The initiative directly aligns with India’s mission to drive sovereign technology and secure global leadership in pivotal tech landscapes by anchoring innovation to real-world problem-solving.
Empowering Early-Stage AI Innovators
The BuildAI TechPitchSprint is inviting applications from early-stage AI startups developing innovative solutions across six focus sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
- MSME
- BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance)
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
The 2-day in-person event at the IIT Gandhinagar Research Park splits the challenge into two rigorous phases:
Day 1: Tech Hackathon: A grueling 10-hour, in-person challenge where startups must build an on-the-spot technical solution relevant to their domain.
Day 2: PitchSprint: The top 20 selected finalists will move forward to pitch their business models and products directly to an esteemed jury of experts.
Incentives, Rewards, and Incubation Support
Highly promising startups emerging from the event stand a chance to secure joint incubation from the ITEL Foundation and IndiaAI Mission, alongside co-incubation support from IIT Gandhinagar.
The comprehensive, structured incubation program offers:
- Multi-dimensional training modules and strategic scaling support.
- Dedicated, one-on-one expert mentoring.
- Direct facilitation and access to angel networks and venture capital funds.
- Continuous performance monitoring and strategic guidance.
- Financial Grants: Incubated startups will also become eligible to apply for a deployment grant of up to ₹20,00,000.
Cash Prizes for the Top 5 Winners:
In addition to incubation opportunities, the top five startups will walk away with a combined pool of cash prizes:
- 1st Prize: ₹2,00,000
- 2nd & 3rd Prize: ₹1,00,000 per startup
- 4th & 5th Prize: ₹50,000 per startup
Travel Support: Shortlisted startups traveling for the event will have their travel tickets reimbursed at actuals, up to a maximum of ₹10,000 per startup.
Eligibility Criteria
Startup Stage: Legally registered AI startups within their first 3 years of operations (0–3 years old).
Exclusions: Student-led startups are not eligible to apply for this specific cohort.
Important Dates & How to Apply
Startups can submit their applications using ITEL’s AI-based Interactive Screening Application, where they will be required to complete a questionnaire and upload their pitch deck.
Application Deadline: 5th July 2026
Event Dates: 31st July – 1st August 2026
Venue: IIT Gandhinagar Research Park, Gujarat
Ready to accelerate your deep-tech AI solution? Click Here to Apply Now.
For any further queries, startups can contact the team at:
- gm-startups@indiaai.gov.in
- manager-startups@indiaai.gov.in
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