ACE $100k High-Touch AI Accelerator by Invention Engine

• AI or deeptech founders with an MVP and early users, operational for at least 6-12 months.

About this scheme

ACE is a high-touch, founder-first accelerator designed for early-stage AI and deeptech startups building globally relevant products. The program is built for founders who move beyond demos and focus on delivering real customer value through strong problem understanding, fast execution, and disciplined product development.

Unlike traditional accelerators, ACE embeds deeply with founders, operating like a co-founding partner over a six-month period. Startups receive hands-on support from AI researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising.

The accelerator focuses on helping founders sharpen their ICP, iterate products through real user feedback, launch focused GTM strategies, and prepare for institutional fundraising. Selected teams receive founder-first capital of up to $100,000, along with access to a global customer advisory board spanning the US, Europe, and Singapore. Only a very small cohort is selected to ensure deep, personalized engagement.

Who can apply

• The startup should be an AI or deeptech-focused company building a meaningful product
• The startup should typically be operational for the last 6, 12 months
• Applicants should have a working product or MVP, preferably with early users
• Founders must be willing to commit deeply to a six-month, high-intensity accelerator program
• Teams should be open to relocating to Delhi NCR for the majority of the program duration
• Founders with prior experience in product-based companies or strong technical backgrounds are preferred
• College founders may apply, provided they already have a working product

Benefits & funding

• Up to $100,000 in founder-first capital.
• A six-month high-touch accelerator with hands-on support from AI researchers and global operators across product, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising.
• Assistance with sharpening ICP, iterating products, launching GTM strategies, preparing for institutional fundraising, and access to a global customer advisory board.
• Deep, personalized engagement.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Invention Engine, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applicants are evaluated on founder capability, depth of problem understanding, and product vision.

2. 2

   Shortlisted teams are invited for further discussions, interviews, or roadshow interactions.

3. 3

   Final selection is made for a very small cohort of AI and deeptech startups to enable deep, co-founder-style engagement.

Frequently asked questions