Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The BuildAI Pitch Event, launched by Immersive Technology Entrepreneurship Labs (ITEL) in partnership with the IndiaAI Mission, identifies and supports AI-driven startups addressing India’s challenges. Selected startups receive structured incubation, mentoring, grant funding up to ₹20,00,000, and access to investors and deep-tech ecosystem support.
Overview of the Initiative
The BuildAI Pitch Event aims to accelerate India’s technological innovation by discovering high-potential AI startups, researchers, and innovators. The program focuses on:
- Fostering deep-tech innovation with local relevance
- Enabling incubation and co-incubation opportunities
- Strengthening mentorship and ecosystem support
- Providing grants and funding for scalable AI solutions
- Encouraging startups to address India-specific challenges and global technology leadership
Event and Incubation Structure
- National Pitch Event: Scheduled for April to identify promising AI ventures across India
- Incubation Program: Structured nurturing process including multi-dimensional training, strategic guidance, and continuous performance monitoring
- Mentorship: Dedicated support for refining ideas, developing business models, and connecting with angel investors and venture capital networks
Funding and Support
- Grant Funding: Up to ₹20,00,000 per incubated startup
- Travel Reimbursement: Up to ₹10,000 per shortlisted team
- Additional Support: Access to incubation facilities, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities within the deep-tech ecosystem
Who is Eligible?
- AI startups, researchers, and innovators working in deep-tech domains
- Entities seeking structured incubation support and opportunities to scale solutions
- Teams addressing complex challenges in India with scalable technological solutions
How the Program Works
- Application: Submit your startup or innovation proposal for the BuildAI Pitch Event
- Selection: Shortlisted startups participate in the national pitch event
- Incubation: Selected participants enter a structured incubation program with training, mentorship, and monitoring
- Mentoring and Networking: Access guidance from industry experts and investor networks to refine business models
- Grant Disbursement: Apply for funding up to ₹20,00,000 to implement and scale AI innovations
- Travel Support: Eligible teams receive reimbursement for travel to the event up to ₹10,000
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight the India-specific problem your AI solution addresses
- Demonstrate technical feasibility and potential for scalability
- Showcase team expertise and innovation in deep-tech AI
- Prepare a clear business model and growth plan
- Engage actively with mentors and ecosystem partners for maximum benefit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications or lacking clarity on AI solution impact
- Ignoring scalability or commercial potential of the innovation
- Failing to leverage mentorship and incubation resources effectively
- Overlooking travel reimbursement eligibility and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can participate? AI startups, researchers, and innovators in the deep-tech space.
2. What is the grant amount? Up to ₹20,00,000 per incubated startup.
3. Are travel expenses covered? Yes, up to ₹10,000 per shortlisted team.
4. When is the national pitch event? Scheduled for April.
5. What support is provided during incubation? Multi-dimensional training, strategic guidance, mentoring, investor access, and ecosystem networking.
6. Can individuals apply, or only startups? Both AI startups and individual innovators/researchers working in deep-tech are eligible.
7. What is the main objective of the program? To identify and nurture AI-driven solutions addressing India’s complex challenges while enabling scalable innovation.
Conclusion
The BuildAI Pitch Event and incubation program offer AI startups and innovators in India a comprehensive platform to refine ideas, access funding, gain mentorship, and scale deep-tech solutions. By combining structured incubation with grant support and ecosystem engagement, the initiative strengthens India’s AI innovation landscape while addressing critical national and global challenges.
For more information, visit ITEL Foundation.
