Top 10 Startup Accelerators in India in 2025
Sep 8, 2025
India’s startup ecosystem in 2025 is stronger than ever, with accelerators fueling innovation across fintech, SaaS, deep-tech, consumer, and social enterprises. These programs provide mentorship, capital, and global exposure to help founders scale. Here are the best startup accelerators in India in 2025.
1. Sequoia Surge
A flagship program by Sequoia India and Southeast Asia, Surge provides early-stage startups with up to $3 million in funding, world-class mentorship, and access to a powerful founder community.
2. Antler India Residency
Antler’s India program supports idea- and pre-seed stage founders, offering initial capital, team-matching, and entry into its global network of investors and entrepreneurs.
3. Accel Atoms
Accel India’s early-stage initiative, Atoms, provides seed funding (around $250K), go-to-market expertise, and access to Accel’s deep SaaS and consumer tech portfolio.
4. 100X.VC
A pioneering pre-seed fund and accelerator, 100X.VC invests via iSAFE notes. Known for its rapid backing, it supports startups across multiple sectors with capital, mentorship, and investor connections.
5. India Accelerator
The only GAN (Global Accelerator Network) recognized program in India, India Accelerator offers funding, mentorship, and infrastructure, with a track record of scaling ventures across the country.
6. CIIE.CO (IIM Ahmedabad)
Backed by IIM Ahmedabad, CIIE.CO has helped launch unicorns like Razorpay. Its programs support early-stage startups with seed funding, incubation, and structured acceleration.
7. NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore)
The in-house startup hub at IIM Bangalore, NSRCEL nurtures student and non-student founders alike with tailored incubation and acceleration programs, focusing on both for-profit and social ventures.
8. Venture Catalysts
One of India’s largest integrated incubator and accelerator platforms, Venture Catalysts provides funding, mentorship, and access to its extensive angel investor network.
9. T-Hub (Hyderabad)
Known as one of India’s largest innovation hubs, T-Hub runs programs like Lab32 and T-Angel, connecting startups with corporate partners, investors, and international markets.
10. Nudge Institute (N/Core)
The Nudge Institute runs accelerators for social impact startups, supporting livelihood, education, and healthcare ventures with grants, mentorship, and operational guidance.
Summary Table
Accelerator | Focus / Highlights |
|---|---|
Sequoia Surge | Seed to Series A with $3M funding + global support |
Antler India Residency | Idea-stage, pre-seed, global founder network |
Accel Atoms | Early-stage capital + GTM expertise |
100X.VC | Pre-seed iSAFE investments across sectors |
India Accelerator | Multi-stage, GAN-certified, strong ecosystem reach |
CIIE.CO | Academic-led, unicorn incubation success |
NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore) | Student and non-student founders, social ventures |
Venture Catalysts | Pan-India investor network + incubation |
T-Hub (Hyderabad) | Large-scale, corporate + international partnerships |
Nudge Institute (N/Core) | Social impact acceleration with grants and guidance |
India’s accelerators are fueling the next generation of unicorns and impact ventures. From pre-seed idea stage to global expansion, these programs offer founders the capital, mentorship, and networks needed to succeed.
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