PIEDS x 1811 Labs : Gen AI Accelerator

About this scheme

PIEDS, the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society associated with BITS Pilani, and 1811 Labs jointly present the Generative AI Accelerator. This three-month hybrid program is designed to support B2B and consumer startups innovating within the generative AI domain. BITS Pilani is recognized as one of India's premier engineering and technology institutions, boasting a robust academic and research ecosystem. PIEDS, as its dedicated entrepreneurial arm, leverages these strengths to promote deep-tech entrepreneurship and support early-stage ventures, aiming to bridge cutting-edge research with practical startup innovation.

Successful applicants are eligible for seed funding of up to Rs. 10 Lakhs. This financial injection is provided in exchange for a 2% incubation equity stake. This equity structure signifies a partnership approach, aligning the accelerator's success with the startup's growth trajectory and demonstrating a shared commitment to developing transformative AI solutions. The capital supports critical development milestones, product refinement, and initial market penetration for selected AI businesses, ensuring they have the resources to achieve tangible progress.

Beyond monetary aid, the accelerator offers extensive non-monetary support. This includes tailored incubation guidance to navigate the complexities of startup growth, bespoke mentorship from seasoned industry veterans and AI specialists who provide invaluable strategic and technical insights, and extensive networking opportunities with potential investors, corporate partners, and a vibrant community of fellow founders. Participants also receive specialized training modules designed to improve business acumen and technical skills relevant to the evolving AI landscape, alongside facilitated market access initiatives aimed at validating products in real-world scenarios and scaling their operations effectively.

Who can apply

• To be considered for the PIEDS x 1811 Labs Generative AI Accelerator, applicants must meet specific criteria designed to ensure readiness for acceleration and potential for significant growth.
• Firstly, startups must be incorporated as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
• This requirement ensures a formal legal structure, demonstrating a commitment to operational compliance and readiness for potential future investments.
• Secondly, applicants must be at the minimum viable product (MVP) stage of development.
• This signifies that the startup has already built a core product, gathered initial user feedback, and is actively validating its solution in the market, making it suitable for an accelerator program focused on scaling.
• Lastly, startups with existing pilot implementations are strongly preferred.
• A pilot implementation indicates that the solution has been tested in a real-world scenario, demonstrating early traction and validating the technology's effectiveness and market potential, which are key indicators for successful acceleration.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited

Benefits & funding

• Seed funding up to Rs.
• 10 Lakhs in exchange for 2% incubation equity.
• Benefits include tailored incubation guidance, bespoke mentorship from industry veterans and AI specialists, extensive networking with investors and partners, specialized training, and facilitated market access initiatives.

How the application process works

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

1. 1

   Applicants submit a detailed online application.

2. 2

   Shortlisted teams undergo virtual interviews with PIEDS, 1811 Labs, and domain experts.

3. 3

   Promising teams advance to a final pitch round before a selection committee of investors, industry leaders, and mentors.

Frequently asked questions