AI Gets a Power Boost! Accel Unveils $1 Mn Opportunity for Indian-Origin Founders

In a bold move set to reshape the global innovation map, venture capital giant Accel has launched Atoms AI and Atoms X—two new pre-seed tracks laser-focused on Indian and Indian-origin founders worldwide. With up to $1 million in funding and $5 million worth of perks on the table, Accel is clearly betting big on the next wave of AI and deep-tech disruptors.

But that’s not all. This week’s startup wrap captures a wave of momentum: from the fifth edition of National Startup Awards and a solar breakthrough at IIT-Bombay to small-town incubators making big waves, and India’s push to become a creative economy leader powered by AI. We also spotlight how women entrepreneurs are shaping India’s startup boom and why Tier-II and III cities are the new innovation hotspots.

Let’s dive into all the action that’s setting the Indian startup ecosystem abuzz this week.

Top Startup News of the Week

Accel Launches Atoms AI and Atoms X for Indian-Origin Founders

Accel has expanded its pre-seed program with two new tracks—Atoms AI and Atoms X—targeting Indian and Indian-origin founders globally. Atoms AI supports startups building AI business applications and foundational tools across the AI stack, offering up to $1 million in funding and perks worth over $5 million. Led by Mr. Prayank Swaroop, Mr. Anand Daniel, and Mr. Anagh Prasad, it aims to help founders navigate cross-border complexities. Atoms X, led by Mr. Pratik Agarwal, focuses on LeapTech innovations that enhance human experience through novel technologies, offering funding, expert networks, and commercialization support. 

Fifth Edition of National Startup Awards Opens for Applications

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched the fifth edition of the National Startup Awards (NSA) under the Startup India initiative. These awards honor startups driving innovation, impact, and inclusive growth across diverse sectors like agriculture, clean energy, fintech, and health. NSA recognizes ventures for commercial success, social impact, and scalability. Winners gain national credibility, investor access, and global visibility. Past winners include Innaumation Medical Devices, Micob, and Blackfrog Technologies. Applications are now open, continuing the mission to support Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s journey toward a five-trillion-dollar economy.

Chandigarh University Launches Campus Tank in Collaboration with Apna and Venture Catalysts

Chandigarh University, in partnership with job portal Apna and investment firm Venture Catalysts, has launched Campus Tank, India’s first university-led startup launchpad. This initiative aims to empower young innovators by providing a platform for entrepreneurial growth directly within the academic ecosystem. The collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry, fostering innovation and startup culture among students. Campus Tank is designed to nurture student-led ventures with mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic guidance, marking a significant step in integrating academia with India’s dynamic startup landscape.

NIT Incubator GIF and Startup Kashmir Join Forces to Boost J&K’s Startup Ecosystem

The Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF) at NIT Srinagar has partnered with Startup Kashmir Consultancy Private Limited to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s startup ecosystem. This collaboration aims to support early-stage businesses and foster innovation in the region. By combining academic resources with local entrepreneurial expertise, the initiative seeks to create a nurturing environment for startups, encouraging sustainable growth and regional development.

Bharat Ke Incubators: How Small-Town Incubators Are Driving Big Ideas

India’s startup ecosystem is expanding beyond metro cities, with incubators in Tier 2 and 3 towns like Rajkot, Patna, Bhopal, Aurangabad, and Hubli leading grassroots innovation. A roundtable hosted by YourStory highlighted leaders such as Ronald Fernandez (AIC-RNTU), Danish Patel (RK University), Joseph Paul (IIT Patna), Manish Jaiswal (Deshpande Startups), and Ashish Garde (MAGIC). These incubators foster real-world solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics, supported by initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and Startup India Seed Fund. Their efforts are transforming local aspirations, generating jobs, and formalizing informal enterprises. 

Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Meets Deep-Tech Startups, Highlights Push for Innovation & Global Market Access

Hon’ble Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal held a detailed interaction with deep-tech startups to strengthen India’s emerging technology ecosystem. The meeting focused on improving funding access, infrastructure, regulatory support, and global market linkages. Held alongside the 10th National Startup Advisory Council meeting, the dialogue emphasized collaborative innovation, R&D, and support for startups in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Goyal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready startup environment, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

IIT-B Startup Develops India’s Most Efficient Solar Cell with 29.8% Conversion

Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), a startup from IIT Bombay, has developed a solar cell with 29.8% efficiency—India’s highest to date. Using a tandem design combining perovskite and silicon layers, the cell captures more sunlight and converts nearly 30% into electricity, surpassing the typical 20% efficiency of conventional panels. Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi hailed it as a “game-changer” for India’s solar future and urged industry investment to scale the technology. The innovation is lightweight, cost-effective, and part of a broader push at IIT-B’s NCPRE, supported by ₹200 crore in funding. 

India Set to Lead Global Creative Economy with AI-Driven Innovation

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, announced India’s push toward AI-driven solutions for inclusive communication at a meeting with startups and incubators at T-Hub, Hyderabad. He introduced the WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform under the WAVES initiative, launching the ‘Kalaa Setu’ and ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenges to bridge linguistic divides and promote cultural diversity. Startups can apply via the WaveX portal, with winners receiving MoUs, pilot support with AIR, DD, and PIB, and incubation opportunities. WaveX aims to nurture innovation in media, entertainment, and language tech, aligning with India’s vision for a creator-led digital economy.

India’s Tier-II and III Cities: The Next Hotbed for Startups

India’s Tier-II and III cities are emerging as powerful engines of startup innovation, driven by lower operational costs, deep local market understanding, and rising digital penetration. Cities like Bhopal, Kochi, and Kanpur are witnessing a surge in ventures addressing agri-tech, education, vernacular content, and healthcare. Affordable smartphones and data have democratized access to resources, while policy support and local incubators are nurturing entrepreneurship. Educational institutions are also fostering innovation through E-cells and hubs. These grassroots-driven startups are solving Bharat’s core challenges, attracting investor interest and reshaping India’s startup landscape beyond metro corridors. 

Startup Policy Forum Launches CNPC to Support India’s Next Big Tech Listings

The Startup Policy Forum (SPF), comprising over 50 leading new-age firms, has launched the Centre for New-Age Public Companies (CNPC) to support Indian startups preparing for public listings. Announced during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai with SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey and 20 startup leaders, CNPC aims to guide startups on regulatory compliance, IPO readiness, governance, and investor relations. With 40 Indian startups valued over $90 billion expected to go public soon, CNPC will serve as a bridge between startups, regulators, and capital market stakeholders, fostering smoother transitions from private to public markets. 

Estée Lauder Launches BEAUTY&YOU India 2025 to Empower Beauty Entrepreneurs

The Estée Lauder Companies unveiled the fourth edition of BEAUTY&YOU India, a program to support emerging beauty entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and industry access. Under the theme Beauty Frontiers, the initiative invites applications until August 24, 2025. Nykaa returns as lead partner, joined by Startup India, DPIIT as part of DPIIT’s drive of fostering corporate-startup collaborations. A new Visionary Women’s Award honors women founders. Winners receive up to $500,000, mentorship, brand-building support, and national visibility. Since 2022, the program has attracted over 1,500 applications, spotlighting India’s cultural and technological innovation in beauty. Finalists will present in Mumbai this October.

AssisTech Foundation Launches India’s First Assistive Tech Market Access Program

AssisTech Foundation (ATF) has launched India’s first dedicated Startup India Seed Fund for Assistive Technology (AT) startups, backed by DPIIT. With a ₹5 crore capital pool, the fund aims to support 32 early-stage AT startups over three years, offering grants up to ₹20 lakhs and equity investments up to ₹50 lakhs. The initiative targets innovation in accessibility, empowering persons with disabilities through technology. Startups must be DPIIT-recognized, under two years old, and majority Indian-owned. This program marks a major step in building a robust, inclusive AT ecosystem in India. 

Indian Startups Raise $80 Mn Across 21 Deals Amid Funding Dip

Between July 14 and 19, Indian startups secured a total of $79.7 million across 21 funding deals, marking a 40% decline from the $132.9 million raised the previous week. Despite the drop in funding volume, the number of deals increased from 17 to 21. Advanced hardware and technology emerged as the most funded sector, attracting $37.6 million. Seed-stage activity also saw a dip, with seven startups raising $7.5 million compared to $14.7 million the week before. The trend reflects a cautious investor sentiment in India’s startup ecosystem.

India’s Startup Boom: Nearly 76,000 Run by Women

Hon’ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that nearly 76,000 startups in India are led by women, many from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Speaking at a conference, he emphasized the Modi government’s focus on empowering the Poor, Farmers, Youth, and Women over the past 11 years. Women-centric governance has evolved from welfare to leadership, supported by initiatives like WISE, GATI, CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme. Economic empowerment includes over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts for women and 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ via SHGs. Reforms also include workplace benefits and legal sensitivity for women. 

IIT Kanpur Launches C3iHub Cohort VII to Boost Cybersecurity Innovation

IIT Kanpur has launched Cohort VII of its Cybersecurity Startup Incubation Program through C3iHub, a Technology Innovation Hub under the NM-ICPS. In partnership with its Technology Business Incubator FIRST, the program offers ₹30 lakh per startup—₹20 lakh as a non-equity grant and ₹10 lakh as an equity-based fellowship. It targets early-stage ventures in mobile security, automotive cybersecurity, AI/ML security, and more. Startups will receive mentorship, access to IIT Kanpur’s labs, and strategic support. C3iHub, recently elevated to a Technology Translational Research Park, has incubated 49 startups and trained over 10,000 professionals since 2020. 

UAE-India CEPA Council and BHU (Banaras Hindu University) Sign MoU to Boost Startup Ties and Global Market Access

The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) and Banaras Hindu University’s Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU) have signed an MoU to foster cross-border collaboration, innovation, and market access for Indian startups. The partnership aims to connect BHU’s student-led ventures with Middle Eastern markets, offering global exposure and investor linkages. A startup showcase in Varanasi marked the launch of this initiative, emphasizing youth-led, tech-driven entrepreneurship. UICC Director Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi and AIC Director Prof. PV Rajeev highlighted the MoU’s potential to open international opportunities for regional startups and deepen institutional ties between India and the UAE. 

MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0 to Cradle Innovative Startups

IIT Indore has been selected to host the MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0, an initiative by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to support sustainable business ventures. Open to individuals and startups, selected proposals can receive up to ₹15 lakh in funding and access to IIT Indore’s incubation facilities. Applications are open until July 31. The incubation centre has supported 89 startups, with 38 completing the program and creating over 500 jobs. The centre also secured over ₹8 crore in funding, including ₹5 crore from the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.