Deadline Date: June 28, 2026
The PW AI Startup Challenge is an innovation programme designed to support, fund, and accelerate AI startups and student innovators across India.
The focus areas, of this programme include AI-driven startup development, student innovation in artificial intelligence, and ecosystem engagement across EdTech, FinTech, Defence Technology, and Healthcare sectors. It also focuses on funding support for early-stage startups, incubation opportunities, and building connections between founders, investors, policymakers, and institutions.
This programme includes three flagship tracks: a Startup Funding Challenge for registered AI startups, a Student Innovation Challenge for college and university students developing AI startup concepts, and an AI Conference bringing together stakeholders from India’s AI ecosystem. These tracks aim to support innovation, funding access, and knowledge exchange.
The Startup Funding Challenge targets registered Indian AI startups with AI-first or AI-enabled products or services at the seed to Series A stage, with at least one Indian citizen or resident in the founding team. Selected startups are eligible for equity-based funding support of up to ₹1 crore per startup, along with access to the PW AI Growth Accelerator programme with committed fund support. Startups may also receive grant facilitation of up to ₹10 lakhs under the StartinUP scheme of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with market access opportunities, business collaborations, internship hiring support from PW IOI campuses, and technology and business mentorship from PW leadership teams.
The Student Innovation Challenge is open to students with AI-based startup ideas across the identified focus sectors. Selected student innovators may receive cash prizes of up to ₹90,000 for top performers, along with incubation opportunities at the PW Incubation Centre in Lucknow and Noida. They are also eligible for grant facilitation of up to ₹10 lakhs under the StartinUP scheme, free access to the Aarambh five-day startup immersion programme at PW HQ in Noida, and technical product development support through LeapX. Additionally, students may gain direct admission opportunities into MBA and B.Tech programmes at IOI campuses across India with scholarships of up to 50 percent.
For more information, visit Sayuj.
