Eligibility & Participation

• Only startups officially selected through the Avinya application process are eligible to participate.
• Founders must commit to active participation throughout the 4-month program.
• A minimum of one core team member must be available for all mandatory sessions, including mentorships, reviews, and Demo Day.
• Participants must comply with ACSEL’s code of conduct and maintain professionalism at all times.

Workspace & Infrastructure

• ACSEL may provide optional co-working space access in Bengaluru. Allocation will be based on availability.
• The space must be used solely for incubation-related work and not for unrelated commercial activities.
• Startups are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and equipment integrity. Damages may be chargeable.

Funding & Compliance

• Each selected startup will receive up to ₹10 lakhs in seed funding as a grant or equity-linked instrument.
• Disbursal is milestone-based, subject to due diligence and progress reports.
• Startups must maintain transparent accounts and provide access to financial data when requested.
• Top-performing startups may be eligible for follow-on funding of up to ₹1 crore.

Intellectual Property

• All IP created during the cohort remains the property of the respective startup.
• IP created using ACSEL’s datasets, infrastructure, or mentorship must be disclosed and legally compliant.
• Startups must not infringe on third-party IP. ACSEL is not liable for any disputes arising from such infringements.

Confidentiality & Data

• All participants must maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary information shared by ACSEL or others.
• ACSEL may use anonymized startup data and visuals for promotion, with prior notice.

Attendance & Evaluation

• Founders must attend all mandatory check-ins, workshops, and Demo Day.
• Uninformed absence may affect funding and eligibility.
• Evaluations will assess product progress and commitment.

Code of Conduct

• Discrimination, harassment, or misconduct will lead to disqualification.
• Respect toward mentors, staff, and peers is mandatory.
• Breaches will be handled via grievance redressal and may lead to termination.

Program Termination & Withdrawal

• ACSEL may terminate participation with cause.
• Voluntary withdrawal requires notice and return of unused funds.
• Early exit forfeits follow-on funding and alumni privileges.

Alumni Network & Post-Cohort Support

• Graduates join the ACSEL Alumni Network.
• Alumni get access to events, investors, and resources.
• Alumni are expected to mentor future cohorts.

Governing Law & Jurisdiction

• These rules follow Indian law.
• Legal matters fall under Bengaluru courts’ jurisdiction.

Stage

Early-stage (MVP to early revenue); pre-seed to seed level

Team Size

2–10 people (at least 2 full-time founders preferred)

Incorporation

Registered legal entity in India

Commitment

Founders must commit full-time during the accelerator

Product Status

Must have at least an MVP, working prototype, or demonstrable proof-of-concept

Revenue

Optional

Programme Fit

Business aligns with Artificial Intelligence

Equity Agreement

Open to equity model