In a major push to globalize India’s deep tech ecosystem, the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) partnered with the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center to launch the ‘India Deep Tech Accelerator’. Announced on Tuesday, this 10-week intensive aims to supercharge startups from IITs, equipping them with the tools for international success.
Developed in collaboration with leading IIT incubators such as SINE (IIT Bombay), FITT (IIT Delhi), and IIT Madras Research Park, the program will run from April to June 2026. It will handpick 15 startups for a transformative journey featuring expert-led workshops, personalized coaching, and direct access to investors and clients.
The accelerator’s structure is designed for maximum impact. Mid-program, participants hone their pitches and strategies, leading to a June showcase in India. Top teams then advance to a prestigious demo day in America’s Bay Area, exposing their innovations to Silicon Valley’s elite.
At its core, the initiative builds a repeatable pathway for IIT startups to secure funding, refine venture models, and penetrate global markets. It’s a response to the harsh reality that even the most brilliant deep tech ideas often falter in commercialization.
Backed by IDTA’s strategic insights and Arora Venture Partners’ pledge of up to $200,000 per company, the program attracts top VC firms for mentoring and follow-on investments. This robust support network positions participants for explosive growth.
Celesta Capital’s Shriram Viswanathan highlighted the program’s timeliness: ‘IITs are talent factories for cutting-edge research, yet deep tech ventures face commercialization hurdles. This accelerator bridges that divide, turning ideas into scalable businesses.’
With India’s startup scene booming, the India Deep Tech Accelerator could catalyze a wave of IIT-led unicorns, strengthening the nation’s role in the global deep tech revolution.