Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026
by Wadhwani Foundation
FundingUp to Rs. 1 Cr
Equity-free MVP / Prototype Early Revenue
Up to Rs. 1Cr for TRL-4+ deeptech startups with IIT Hyderabad collaboration
ClosesClosed
Foundation / CSR Bengaluru, Karnataka Est. 2000
Wadhwani Foundation
Global non-profit accelerating job creation through entrepreneurship, skilling, and AI-powered platforms, supporting over 2,500 startups and working with governments across 30+ countries.
2,500+ startups supported 2 programs listed
About Wadhwani Foundation
Wadhwani Foundation is a global non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Romesh Wadhwani. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, the foundation operates across more than 30 countries with a mission to accelerate economic development by driving large-scale job creation through entrepreneurship, small business support, and workforce skilling. The foundation works in close partnership with governments, educational institutions, and the private sector.
## Role
Wadhwani Foundation operates as a capacity-building organization for startup ecosystems. Rather than running a traditional incubator or accelerator, the foundation builds and deploys AI-powered platforms and programs that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. It also works with governments to strengthen their startup support infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives.
## Programs
The foundation runs several key initiatives. Wadhwani Advantage is an AI-powered platform that provides personalized business mentorship and growth tools to small businesses and startups. Wadhwani Entrepreneur provides entrepreneurship education through partnerships with universities and training institutions. The foundation also runs programs focused on government digital transformation and workforce skilling. Across these programs, the foundation has supported over 2,500 startups and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions.
## Who Benefits
Early-stage entrepreneurs, small business owners, students exploring entrepreneurship, and government agencies looking to strengthen their startup ecosystems. The foundation's programs are particularly relevant for founders outside major metro cities who may lack access to traditional accelerators and VC networks. Its government partnerships create systemic benefits for entire startup ecosystems rather than individual companies.
## Strategic Impact
Wadhwani Foundation has played a significant role in building entrepreneurship infrastructure across India and emerging markets. Its AI-powered platforms enable scalable mentorship that reaches thousands of entrepreneurs simultaneously, addressing a fundamental limitation of traditional one-on-one mentorship models. The foundation's government partnerships in India and globally have influenced startup policy and program design at the national and state levels.
Who they work with
Stages
Idea MVP / Prototype Early Revenue
Sectors
Social Impact Edtech & Skilling
Frequently asked questions
What funding programs does Wadhwani Foundation run?
Wadhwani Foundation currently has 2 programs listed in this directory, including Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026, LiftOff Acceleration Program , Indian Angel Network × Wadhwani Foundation. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Is Wadhwani Foundation a government organisation?
Wadhwani Foundation is listed as a foundation / csr. It is not a government body, and its programs follow the organisation's own selection process.
How do I evaluate whether a Wadhwani Foundation program fits my startup?
Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.
Do I apply to these programs through IncorpX?
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of Wadhwani Foundation and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Enquire about Wadhwani Foundation
Tell us what you are building and which Wadhwani Foundation program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
Enquiry received
Thanks! An IncorpX advisor will reach out shortly to talk through Wadhwani Foundation and your next steps.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
Closing soon
View all FundingRs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh
Equity-free Idea Logistics & Mobility
ClosesJun 15, 2026
FundingUp to Rs. 1 Cr
MVP / Prototype Biotech, Health & Pharma
ClosesJun 15, 2026
FundingSupport amount varies
MVP / Prototype
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Nebin Binoy 
