OVERVIEW:
The India Deep Tech Accelerator, powered by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, is designed to help Indian deep tech founders translate breakthrough innovation into globally competitive companies.
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Developed by the Polsky Center in collaboration with leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) innovation networks and incubators — including SINE at IIT Bombay, FITT at IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras Research Park — the accelerator supports globally ambitious, IIT-affiliated startups as they refine customer positioning, strengthen investor narratives, and build momentum toward U.S. and international commercialization and fundraising milestones.
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The 10-week program, running from April through June 2026, will support a curated cohort of up to 15 startups through targeted workshops, executive coaching, and strategic customer and investor engagement. The accelerator will culminate in showcase opportunities in India and the Bay Area for select high-performing companies.
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Aroa Venture Partners serves as the Lead Venture Partner for the accelerator and as an early conviction capital partner. In addition to participating at the steering committee level, Aroa will provide targeted guidance and commit up to US$200,000 per startup in select companies emerging from the program.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
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​The program is open to early-stage, innovation-driven deep tech startups affiliated with Indian academic and research institutions, including ventures led by faculty, students, and alumni.
Eligible companies typically demonstrate:
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U.S. subsidiary or entity formed or planned during the program,
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Products or services relevant to U.S. market,
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Globally ambitious startups with a path to U.S. market entry,
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Preparing to raise an institutional or strategic investment round in the next 6-12 months,
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Founder commitment to engage consistently over the 10-week program.
SeedUP Program
OVERVIEW:
SeedUP Program is designed to identify and support the state's most promising ventures, offering them the tools, funding, and mentorship needed to achieve scale and make a meaningful impact.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
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1. The startup must be operational in India with all the founders above 18 years of age
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2. The startup should have been in business for less than 3 years
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3. The startup must be registered in the state of Uttar Pradesh
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New Venture Program
OVERVIEW:
To provide a platform for mission-driven entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
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1. An initial investment of US$100,000 in the form of equity with additional commitment of US$400,000
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2. Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and domain experts
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3. Access to specialized support and exposure to the Aroa Venture Partners network.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
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1. The startup must be operational in India with all the founders above 18 years of age
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2. The startup should have been in business for less than 3 years
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3. The startup must be bootstrapped
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