IMPunjab Accelerator Cohort 3 - Innovation Mission Punjab

About this scheme

The IMPunjab Accelerator Cohort 3 is a four-month hybrid scale-up program designed by Innovation Mission Punjab to support early-revenue startups that are ready to accelerate growth without disrupting what already works. Positioned as Punjab's scale-up engine, the program focuses on ventures that have demonstrated early traction through at least one commercial pilot and are now seeking structured support to refine their business model, expand market reach, and strengthen investment readiness.

The accelerator is structured to help startups transition from operational stability to scalable growth. It provides hands-on execution support, strategic guidance, and access to capital networks. Participating startups receive mentorship from a network of over 180 sectoral and functional experts, enabling founders to sharpen go-to-market strategies, optimize pricing and unit economics, and build sustainable growth frameworks. The program also connects founders with more than 100 active investors and relevant grant programs, strengthening their fundraising preparedness and capital access pathways.

A key differentiator of the IMPunjab Accelerator is its emphasis on partnerships and pilot opportunities. Through collaborations with NGOs, institutions, and corporates, startups can unlock real-world deployment opportunities that validate and expand their market presence. Each selected startup is assigned a dedicated portfolio manager who provides weekly execution support, helping founders remove operational bottlenecks and maintain momentum throughout the four-month journey.

The program is sector-agnostic and designed to empower startups operating across industries, provided they meet the eligibility conditions under Startup India guidelines and maintain a footprint in Punjab. By integrating mentorship, strategic advisory, partnership enablement, and investor access into a single structured pathway, the accelerator aims to strengthen Punjab's entrepreneurial ecosystem and position high-potential startups for national and global expansion. The initiative particularly benefits founders with strong teams and proven early traction who are committed to scaling responsibly and building investment-ready enterprises.

Who can apply

• Startups from any sector may apply; the cohort is sector-agnostic
• Must have executed at least one commercial pilot
• Preference given to revenue-making companies
• Startup India (DPIIT) certificate is mandatory
• Entity must be registered in India
• Mandatory startup footprint in Punjab (entity registration, incubation, GST, or operations in Punjab)
• Women founders or co-founders are encouraged to apply

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Four-month hybrid scale-up program providing hands-on execution support, strategic guidance, and access to capital networks.
• Benefits include mentorship from over 180 experts, connections to 100+ investors and grant programs, partnerships for pilot opportunities, and a dedicated portfolio manager for weekly support.

Frequently asked questions