Campus Fund
VC/Investor
Closed

FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud

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Quick answer

A leading accelerator and investment program for student-led startups focused on artificial intelligence.

Funding amount
₹8.5Cr (grant)
Funding type
Grant
Provider
Campus Fund (VC/Investor)
Application deadline
Closed (10 Apr 2026)
Eligible stage
Any stage
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Overview

FutureX AI is the second iteration of a dedicated platform for student entrepreneurs, jointly presented by Campus Fund and Google Cloud. This program aims to be India's premier launchpad for artificial intelligence startups founded by students. It offers significant financial backing and extensive support to help these ventures grow.

Selected startups can secure investment of up to ₹8.5 Crore from Campus Fund, alongside valuable Google Cloud credits provided through the Google for Startups Cloud Program. The accelerator component features practical workshops focused on developing AI products, mastering fundraising strategies, and achieving scale. Participants also benefit from masterclasses exploring cutting-edge AI innovations.

The program culminates in a Grand Finale event scheduled for May 29, 2026, at the Google Bengaluru office. Beyond the event, selected startups receive long-term support to ensure their continued success. Eligibility extends to current university students (undergraduate, postgraduate, or research) and recent graduates or dropouts from 2023 onwards, provided founders collectively hold at least 25% equity in their AI-first startup. The initiative actively seeks startups innovating across diverse fields such as foundational models, AI applications in healthcare, climate, fintech, agritech, and AI-enabled hardware.

Highlights

  • Investment of up to ₹8.5 Crore for student-led AI startups.
  • Extensive Google Cloud credits provided to selected ventures.
  • Open to current university students and recent graduates/dropouts from 2023 onwards.
  • Focus on AI-first startups across foundational models, healthcare, climate, fintech, agritech, and hardware.
  • Includes workshops on AI product building, fundraising, and scaling.
  • Culminates in a Grand Finale event at Google Bengaluru on May 29, 2026.

Who can apply

To be considered for the FutureX AI program, startups must meet specific criteria:

  • The founding team must include individuals who are either currently enrolled as students (undergraduate, postgraduate, or research) at any university, or who have graduated or dropped out from a university program in 2023 or any subsequent year.
  • Founders leading the startup are required to collectively hold a minimum equity stake of 25% in their venture.
  • The startup's core business and product offerings must be fundamentally rooted in artificial intelligence. This includes a clear demonstration of how Machine Learning, Generative AI, or advanced Data Intelligence technologies are applied within their products or services.

FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud 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

The most recent application window for FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud closed on 10 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

What the funding covers

Participants in the FutureX AI program receive comprehensive benefits designed to accelerate their growth:

  • Financial Investment: Selected startups are eligible for an investment of up to ₹8.5 Crore from Campus Fund.
  • Cloud Credits: Access to substantial Google Cloud credits through the Google for Startups Cloud Program, supporting infrastructure and development needs.
  • Skill Development: Participation in specialized workshops covering critical areas such as AI product development, effective fundraising strategies, and scaling operations.
  • Expert Insights: Opportunities to attend masterclasses led by industry experts, focusing on the latest advancements and innovations in artificial intelligence.
  • Ongoing Support: Long-term post-program support for selected startups, extending beyond the Grand Finale to foster sustained growth and success.

About the provider

FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud is offered by Campus Fund, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by Campus Fund as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Documents you’ll need

Before you apply to FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud, 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

FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹8.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FutureX AI program?

The FutureX AI program, a collaboration between Campus Fund and Google Cloud, is an accelerator and investment platform specifically designed for student-led startups in the artificial intelligence sector across India. It aims to provide funding, resources, and mentorship to help these ventures scale.

Who is eligible to apply for FutureX AI?

The program is open to startups led by founders who are currently enrolled as undergraduate, postgraduate, or research students at any university, or by individuals who have graduated or dropped out from a university program in 2023 or any year thereafter.

What kind of startups does FutureX AI support?

FutureX AI is looking for AI-first startups that demonstrate the application of Machine Learning, Generative AI, or advanced Data Intelligence technologies. This includes ventures in areas like foundational models, AI in healthcare, climate, fintech, agritech, and AI-enabled hardware.

How much funding can a selected startup receive?

Selected startups can receive an investment of up to ₹8.5 Crore from Campus Fund.

What other benefits are provided to participants?

Beyond direct investment, participants gain access to Google Cloud credits, specialized workshops on AI product building, fundraising, and scaling, masterclasses on AI innovations, and long-term post-program support. The program also features a Grand Finale event at Google Bengaluru.

Is there a minimum equity requirement for founders?

Yes, founders leading the startup must collectively hold a minimum equity stake of 25% in their venture to be eligible.

What is the application deadline for FutureX AI?

The application deadline for the FutureX AI program is April 10, 2026.

Does FutureX AI take equity from participating startups?

No, the funding provided by FutureX AI is structured as a grant or investment from Campus Fund, and the program itself does not take equity from participating startups.

How can I apply to the FutureX AI program?

You can apply to the FutureX AI program through the official application portal available at https://forms.clickup.com/37405585/f/13ngwh-1108736/BFHOXL6Z7SX08BNMX9.

When and where is the Grand Finale event held?

The Grand Finale event for FutureX AI is scheduled for May 29, 2026, and will take place at the Google Bengaluru office.

Is DPIIT recognition required for FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud?

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Who offers FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud?

FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud is offered by Campus Fund, a venture-capital firm. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Alternatives to FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud

Not sure FutureX AI – Campus Fund (2nd Edition) by Campus Fund, Google Cloud is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.

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