GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City
GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 supports AI-first and DeepTech startups ready to scale real-world deployments, offering mentorship, industry collaboration, and access to GIFT City's AI CoE ecosystem.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AI Centre of Excellence (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The GrowX Acceleration Program 2026, run by the AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) in GIFT City, is a flagship acceleration program for AI-first and DeepTech startups aiming to transition from pilots to real-world deployments. It focuses on enabling AI adoption across public and private sectors through industry collaboration, solution co-creation, and mentorship. Startups gain access to government networks, industry partners, advanced infrastructure, and a curated ecosystem to refine their solutions, validate use cases, and achieve scalable growth. The program is designed for ventures that prioritize long-term impact, national relevance, and global competitiveness.
Highlights
- Flagship acceleration initiative of AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City
- Designed for AI-first and DeepTech startups ready for real-world deployment
- Focuses on industry collaboration and solution co-creation across public/private sectors
- Access to government, industry mentors, and advanced infrastructure
- Emphasizes long-term impact, national relevance, and global competitiveness
- Grant funding with variable amount
Who can apply
This program is open to Indian startups that are AI-first or DeepTech in nature. Applicants should be ready to move beyond pilot stage toward real-world deployment. The program seeks domain-focused teams leveraging AI for scalable, impactful use cases. Founders must be interested in industry collaboration and ecosystem-driven growth. Startups should be aligned with AI adoption in public or private sectors.
GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City 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 GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City closed on 5 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The exact funding amount is variable. Participants benefit from mentorship, industry collaboration, access to government and private sector networks, advanced infrastructure at AI CoE GIFT City, and support for solution co-creation and use case validation. The program emphasizes real-world AI adoption and scalable growth.
About the provider
GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City is offered by AI Centre of Excellence, 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.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the amount of funding offered?
The funding amount is variable and not specified in the program details.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 5, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian startups building AI-first or DeepTech solutions that are ready to move beyond pilots toward real-world deployments. Domain-focused teams leveraging AI for scalable and impactful use cases are preferred.
Is there any equity taken?
No, the program offers grant funding which is non-dilutive and does not require equity.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The program details do not specify whether DPIIT or MSME registration is required.
What stage of startup is this for?
Startups that are beyond the pilot stage and ready for real-world deployments. No specific stage is explicitly mentioned.
What does the program offer besides funding?
Participants receive mentorship, industry collaboration opportunities, access to government and private sector networks, advanced infrastructure at AI CoE GIFT City, and support for solution co-creation and use case validation.
How do I apply?
What documents are needed for the application?
The program details do not list specific required documents.
Can startups from outside India apply?
Eligibility is limited to Indian startups, as stated in the eligibility summary.
Who offers GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City?
GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City is offered by AI Centre of Excellence, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City
Not sure GrowX Acceleration Program 2026 at AI Centre of Excellence, GIFT City is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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