IIT Madras is offering a one-week program to help entrepreneurs develop AI startups. The program, titled “Building a Successful AI Startup,” runs from August 10 to August 14, 2026. Applications close on July 27, 2026. The best startup pitch will receive a Rs 4 lakh grant .
The program aims to guide participants through AI startup development. This includes identifying market needs and building a viable product. Participants will learn to create business models and secure funding. The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras is organizing the event. Selected candidates will receive email notifications.
Who Can Apply
The program targets final-year BTech, MTech, and PhD students. Faculty members and researchers are also eligible. The program welcomes engineers, product managers, and early-stage AI startup founders. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also apply.
Program Details
The week-long program includes classroom sessions and hands-on activities. Participants will learn practical steps for AI startup creation. Topics cover market analysis, product development, and customer acquisition. Real-life startup experiences will inform discussions.
The program will be led by Lakshmi Shankar . Shankar is General Partner at Together Fund. He is also former Vice President of Google Search. He has held positions at Twitter, IBM, and EY.
Industry experts will provide guidance. They will cover product-market fit and customer understanding. Topics include revenue generation and investment raising. Participants will learn about term sheets and startup growth.
Pitch Day Details
The program culminates in a Pitch Day. Participants will present their AI startup ideas. A panel of investors and industry experts will judge the pitches. The winning startup receives a Rs 4 lakh grant . Participants will also gain networking opportunities and investor connections.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
Program Dates: August 10 - August 14, 2026
