India Ascends is for bold founders under the age of 25, already building the future from hostel rooms, labs, and maker spaces.
Whether you're designing propulsion engines, training frontier AI models, disrupting manufacturing, or reimagining energy, and climate - this is for people who see the world differently and are ready to turn bold ideas into reality.
Unlock two days of deep, hands-on learning and collaboration with India's leading founders, operators, and domain experts
In credits on cloud, AI, and software spend
Top three teams receive capital to turn ideas into companies
A focused plan with guidance that fits your style
Direct access to policymakers, and industry veterans across India and the US
In credits on cloud, AI, and software spend
Submit your application. Tell us about your vision, what you're building, and why it matters. Applications close on Jan 12th!
Top teams are invited for an immersive 2-day founder program in Bengaluru
Intensive workshops, mentorship, deep dives and final pitches Feb 5-6th
Post final pitches on Feb 6th
Founders under the age of 25, building R&D-first, frontier-tech, or deep-tech products, regardless of whether they're students or working full-time. Solo founders or teams can apply.
You can apply at concept, prototype, or early build stage, as long as you can clearly explain the tech, the market opportunity, and why you're passionate about this problem.
No. Incorporation is not required, but selected teams should be prepared to formalize a company entity before receiving funding.
Yes, attendance is mandatory. The 2-day immersion in Bengaluru (Feb 5 - 6) is a core part of the program, and shortlisted teams must be present for workshops, founder sessions, and final pitches.
We look for founders with a high rate of learning, sharp clarity of thought, and the ability to execute quickly with limited resources. Early signals matter more than polish—past builds, prototypes, side projects, research work, or even scrappy proof-of-concepts help us understand your trajectory.