Invention Engine Opens Applications for 4th ACE $100k Accelerator Cohort The six-month intensive program plans to back 6–8 early-stage startups working on core AI-led innovations.
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Invention Engine, a founder-led accelerator focused on AI and deep tech, has opened applications for its fourth "ACE $100k" cohort, marking a significant expansion of its early-stage investment program in India.
The accelerator has increased its investment ticket to USD 100,000 (approx INR 1 crore) per startup, positioning it among the larger early-stage cheques available to AI and deep tech founders in the country.
The six-month intensive program plans to back 6–8 early-stage startups working on core AI-led innovations.
According to the accelerator, the funding is structured as patient capital aimed at helping founders build strong technical foundations, validate business models, and attract follow-on investors.
Since its inception, Invention Engine reports that about half of its portfolio companies have secured subsequent funding. Startups such as Sonic Lamb, Magicroll, Cheerio, and Desible.ai are part of its portfolio.
Varun Aggarwal, Co-founder of Invention Engine, said, "We focus on pipeline nurturing by supporting prototypes, opening seed funding for ambitious ideas, and leveraging a global mentor board to accelerate feedback cycles. Coupled with dedicated go-to-market support, this full-stack approach empowers AI and deep tech entrepreneurs to innovate boldly and scale globally, bridging the gap to world-class success."
The fourth cohort will operate around several strategic pillars. A newly formed Global Customer Advisory Board will give selected startups access to senior operators from companies such as Meta, Amazon, and McKinsey. The board is expected to assist with product-market fit validation for US and other global markets across B2B and B2C segments.
The accelerator has also introduced the "Campus Spark" initiative to identify student founders and emerging intellectual property from leading institutions including IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, BITS Pilani, NSUT, and DTU. In addition, nationwide roadshows are scheduled in Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Jaipur through February and early March, offering founders evaluation and investment decisions within 20 days.
Shailendra Nath Jha, Co-founder, said, "We partner with exceptional teams and accelerate products that already have users and revenue, focusing on solving original, high-friction problems where AI is core, not an afterthought. By providing USD 100k, we aim to de-risk the complex technical challenges that traditional investors often overlook."
Invention Engine states that its efforts align with broader national initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the recently announced Research, Development and Innovation Fund aimed at strengthening India's deep tech ecosystem. Applications for the fourth cohort close on March 20, 2026.
