GUSEC’s accelerateBHARAT attracts 1245 startups from 94 cities

On October 19, 2020, GUSEC first pushed its vision to ascend to an atmanirbhar Bharat by pledging to support ten technology startups working with breakthrough technologies like Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Robotics, AR/VR/MR, 3D Printing, UAVs, IoT and Blockchain. Supporting GUSEC for this ingenious initiative were MeitY Startup Hub, the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India; Atal Innovation Mission; the Student Startup & Innovation Policy; the Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat; and the ICICI Bank.

Within the one-month application window that closed on November 18, more than 1000 startups heeded our call to Build for Bharat.  1245 startups, represented by1845 founders & co-founders hailing from 94 cities across the country applied to accelerateBHARAT, our accelerator programme that would offer financial assistance of INR 7 lacs to one startup, INR 4 lacs each to two startups, and INR 1 lac each to 7 startups. The programme shall also provide shortlisted startups with other extended benefits like free cloud credits, access to co-working space, extensive mentorship support & guidance from seasoned entrepreneurship experts, as well as other prototype developing and skill enhancement tools.

Albeit surprised, we were ecstatic to see about 50% of total applications from startups based in tier-2, tier-3, and other smaller cities. It makes us beyond happy to see that the citizens all over the country are doing their part to uplift India through a technological makeover.

For this overwhelming response towards our call to Build a better Bharat, we are immensely grateful to all the startups & innovators who share our vision of a resilient & technologically independent India, as well as all our partners whose tremendous support made it possible for our vision to bring startups from all over the country into its fold.