IndiaAI Startups Global: International Acceleration Program for Indian AI Startups – 2026 (2nd Cohort)

• For AI Startups | Designed for Indian startups building innovative AI-powered products, platforms, and technologies with global scalability potential.
• For Startups Expanding to Europe | Ideal for founders looking to enter European markets, establish international partnerships, and acquire global customers.
• For Venture-Backed Startups | Suitable for startups with proven products, market traction, and ambitions to raise capital from international investors.
• For DeepTech Founders | A strong fit for startups working in Generative AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, NLP, Robotics, and advanced AI applications.
• For Growth-Stage Companies | Best suited for startups seeking strategic mentorship, business development support, and international growth opportunities.
• For Startups Seeking Global Investors | Perfect for founders looking to connect with venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic investors across Europe.
• For AI SaaS Companies | Relevant for startups offering AI-powered software solutions for enterprises, SMBs, governments, or consumers.
• For Founders Seeking International Exposure | Provides direct access to Station F, HEC Paris, European innovation ecosystems, and global business networks.
• For Startups Ready for Global Expansion | Designed for companies with a clear vision for international scaling, market entry, and cross-border partnerships.
• For Startups Looking for Non-Dilutive Support | Offers grant funding, mentorship, and market access opportunities without any disclosed equity requirement.

About this scheme

The IndiaAI Startups Global: International Acceleration Program 2026 (2nd Cohort) is a global market access initiative designed to help promising Indian AI startups expand into Europe and international markets. Organized by IndiaAI Mission under MeitY in collaboration with Station F and HEC Paris, the program provides selected startups with mentorship from leading AI experts, investor introductions, business development support, market entry guidance, and direct access to the European innovation ecosystem. The program combines virtual mentoring with a three-month residency at Station F in Paris, enabling startups to build strategic partnerships, explore European customers, attract global investors, and accelerate international growth.

Who can apply

• Must be an Indian AI startup.
• Must be a legally incorporated business entity.
• Should be developing AI-powered products, platforms, or solutions.
• Must demonstrate innovation and scalability potential.
• Should have a clear vision for international expansion and European market entry.
• Must be willing to participate in the online mentoring phase and onsite program activities.
• Should have a dedicated team capable of engaging with investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
• Must be able to nominate team members to attend the onsite residency at Station F, Paris, if selected.
• Should have a defined business model and value proposition.
• Startups with existing traction, customers, revenue, or product-market fit may have an advantage during the evaluation process.
• Must provide all required application materials, including a pitch deck, founder video, company information, and product details.
• Should be prepared to engage with European regulations, including GDPR and EU AI Act considerations.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership

Benefits & funding

• Receive up to ₹5 lakh in grant support from IndiaAI Mission.
• Gain access to European markets and customers.
• Participate in a 4-month international acceleration program.
• Work from Station F, Paris, the world's largest startup campus.
• Receive mentorship from 1,000+ AI experts and industry leaders.
• Connect with 500+ global investors and venture capital firms.
• Access one-on-one business mentoring and growth advisory.
• Build strategic partnerships with European corporates and ecosystem partners.
• Participate in investor networking and fundraising opportunities.
• Receive support for European market entry and expansion.
• Learn from experts at HEC Paris, one of Europe's leading business schools.
• Access dedicated office space during the onsite residency in Paris.
• Participate in legal, regulatory, GDPR, and EU AI Act workshops.
• Improve product-market fit for European customers.
• Explore cross-border collaboration opportunities with French and European AI ecosystems.
• Increase global visibility and credibility for your startup.
• Accelerate international business development and customer acquisition.
• Gain exposure to international innovation ecosystems and industry networks.
• Receive guidance on scaling AI products globally.
• Access potential partnership and commercial opportuni

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Complete and submit the online application form with startup, founder, product, and business information.

2. 2

   Upload all required documents, including the pitch deck, company logo, startup video, and supporting business details.

3. 3

   Applications undergo an initial screening to verify eligibility, incorporation status, and alignment with the program objectives.

4. 4

   Shortlisted startups are evaluated based on innovation, AI capabilities, market potential, traction, scalability, team strength, and global expansion readiness.

5. 5

   Selected startups receive admission confirmation and onboarding instructions from the IndiaAI Mission team.

6. 6

   Participants join the online preparation phase, including mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and European market-entry workshops.

7. 7

   Startups work with experts from IndiaAI, Station F, and HEC Paris to refine their international growth strategy and expansion roadmap.

8. 8

   Selected founders participate in the onsite acceleration program at Station F in Paris, gaining access to workspace, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.

9. 9

   Startups engage in business development activities, investor meetings, partnership discussions, and market expansion initiatives throughout the program.

10. 10

    Upon completion, startups leverage the connections, knowledge, and opportunities gained through the program to accelerate their growth in European and global markets.

Documents checklist 24

• Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration Certificate
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate (if applicable)
• Startup Registration Number (DPIIT/CIN)
• Company Website URL
• Company LinkedIn Profile URL
• Startup Pitch Deck
• Company Logo (PNG Format)
• 2-Minute Founder Pitch Video
• Startup Profile and Description
• Founder and Team Details
• Educational Background of Founders
• Product or Solution Overview
• AI Architecture and Technology Stack Details
• Product Demo Link (if available)
• Business Model Information
• Revenue and Financial Details
• Funding History and Fundraising Information
• Customer and Traction Details
• Market Opportunity and Competitive Analysis
• Europe Expansion Strategy
• GDPR and EU AI Act Readiness Information
• Roadmap and Program Objectives
• Details of Team Members Attending the Program
• Any Additional Supporting Documents Requested During Evaluation Process

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions