Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4

The Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4 is a 24-week, equity-free and fee-free accelerator run by Venture Center, supported as a CSR initiative by Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd. The program is designed specifically to help healthcare startups become fundraising-ready, enabling them to raise ₹1–10 Cr within 12–18 months of completion.

Selected startups receive an assured grant of up to ₹5 Lakhs, active 1:1 investor-led mentoring tailored to their fundraising targets, and integrated support across technology, intellectual property, and regulatory pathways. Participants also gain access to Venture Center’s labs, prototyping facilities, and a peer network. The program includes an in-person bootcamp in Pune and culminates in a Demo Day with 30+ active investors.

• Equity-free and fee-free 24-week accelerator for healthcare startups.
• Assured grant of up to ₹5 Lakhs for selected startups.
• 1:1 investor-led mentoring linked to fundraising goals of ₹1–10 Cr.
• In-person bootcamp in Pune and access to Venture Center's labs and prototyping facilities.
• Demo Day with 30+ active investors to pitch for funding.
• Prefers women-led startups and those targeting metabolic, immunological, musculoskeletal, and cancer areas.

Healthcare startups with a working prototype that plan to raise ₹1–10 Cr in the next 12–18 months are eligible. Innovations must fall within the focus areas: devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, rehabilitation, or other healthcare innovations. Preference is given to women-led startups and startups working on metabolic, immunological, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer.

Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4 closed on 15 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

– Assured grant of up to ₹5 Lakhs

• 1:1 active investor-led mentoring aligned with fundraising goals
• Integrated support across technology, IP, and regulatory pathways
• Access to Venture Center’s labs, prototyping facilities, and peer network
• In-person bootcamp in Pune at Venture Center
• Demo Day with 30+ active investors

Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4 is offered by Venture Center, a startup incubator. It is delivered directly by Venture Center as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4, 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.

Investor Readiness Program (IRP) – Cohort 4 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.