AI Push Up: Change Engine Bets $5M on Early-Stage Startups

The world is witnessing an AI revolution, and India is not just participating but is gearing up to lead. With a vision to build groundbreaking AI solutions from India for global markets, Change Engine, a Gurgaon-based startup accelerator, has announced an ambitious plan to invest over $5 million in early-stage AI startups over the next five years.

But this is not just another funding initiative. Change Engine’s unique approach to acceleration—offering a dedicated AI sandbox, access to a Silicon Valley-based customer advisory board, and a network of seasoned mentors—promises to transform raw ideas into globally competitive AI products. With a focus on machine learning stack technologies and AI-driven business applications, the accelerator will back six high-potential AI startups annually, each receiving an initial seed funding of $50,000, followed by up to $150,000 through syndication.

An Ecosystem for AI Disruption

Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond the hype. The world is now seeking solutions that can drive real business impact, and Change Engine wants to ensure that India is at the forefront of this transformation.

“At the heart of our accelerator is a commitment to building second-generation AI products—ones that go beyond superficial applications and deliver robust, scalable, and tailor-made solutions,” says Varun Aggarwal, Founder of Change Engine. “We are not just looking at funding startups but nurturing them through an entire ecosystem that accelerates product development and global market entry.”

This ecosystem is structured around three core pillars:

1. A Cutting-Edge AI Sandbox: Startups gain access to an exclusive environment designed to rapidly prototype, test, and refine their AI products with real-world data sets.

2. A Global Advisory Network: Entrepreneurs will be mentored by industry veterans and successful AI startup founders with experience in building B2B SaaS businesses for Fortune 500 clients.

3. A Customer Advisory Board in Silicon Valley: A handpicked board comprising AI leaders from top global companies like Google, Amazon, McKinsey, and Adobe will provide market validation and go-to-market guidance.

Proven Success: Change Engine’s Growing Track Record

While Change Engine’s latest investment commitment is creating a buzz, the accelerator already has a history of supporting AI innovation in India. From hosting AI Product Bootcamps at IIT Delhi—where over 40 AI enthusiasts trained under experts from companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon—to deep-diving into India’s AI research landscape, Change Engine has been shaping India’s AI narrative for years.

Their previous cohorts have already made headlines:

• Sonic Lambs, an AI-driven music technology startup, featured on Shark Tank Season 4 and secured Rs 50 lakh in funding.

• CallPrep, an AI-powered communication training platform, was spotlighted in Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund list.

• Several other startups are on the verge of achieving product-market fit and scaling up for larger funding rounds.

Bridging the Gap Between AI Research and Commercialization

India has long been recognized for its deep pool of AI talent, but a critical challenge remains: translating research into commercially viable products. Change Engine’s founders, with over 35 years of cumulative experience in AI-driven B2B SaaS startups, are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap.

With multiple AI publications in top global conferences and patents to their names, the accelerator’s leadership understands what it takes to turn a research paper into a product that sells. Their structured accelerator program ensures that startups don’t just build technically impressive AI models but also create market-ready solutions that cater to enterprise needs.

Why This Matters for India’s AI Future

The Indian AI ecosystem is at an inflection point. With increasing global interest in AI solutions and India’s tech talent receiving widespread recognition, initiatives like Change Engine’s accelerator program could be a game-changer.

By investing in early-stage startups and equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and funding needed to succeed, Change Engine is not just backing individual companies—it is laying the foundation for India’s AI dominance on the global stage.

For startups eager to be a part of this transformative journey, applications for the next cohort are now open. Visit Change Engine Accelerator Program to learn more.