Top 15 Accelerators in India for Early-Stage Startups

Why Accelerators Matter for Indian Startups

India is now home to over 110 unicorns and one of the world's most active startup ecosystems. But for most early-stage founders, the path from idea to product-market fit is deeply uncertain. Accelerators solve this by compressing years of learning into months, providing capital, mentorship, network, and credibility in a structured program. The right accelerator can be the difference between a startup that survives its first year and one that thrives. This guide covers the fifteen programs that have consistently delivered the most value for Indian early-stage startups, based on portfolio outcomes, network quality, and founder feedback.

1. Y Combinator (YC)

YC remains the gold standard globally and accepts Indian startups through its remote-first cohorts. The program offers $500,000 in funding, access to an unparalleled alumni network, and the Demo Day platform. Acceptance rate is under 2%. Tips for Indian founders: YC responds strongly to products that solve large, underserved problems in India or emerging markets, and teams that have already demonstrated early traction. Focus your application on the insight that only you are positioned to act on.

2. Sequoia Surge

Surge is Sequoia Capital India's rapid scale-up program for early-stage startups across Southeast Asia and India. It provides $1–2 million in capital and 16 weeks of intensive company-building. Surge is sector-agnostic and looks for companies with a global ambition. The program is cohort-based and competitive. Strong applications demonstrate a product that has already found early customers and a founder who thinks about distribution as seriously as product.

3. Antler India

Antler is a global early-stage investor and startup generator that accepts founders at the pre-idea stage. It is one of the few programs where you can join without a co-founder or even a fully-formed idea. Antler provides pre-seed capital and a structured co-founder matching process. Ideal for first-time founders with strong domain expertise who are looking for a structured launchpad.

4. NASSCOM 10,000 Startups

One of India's largest and most established startup programs, NASSCOM 10,000 Startups has supported over 3,500 startups across 22 cities. It offers mentorship, co-working access, investor introductions, and enterprise connect programs. The program is particularly strong for B2B tech startups targeting Indian enterprises. Applications are rolling, and the program is relatively accessible for first-time founders.

5. T-Hub (Hyderabad)

T-Hub is India's largest innovation hub, based in Hyderabad, and operates multiple programs across pre-seed and seed stages. Its Lab32 program provides curated mentorship and investor access. T-Hub is particularly well-connected to Telangana's government and corporate innovation ecosystem, making it valuable for deep-tech and govtech startups.

6. IAN (Indian Angel Network) — AIF Program

IAN's accelerator arm connects early-stage startups to one of India's largest angel investor networks. Beyond capital, IAN offers strategic mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and CXOs. It is sector-agnostic but has strong expertise in SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and consumer brands. Strong for startups that are post-revenue and looking to scale beyond their initial traction.

7. 91springboard

91springboard operates accelerator and incubation programs across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. It is particularly known for its community and network events that connect founders to each other and to investors. The program is accessible to pre-revenue startups and is a strong choice for founders looking for a collaborative, community-driven environment in their early months.

8. Microsoft for Startups (Founders Hub)

Microsoft's Founders Hub provides cloud credits, technical support, and access to Microsoft's enterprise network. It is one of the most valuable non-dilutive programs available to Indian startups, especially those building on Azure or targeting enterprise clients. The program has no equity component and is open to startups at all stages.

9. AWS Activate

Similar to Microsoft Founders Hub, AWS Activate provides cloud credits, technical support, and go-to-market resources for startups building on AWS. Credits can range from $1,000 to $100,000+ depending on the tier. For any startup with significant cloud infrastructure needs, this is one of the most cost-effective programs available.

10. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

KSUM is one of the most active state-level startup programs in India, with a strong track record of supporting hardware, deep-tech, and social impact startups. It provides funding, lab access, and incubation facilities. Kerala-based startups should explore KSUM before looking at pan-India programs.

11. IIM Ahmedabad — CIIE.CO

CIIE is the Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship at IIM Ahmedabad. It runs the Bharat Inclusion Initiative (BII) for fintech startups focused on financial inclusion, and the Spring program for sustainability-focused startups. IIM Ahmedabad's academic and alumni network makes CIIE a particularly strong choice for B2B startups targeting the Indian financial services sector.

12. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

AIM is NITI Aayog's flagship program to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India. The Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) are spread across 32+ states and provide funding, infrastructure, and mentorship. AIM is particularly relevant for deep-tech, agri-tech, and social impact startups looking for government validation and grant funding.

13. Axilor Ventures

Axilor runs a highly structured 100-day accelerator program for early-stage startups in India. Its rigorous approach to hypothesis testing and customer discovery makes it particularly valuable for founders who want to stress-test their assumptions before raising institutional capital. Axilor invests ₹15–20 lakhs per startup and has a strong portfolio in SaaS, healthtech, and edtech.

14. Startup India — DPIIT Recognition

While not an accelerator in the traditional sense, DPIIT recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is foundational for any Indian startup. It provides tax benefits, fast-track patent examination, self-certification under labour laws, and access to government tenders. Every Indian startup should apply for this recognition before approaching any accelerator.

15. Marketing Tusk Ecosystem Program

Marketing Tusk's Ecosystem Enablement Program is designed specifically for early-stage startups that need marketing support, investor access, and accelerator application assistance. We have helped hundreds of startups strengthen their applications, pitch decks, and investor narratives before they apply to the programs above.

How to Maximise Your Accelerator Application

Regardless of which program you apply to, the applications that get accepted share four qualities: they articulate a specific, validated problem; they show early evidence of customer interest; they demonstrate a team with relevant domain expertise; and they communicate a clear, ambitious vision. Spend as much time on your application as you would on a pitch deck. It is the first impression you make on a program that will shape your startup for years.