Avinya
ACCELERATOR
PROGRAMME
Avinya, derived from the Sanskrit word for innovation, is ACSEL Technology Forum’s accelerator programme dedicated to empowering visionary founders in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Designed as a founder-first platform, Avinya goes beyond funding support to provide structured mentorship, global networks, and tailored resources that help startups scale faster and make a lasting impact.
Avinya, derived from the Sanskrit word for innovation, is ACSEL Technology Forum’s accelerator programme dedicated to empowering visionary founders in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Designed as a founder-first platform, Avinya goes beyond funding support to provide structured mentorship, global networks, and tailored resources that help startups scale faster and make a lasting impact.
Avinya is a structured 4-month programme that nurtures early-stage startups through expert mentorship, curated datasets, deep industry engagement, and seed funding of up to ₹10 lakhs. With access to Karnataka’s premier AI ecosystem, including IIT alumni networks, government support, and global partners, Avinya enables startups to solve real-world challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance. It’s a launchpad for responsible, scalable, and impactful innovation.
Duration
Weeks Duration
Cohort Size
startups per batch
Model
Flexible equity participation accommodating both equity and
non-equity arrangements to attract diverse startups.
hOW aVINYA WORKS
Structured Mentorship & Personalised Guidance
- Mentorship Pods: Dedicated mentors (IIT alumni, entrepreneurs, domain experts, strategists) for holistic guidance.
- Strategy Sessions: Regular one-on-one reviews to track progress and refine plans.
- Peer Circles: Cohort-driven discussions to share experiences and solutions.
Global Network & Alumni Engagement
- Access: Ongoing support from IIT alumni, investors, and industry experts.
- Alumni Mentorship Programme: Past founders mentor new cohorts, building a culture of giving back.
- Global Exchange Opportunities: Partnerships with international accelerators for learning and market access.
Tailored Curriculum & Resources
- Custom Learning Tracks: Startups choose Industry-specific pathways (FinTech, HealthTech, Climate Tech, etc.) with content tailored to their industry.
- Resource Toolkit: Access to tools, templates, and resources including legal, financial, and marketing support.
- Expert Workshops: Interactive sessions led by industry leaders on fundraising, scaling, and product development.
Funding & Investment Opportunities
- Initial Seed Funding (in Phase 1): INR 10 lakhs investment for all cohort members.
- Investor Matching (in Phase 2): Personalised introductions to investors aligned with the startup’s stage and industry. ACSEL invests up to INR 10 million in select (best performing from cohort) start-ups
- Demo Day: Culminating event where startups pitch to a curated audience of investors and partners
Infrastructure & Operational Support
- Co-Working Spaces: Access to modern workspaces fostering collaboration and community.
- Pilot & Testing Facilities: Opportunities to test products in real-world environments through partnerships with corporations and institutions.
- Operational Support: Assistance with administrative tasks, allowing founders to focus on core business activities.
SELECTION CRITERIA
To ensure you’re attracting and selecting founders who can benefit most from the programme—and who will shine in the long run— Avinya evaluates startups on the following 5 pillars:
Founding Team
- Grit & Coachability: Founders who demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn
- Complementary Skills: At least one technical founder (if applicable), one with business acumen
- Full-Time Commitment: Founders must be working full-time on the startup
Why it matters: Great ideas can pivot, but strong, adaptable teams are irreplaceable.
Market Opportunity
- Large TAM (Total Addressable Market): Ideally > $1B market or fast-growing niche
- Market Timing: Clear reason why now is the right time (tech, policy, social shift)
- Scalability: Business model capable of rapid and efficient scale
Why it matters: Market size and timing influence startup growth potential.
Product/Service Innovation
- Unique Value Proposition: Clear differentiation from competitors or incumbents
- Tech or IP Advantage: Proprietary technology, defensibility, or unique distribution
- Traction: MVP or early version shipped. Some user validation (beta users, signups, pilots, etc.)
Why it matters: Innovation and early proof reduce risk.
Business Model & Revenue Strategy
- Clear Monetisation Strategy: Clear pathway to revenue, even if pre-revenue
- Unit Economics: Early understanding of CAC, LTV, margins—even if preliminary
- Repeatability: Potential for a repeatable and predictable sales cycle
Why it matters: Startups that understand monetization, survive longer.
Impact Potential (Optional but Valued)
- Sustainability & Ethics: Consideration of long-term impact on people and the planet
- Diversity & Inclusion: Founders from underrepresented backgrounds or inclusive teams
- Problem Significance: Solving real, meaningful problems—not just cool tech
Why it matters: Great startups also improve the world.
applications are closed
Timeline
August 27, 2025
First Cohort of Avinya Launched
September 30, 2025
Applications are Closed
October 3, 2025
Announcement of the first cohort
January 2026
Demo Day for first cohort | Winners Announcement