AI, SaaS & Enterprise Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — September 2026
For AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups in India, September 2026 presents diverse funding and support opportunities. This article details 9 active programs, ranging from early-stage grants and incubation to significant seed investments and innovation challenges, designed to propel your venture forward.
There are currently 9 active programs available for AI, SaaS, and Enterprise startups in India, encompassing grants, incubation support, seed funds, and competitive challenges.
The funding landscape for these sectors in India features a mix of government-backed initiatives, institutional incubation programs, and venture capital-led seed funds. These avenues provide capital and ecosystem access, supporting technology development and market entry for early-stage ventures.
Active AI, SaaS & Enterprise Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹30 lakh |
| NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program | Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| Soma Fellows | Seed Fund | Rolling | Up to ₹18 crore |
| Pre Seed Fund | Seed Fund | Rolling | Up to ₹9 crore |
| The Forum Accelerator | Seed Fund | Rolling | Up to ₹90 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13 lakh |
| CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| iDEX Open Challenge | Competition | 30 September 2026 | Up to ₹1.5 crore |
| MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 | Competition | 25 September 2026 | Up to ₹2 crore |
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support program assists startups in advancing a proof-of-concept (PoC) or prototype into a marketable product. iCreate, a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator, provides access to various government schemes from both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.
This program offers funding up to ₹30,00,000 for selected ventures. Beyond capital, participants receive business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, and general incubation support. It also facilitates connections with investors, industry partners, and the broader startup ecosystem, alongside offering hostel accommodation on the iCreate campus.
NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program (NASSCOM)
The NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program is a subsidized, zero-equity incubation program. It targets technology startups in emerging domains such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Haryana via Hartron, the program primarily offers infrastructure, ecosystem access, and enterprise integration rather than direct grant capital.
Selected startups gain access to a subsidized co-working environment and advanced prototyping labs, which aid in product development and technical validation. Complimentary shared GPU access is also provided, enabling AI-focused startups to train and test computational models.
Soma Fellows (Soma)
Soma Fellows is a program by Soma, an investment firm with experience in building and investing in startups. Soma, in conjunction with the Ranadive family, supports founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey, leveraging a global network and a track record of seeding over 30 unicorn companies across technology sectors. The program focuses on providing strategic guidance derived from direct involvement in startup growth and investment.
The program offers substantial, uncapped funding for startups, with initial investments capable of reaching up to ₹18,00,00,000. This capital aims to facilitate innovation and market validation.
Pre Seed Fund (Forum Ventures)
Forum Ventures operates a Pre Seed Fund specifically for B2B technology startups, with an emphasis on B2B SaaS and AI companies. Forum Ventures, a venture capital firm, provides hands-on support, strategic guidance, and industry expertise to early-stage founders, recognizing the importance of initial development stages for long-term success. The approach integrates startups into a supportive ecosystem.
The fund provides up to ₹9,00,00,000 in investment to selected startups. This capital infusion supports founders in driving innovation, validating market fit, and building scalable B2B software solutions.
The Forum Accelerator (Forum Ventures)
The Forum Accelerator is a B2B tech program by Forum Ventures, designed by experienced founders and early operators for early-stage B2B software companies. Its mission is to simplify and enhance the B2B software journey for portfolio companies, offering a support system tailored to their specific needs. Forum Ventures acts as a fractional co-founder, providing guidance to help startups achieve traction and prepare for subsequent funding rounds.
The program provides up to ₹90,00,000 in investment. This funding, combined with specialized knowledge and networks, is intended to support enterprise sales and growth.
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)
Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a joint pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) for early-stage startups. While open to startups offering services anywhere in India, it maintains a focus on eastern, north-eastern, and central India.
The program’s focus domains include Mobility Convenience/Assistance, Tech in Mobility, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Enterprise & Manufacturing. The Enterprise & Manufacturing domain includes process automation, computer vision, industrial IoT, and GenAI, making it relevant for AI/SaaS companies. Benefits include cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000, potential for a paid Proof of Concept (PoC), mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem and alumni network.
CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders (NASSCOM CoE-IoT&AI)
The CoE Innovation Challenge: AI-Powered Foreign Object Detection in Bulk Cargo Unloaders is presented by the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI. This joint initiative with MeitY and the Governments of Karnataka, Haryana, and Gujarat targets deep-tech startups to develop advanced solutions for industrial problems. The current challenge, in collaboration with a port terminal operator, seeks to detect foreign objects within deep vessel holds during coal unloading.
The challenge addresses the lack of visibility inside 18-19 meter deep vessel holds, where hidden debris can cause equipment damage and operational costs. Selected startups are expected to develop AI-powered solutions to improve safety and efficiency in bulk cargo handling operations. The amount of support varies based on the proposed solution and program terms.
iDEX Open Challenge (Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX))
The iDEX Open Challenge is an initiative by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and iDEX, fostering innovation in India's defence and aerospace sectors. It connects engineering talent with military needs to strengthen national security. The program specifically targets engineers, startups, and MSMEs developing solutions in autonomous systems, intelligent machines, advanced materials, predictive algorithms, and rocket engines.
Through this challenge, iDEX identifies and nurtures innovative ideas and products that contribute to India's military capabilities. The challenge offers funding up to ₹1,50,00,000. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026.
MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC))
The MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026, launched by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, promotes innovation to address sustainability and infrastructure issues within MIDC's industrial estates. It invites students, startups, and independent innovators to propose ready-to-implement solutions. The focus areas include road maintenance, environmental concerns like carbon emissions and wastewater management, green energy adoption, and leveraging AI for smarter industrial infrastructure.
The ultimate goal is to transform MIDC industrial estates into sustainable, efficient hubs. The challenge offers funding up to ₹2,00,00,000. The application deadline is 25 September 2026.
Before Applying
Carefully review eligibility criteria before applying. Startups in the AI, SaaS, and Enterprise sectors should note specific requirements: the NASSCOM CoE programs require a focus on IoT and AI, while the CoE Innovation Challenge specifically targets deep-tech AI solutions for port operations. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE is for early-stage startups and has particular interest in Enterprise & Manufacturing solutions leveraging GenAI or industrial IoT. iDEX targets solutions for defence and aerospace, including autonomous systems and predictive algorithms. The MIDC Challenge seeks AI applications for industrial infrastructure and sustainability within Maharashtra.
Be mindful of application timelines, particularly for competitive programs. The MIDC Innovation Grand Challenge 2026 closes on 25 September 2026, and the iDEX Open Challenge has a deadline of 30 September 2026. The remaining programs operate on a rolling intake basis, allowing for ongoing applications. No generic prerequisites beyond specific program requirements are mentioned.
