding (non-dilutive) with potential for up to ₹40 lakhs.
• Focus on emerging technologies: AI, AR/VR, Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Deep Tech, NLP.
• Mentorship from IIIT Hyderabad faculty and experienced entrepreneurs (10+ years).
• Access to prototyping labs, cloud credits, and investor networking events.
• Indian-registered startups with at least one full-time founder and an MVP preferred.

To apply, your startup must be registered in India and have at least one full-time founder. The startup should ideally have a basic Minimum Viable Product (MVP) coupled with customer validation. The core focus is on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Deep Tech, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). There is no specific requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration, though Indian registration is mandatory.

Startups at any stage may apply, but preference is given to those with an MVP and some customer traction. Founders must be committed full-time. The program does not restrict industries beyond the deep tech focus, and there are no state-specific limitations.

Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad closed on 27 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive up to ₹10 lakh in seed funding initially, with the potential to secure up to ₹40 lakhs total based on evaluation. The funding is a grant (non-dilutive, no equity taken). Additionally, participants get:

• Structured access to IIIT Hyderabad faculty for technical mentorship.
• Use of prototyping and research labs for product development.
• Cloud credits to support development and scaling.
• Mentorship from CIE mentors, operators, and investors with over a decade of experience.
• Networking opportunities through organized events connecting founders with investors, industry experts, and potential customers.
• Guidance on go-to-market strategy, revenue generation, and overall business strategy delivered over the six-month cohort.

Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad is offered by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

1. Online Application: Submit a detailed application via the official CIE IIITH website (https://cie.iiit.ac.in/avishkar/). The form requires information about the team, technology, business model, market opportunity, current traction (including MVP and customer validation).
2. Screening: The CIE team reviews applications for stage fit, technology focus, and founder readiness.
3. In-Person Pitch: Shortlisted applicants are invited to pitch at IIIT Hyderabad before a selection panel comprising IIIT faculty, experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Founders present their vision, technology, business strategy, and answer questions.
4. Final Selection: The panel assesses each presentation and selects the most promising startups. Notifications are sent within approximately one week of the pitch. New cohorts typically launch twice a year.

Before you apply to Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad, 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.

Avishkar Venture Studio by CIE-IIIT Hyderabad is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.