Call for Applications: Startup Acceleration Programme (India)

The Startup Acceleration Programme by the Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub Gujarat) invites startup accelerators, investment funds, and ecosystem enablers to design and implement structured acceleration programmes for high-potential startups in Gujarat. Each selected programme will receive INR 8,00,000 to deliver mentorship, investor connections, bootcamps, and growth-focused activities that help startups scale.

About the Startup Acceleration Programme

The Startup Acceleration Programme is an initiative of i-Hub Gujarat aimed at strengthening Gujarat’s startup ecosystem by partnering with experienced startup accelerators and innovation support organizations.

The programme seeks organizations capable of delivering structured startup acceleration initiatives that provide mentorship, investment readiness, investor networking, and business growth support. Through expert-led sessions, bootcamps, and demo days, participating startups will gain the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to scale their ventures.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Accelerate the growth of high-potential startups in Gujarat.
Strengthen the state’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Facilitate investment opportunities for startups.
Connect startups with investors, mentors, and industry experts.
Build structured acceleration programmes that improve startup readiness.
Encourage collaboration between ecosystem stakeholders.
Support startup growth through mentorship and business guidance.

Focus Areas

The programme supports initiatives related to:

Startup acceleration.
Investment facilitation.
Startup mentorship.
Innovation.
Entrepreneurship development.
Investor networking.
Ecosystem building.
Structured acceleration programmes.
Startup growth enablement.

Programme Structure

Selected organizations will design and deliver a structured acceleration programme that includes:

A minimum of 20 acceleration sessions.
Approximately 50% of the sessions conducted physically.
One Investment Demo Day.
One two-day in-person bootcamp.
Participation from:
- Investment firms.
- Venture capital funds.
- Family offices.
- Startup ecosystem partners.
- Industry experts.
- Mentors.

The final selection of mentors, speakers, partners, and investment funds will be carried out in consultation with i-Hub Gujarat.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Selected Accelerator

The selected organization will be responsible for:

Designing the acceleration programme.
Delivering mentorship sessions.
Organizing workshops and training.
Managing programme logistics.
Coordinating accommodation arrangements where required.
Engaging mentors and expert speakers.
Bringing investment partners and ecosystem stakeholders.
Organizing the Demo Day.
Conducting the physical bootcamp.
Ensuring successful programme execution.

Support Provided by i-Hub Gujarat

i-Hub Gujarat will support selected organizations by:

Providing a pipeline of eligible startups.
Assigning a dedicated support team.
Assisting with on-site programme execution.
Coordinating implementation activities.
Working jointly on the selection of mentors, speakers, partners, and investment funds.

Funding Information

Each selected acceleration programme will receive:

Programme Budget: INR 8,00,000

The funding covers expenses such as:

Mentorship fees.
Expert honorariums.
Investor participation.
Travel expenses.
Accommodation costs.
Programme execution.
Other approved operational expenses.

Payment Schedule

Payments will be released in two stages:

50% advance payment before programme implementation.
Remaining 50% after successful completion of the acceleration programme and fulfilment of programme requirements.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to organizations with demonstrated experience in startup ecosystem development, including:

Startup accelerators.
Investment funds.
Startup ecosystem enablers.
Innovation support organizations.
Organizations with expertise in:
- Startup acceleration.
- Investment support.
- Mentorship.
- Entrepreneurship development.
- Ecosystem building.

Applicants should have a proven track record of successfully supporting startups through structured acceleration programmes.

Why This Programme Matters

Early-stage startups often require more than funding—they need mentorship, industry exposure, investor access, and structured business support.

This programme helps:

Build investment-ready startups.
Improve startup survival and growth.
Connect founders with experienced mentors.
Expand access to investors and funding opportunities.
Strengthen Gujarat’s innovation ecosystem.
Encourage entrepreneurship and economic development.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Programme Requirements

Ensure your organization has experience in:

Startup acceleration.
Mentorship.
Investor engagement.
Ecosystem development.
Entrepreneurship support.

Step 2: Develop an Acceleration Plan

Prepare a detailed proposal explaining:

Programme structure.
Mentorship approach.
Session schedule.
Investment engagement strategy.
Bootcamp design.
Demo Day format.
Expected startup outcomes.

Step 3: Demonstrate Organizational Experience

Include information about:

Previous acceleration programmes.
Startups supported.
Investment outcomes.
Mentor network.
Industry partnerships.
Ecosystem-building initiatives.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application with all required documentation and submit it before the specified deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Demonstrate a strong history of startup acceleration.
Present a well-structured programme design.
Show access to experienced mentors and investors.
Include measurable outcomes for participating startups.
Highlight successful past acceleration programmes.
Explain how startups will benefit beyond the programme period.
Showcase strong partnerships within the startup ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Submitting a generic acceleration model without customization.
Providing an unclear mentorship framework.
Failing to demonstrate previous experience.
Not explaining investor engagement plans.
Presenting unrealistic implementation timelines.
Omitting measurable programme outcomes.
Weak coordination plans for programme delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Startup Acceleration Programme?

It is an initiative by i-Hub Gujarat that supports experienced organizations in delivering structured acceleration programmes for high-potential startups across Gujarat.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include startup accelerators, investment funds, innovation support organizations, and ecosystem enablers with experience in startup mentoring and acceleration.

How much funding is available?

Each selected acceleration programme will receive INR 8,00,000.

What activities must the programme include?

Each programme must include:

At least 20 acceleration sessions.
Around 50% physical sessions.
One Investment Demo Day.
One two-day in-person bootcamp.

What expenses are covered?

Funding may cover mentorship fees, travel, accommodation for experts and investors, programme logistics, and other approved implementation costs.

How will payments be made?

The selected organization will receive 50% of the funding in advance, while the remaining 50% will be released after successful completion of the programme.

What support will i-Hub Gujarat provide?

i-Hub Gujarat will provide a pipeline of startups, assign a support team for implementation, and collaborate on selecting mentors, speakers, partners, and investment funds.

Conclusion

The Startup Acceleration Programme offers an excellent opportunity for experienced startup accelerators, investment funds, and ecosystem enablers to strengthen Gujarat’s innovation ecosystem while supporting the growth of promising startups.

With INR 8,00,000 available for each acceleration programme, structured mentorship, investor engagement, bootcamps, and demo days, the initiative aims to create investment-ready startups, foster entrepreneurship, and build a stronger, more connected startup ecosystem in Gujarat.