Rules & Regulations
The Avinya Cohort is a curated incubation program under the aegis of ACSEL, aimed at accelerating AI-based startups in Karnataka. All participating startups must adhere to the following rules and regulations to ensure a collaborative, ethical, and productive environment.
Eligibility & Participation
- Only startups officially selected through the Avinya application process are eligible to participate.
- Founders must commit to active participation throughout the 5-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, as defined by ACSEL’s investment committee.
- 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, subject to separate evaluation.
Intellectual Property
- All IP created during the cohort remains the property of the respective startup.
- However, startups must disclose any IP generated using ACSEL’s datasets, infrastructure, or mentorship, and ensure legal compliance with shared resources.
- Startups must not infringe on third-party IP during the program. ACSEL is not liable for any disputes arising from such infringements.
Confidentiality & Data
- All participants must maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary information shared by ACSEL, mentors, partners, or other cohort members.
- ACSEL reserves the right to use anonymized startup data, testimonials, and visuals for promotional and reporting purposes, with prior notice.
Attendance & Evaluation
- Founders must attend all mandatory check-ins, workshops, reviews, and Demo Day events.
- Failure to attend without prior notice may affect funding disbursals or eligibility for continuation.
- Regular evaluations will be conducted to assess product progress, team commitment, and market traction.
Code of Conduct
- Discrimination, harassment, or misconduct of any kind will result in immediate disqualification.
- Participants must respect mentors, partners, fellow startups, and ACSEL staff.
- Any breach will be dealt with under ACSEL’s grievance redressal process and may lead to termination.
Program Termination & Withdrawal
- ACSEL reserves the right to terminate any startup’s participation at its discretion, with cause.
- Startups may withdraw voluntarily but must inform ACSEL in writing, and any unutilized funds must be returned.
- Early exit will disqualify startups from follow-on funding and alumni privileges.
Alumni Network & Post-Cohort Support
- Graduates of the Avinya cohort will be inducted into the ACSEL Alumni Network.
- Alumni may continue to access events, investor connects, and select resources.
- Alumni are expected to mentor future cohort participants as part of ACSEL’s give-back culture.
Governing Law & Jurisdiction
- These rules are governed by the laws of India.
- Any legal disputes shall fall under the jurisdiction of the courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Acceptance:
All participating startups must sign an acceptance form agreeing to the above terms before commencement of the cohort.
✅ Thank you! You may now proceed to the next section.
Eligibility & Participation
Only startups officially selected through the Avinya application process are eligible to participate.
Founders must commit to active participation throughout the 5-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
Only startups officially selected through the Avinya application process are eligible to participate.
Founders must commit to active participation throughout the 5-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.