Top 10 Startup Accelerators and Incubators in India

Building a startup from the ground up used to be a daunting task not too long ago. While the difficulty and competitiveness have gradually increased over time, there are many programs and institutions that offer accelerator and incubator programs to help nurture and grow your startup at a rapid pace, giving you a definite competitive edge.

In India, the startup ecosystem has flourished, aided by government initiatives like "Make in India." With the support of business incubators and accelerators, entrepreneurs can quickly scale their ideas. For startups looking for a high-growth trajectory, a startup accelerator in India is the right fit. However, if you're still refining your founding team and need help with the early stages, an incubator might be the best place to start.

India has seen a rise in some of the best startup accelerators and incubators, providing invaluable mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to startups. These accelerators and incubators play a vital role in helping startups refine their ideas and accelerate growth, positioning them for success in a competitive market.

If you have a startup idea, with a minimum viable product, and are looking for rapid growth, check out some of the best startup accelerators in India. On the other hand, if you don’t have a minimum viable product yet, and are still putting together your team, an incubator might be better suited for your needs.

Now that you have a clear idea, let’s dive into the top 10 accelerators in India. Keep in mind that this list is in no particular order.

500 startups Startup Accelerator in India

500 Startups is a leading startup accelerator in India and a global venture capital firm that began accelerating startups in 2010.

Their Indian Headquarters are situated in Bangalore, and truly embody their motto - there’s more to venture than capital. They carefully curate the program based on the requirements of each individual founder, and have branded the program as an “MBA on steroids”

On average, they invest about $150,000 for a 6% stake in the company, but $37,500 are deducted as fees for participating in the program ($112,500 would be their net investment, to cover the basic costs of running a seed level startup.)

500 startups are primarily interested in startups from the tech industry in general. Regardless of whether you’re a marketplace, SaaS, a media program or in the field of AI/ML, you should find a home in 500 startups.

Famous companies in their portfolio include Bukalapak, Udemy, Talkdesk and Mayvenn.

TLabs Startup Accelerator in India

If you are an Indian internet/mobile technology startup, look no further than TLabs. Founded in 2011, TLabs is one of the top startup accelerators in India. The mentor team (100+) that will be working with you, should you choose TLabs, includes well-renowned, experienced entrepreneurs that will help your business grow rapidly in the 16-week program.

Apart from the mentors, TLabs provides weekly catch-ups across the different verticals of the business from an in-house team.

As mentioned earlier, the TLabs accelerator program spans 16 weeks, which they’ve broken down into 4 detailed phases.

Weeks 1-2: Hypothesis Development

Weeks 3-8: Deep Validation

Weeks 9-13: Strategic Direction +Traction

Weeks 14-16: Business and Financial Planning

Graduates from TLabs Bangalore accelerator program include companies like HopOn, GetMyUni, Niche.Ai and Peersome to name a few.

Cisco Launchpad Startup Accelerator in India

CISCO launchpad is a corporate accelerator program that specialises in helping deep-tech startups that work in disruptive technologies. The focus is primarily on networking and infrastructure, Security, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Image processing, Linkages/video analytics, and Healthcare-specific technology to name a few.

The Cisco launchpad program accepts 2 batches a year, as their programs last 6 months. Each cohort contains a batch of 6-8 startups and is mentored by over 100 industry experts.

Like most accelerator programs in this list, apart from the standard mentorship and funding they provide, the CISCO launchpad also leverages CISCO technologies to aid their cause. Alumni of the program are provided continued support in terms of connections with investors and partners, GTM, hiring, support with User Interface and User Experience among other things.

Cisco will even consider majorly investing in the startup (sometimes downright acquiring the startup), be the startup’s customer, or even craft a joining GTM (Go To Market) strategy.
Their portfolio of startups includes Smart Ship Hub, Senseforth.ai, Sensegrass and Seashore networks to name a few.

Indian Angel Network Startup Accelerator in India

Unlike the other entries on our list, the Indian Angel Network is not an accelerator/incubator program. Rather, just as the name suggests it is a network of angel investors that will help your startup grow.

The network provides you connections with investors and successful entrepreneurs who are not only willing to invest their money but also their time helping your startup flourish in the long run. They also add value by providing mentoring and advice along with access to its entire network.

They keep the process simple, as documented by the simple term sheet they will provide you with should you qualify.

They do have some qualifying parameters that your startup will have to pass through.

Your business should have a high barrier to entry, with a high potential for growth.

A high quality, complementary management team is necessary.

The propositions should be sharply different from the competitors and can provide evidence of their validation.

Their portfolio companies include Hungryzone, adStringO, and fab alley to name a few.

DevX Startup Accelerators in India

DevX is one of the most recognized startup accelerators in India, particularly for startups using AI and IoT to solve complex problems. The problems that are solved can be in multiple domains including healthcare, Fintech, manufacturing 4.0. Cloud computing, E-com enablers, Mobility, Real-Tech and SaaS to name a few.

Apart from standard benefits like funding, business development, industry connections and a collaborative workspace across the country, DevX Accel also provides your startup with technology support (with dedicated AI and IoT labs, providing you with all the hardware, software and design related support at your disposal), technical mentorship, Media and PR support, and other allied services like managing legal, accounting, and digital marketing among other aspects necessary to boost your startup growth.

The program lasts for 90 days, and is provided with funding in return for a 5-7% equity stake in the program. At the end of the 90 days, DevX Accel will organize a demo day, allowing you to pitch your idea to a large community of high net worth investors, helping you secure much-needed funding.

DevX Accel’s portfolio of companies includes Quixote, BigSpoon Foods, Financepeer and The Healthy Company to name a few.

ICreate Startup Incubator in India

Located in Ahmedabad, ICreate is one of the top startup incubators in India. It focuses on nurturing startups in fields like biotechnology, robotics, and green energy. ICreate is an independent centre established with a key goal to facilitate “Next Generation Entrepreneurship”.

The Icreate startup accelerator looks for startups in the fields of Information technology, Electronics, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Non-conventional green energy generation, Bio-Medical Equipment and devices and Afro & Food processing among others.

The incubator program consists of 5 parts

Grooming - Generating and converting business ideas to develop a minimum viable product to prepare for the incubation phase.

Incubation - Conversion of an idea into a feasible concept, and acquisition of initial customers. May include funding.

Mentoring - Guiding and nurturing the potential entrepreneurs throughout the process

Networking - Opportunities will be provided to connect with multiple businesses and potential investors.

Angel Funding - Early-stage funding helps startups achieve better valuation before seeking funding from venture capitalist firms.

Prime Venture Partners (Angel Prime) Startup Accelerator in India

Prime Venture Partners is an early-stage startup accelerator in India that helps businesses scale through personalized mentorship and funding. Prime Ventures are looking for a star team, with a big market and solutions which are 1000% better than the current state of the art.

Post investment Primve venture partners also help businesses and startups in the following aspects.

Business - Product, Go To Market and sales strategy, execution of the business model, etc

Team Building

Partnerships

Additional Fundraising

Evangelism

Help on Finance, Legal, PR and Community, among others

And “Literally anything else that the founders need that (Prime Venture Capitalists) could help with”.

CIIE- IIM Ahmedabad Startup Incubator in India

CIIE at IIM Ahmedabad offers both accelerator and incubator programs, providing startups with access to world-class infrastructure, training, and funding.

They provide an incubation program with state of the art physical infrastructure, training and mentoring programs, along with connecting the startups with like-minded collaborators and partners, non-dilutive investment opportunities, and learning resources and insights for entrepreneurs.

However, they are primarily known for their accelerator program that conducts various workshops, diagnostics, problem-solving exercises along with bespoke coaching and support that are personalized to the needs of each individual startup.

DLabs Startup Incubator in India

DLabs is another unique entry on our list, being a pre-incubation program that is supported by the Department of Science and Technology.

They are located on the campus of the Indian School of Business and works closely with the ISB alumni network to give your startups the needed connections.

Over the years, Dlabs has been instrumental in the success of over 124 startups, with the help of over 400 experts and mentors. Over time, they have also conducted over 12 accelerator programs.

Their portfolio companies include companies like Envirofit, Chakr Innovation, Millet Bowl, and Ecolibrium to name a few.

GSF Accelerator Startup Accelerator in India

GSF Accelerator, as the name suggests, is an accelerator program located in Gurgaon. GSF accelerator provides funding of up to $60,000, along with “unparalleled access” to venture and business networks. They provide personalised and intensive mentoring programs during the 13-week long program.

Famous companies to graduate from GSF accelerator include startups like Little Eye Labs, Zapr, Overcart, Flinto and Browntape to name a few.

Conclusion

Each startup is unique and requires a tailored program to succeed. Whether you are looking for an accelerator or an incubator, India is home to some of the best startup accelerators and incubators that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. If you don’t get selected right away, don’t get discouraged – refine your idea and apply for the next batch. With the right support, your startup will be well on its way to success.

To know more about accelerators and incubators in India and everything related to startups, check out our full blog.

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