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IIT Startups Get Global Boost with New India Deep Tech Accelerator Program

The India Deep Tech Alliance and the University of Chicago's Polsky Center have launched a 10-week accelerator program for IIT-affiliated startups. Running from April to June 2026, it will support up to 15 startups with workshops, coaching, and investor connections. The program includes showcases in India and the Bay Area for top performers. It aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, with Aroa Venture Partners committing up to $200,000 per startup for select companies.

Key Points: India Deep Tech Accelerator Launched for IIT Startups

  • 10-week program for scaling startups
  • Connects IITs with global markets
  • Includes investor showcases in India and Bay Area
  • Offers funding and mentorship
2 min read

India Deep Tech Accelerator announced to help scale up IIT startups

A 10-week accelerator program by IDTA and Polsky Center aims to scale IIT-affiliated deep-tech startups for global markets and funding.

"India's IITs produce world‑class engineering and research, but too many deep‑tech breakthroughs still struggle to cross the last mile into scalable commercialisation - Sriram Viswanathan"

New Delhi, Feb 17

The India Deep Tech Alliance and the University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on Tuesday announced the launch of the India Deep Tech Accelerator, a 10‑week programme designed to help IIT‑affiliated deep‑tech startups scale internationally.

The initiative, led by Polsky Center, is developed in collaboration with leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) innovation networks and incubators, including SINE at IIT Bombay, FITT at IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras Research Park, a statement said.

The programme, aimed at supporting India's emerging deep tech startup ecosystem, will run from April through June 2026 and will be structured for a cohort of up to 15 startups through targeted workshops, coaching, and strategic customer and investor connections.

The accelerator will also include "an India showcase and a Bay Area showcase for top-performing companies in June," the statement said.

The initiative builds a structured, repeatable pathway connecting startups from India's premier technical institutions with the potential for fundraising and the Polsky Center's deep experience in venture creation, startup acceleration, and international market access.

The accelerator will run from April through June 2026 and take a cohort of up to 15 startups through targeted workshops, coaching and investor and customer connections. Top performers will be showcased at an India event and a Bay Area showcase in June.

The India Deep Tech Accelerator aims to support globally ambitious, IIT-affiliated startups for near-term commercializsation and financing milestones in the United States and other global markets.

IDTA will provide strategic guidance and founder support, while Aroa Venture Partners has committed up to $2,00,000 per startup for select companies emerging from the accelerator. Several other venture capital firms have committed to contribute to workshops, office hours, selective mentoring, and may provide potential investment support to cohort startups.

"India's IITs produce world‑class engineering and research, but too many deep‑tech breakthroughs still struggle to cross the last mile into scalable commercialisation," said Sriram Viswanathan, Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital, and Founding Executive Committee Member, IDTA.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! We need more such initiatives. So many brilliant ideas from our students die in lab journals. The Bay Area showcase is key for global visibility. Wishing all the selected startups the very best.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but only 15 startups? With the talent pool across 23 IITs, the cohort seems too small. Hope this is just the first batch and they scale up quickly. The $200k commitment is a good start for de-risking early ventures.
S
Sarah B
Collaborating with the Polsky Center is a smart move. Their experience can really help Indian startups navigate the US regulatory and business landscape. Deep tech needs patience and capital - this program addresses both.
V
Vikram M
The focus should remain on solving Indian problems with deep tech, not just chasing global markets. While international scaling is good, I hope the program also emphasizes solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability here at home.
K
Karthik V
As someone who graduated from an IIT and works in a startup, this is the support system we needed 5 years ago. The "last mile" problem Sriram mentioned is so accurate. Mentorship from experienced VCs is sometimes more valuable than the funding itself.

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