Unnati Se Pragati – Startup Acceleration is a grant from Microsoft and FITT, IIT Delhi for open to AI-first and AI-enabled startups that already have a validated prototype or MVP (i.e., have moved past a local pilot) and are…. It provides Up to ₹30 L, for aI. Applications are open; confirm the closing date on the official page. Last verified against the official page on 22 September 2026.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | Up to ₹30 L |
|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft and FITT, IIT Delhi |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Prototype |
| Sector | AI |
| Deadline | Applications open; confirm the closing date on the official page |
| Grant amount | Up to Rs 30 lakh, non-dilutive (zero-equity) |
| Follow-on funding pipeline | Eligibility to pitch for up to Rs 1.5 crore from the FITT Investment Fund |
| Program duration | 6 months |
| Delivered by | FITT, IIT Delhi in partnership with Microsoft India (CSR initiative) |
| Applications open | July 2026 |
| Applications close | End of September 2026 |
| Cohort announcement | October 2026 (Cohort 2) |
| First-edition track record | 10 startups selected from 600+ applications (Cohort 1) |
What is Unnati Se Pragati?
UNNATI AI 2.0, branded "Unnati Se Pragati," is the second edition of a joint initiative between Microsoft India and FITT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer), IIT Delhi. Within its five-track structure, the Startup Acceleration track is a 6-month program for AI-first and AI-enabled ventures that already have a validated prototype or MVP, built to move a locally-tested pilot into a nationally scaled business.
The track provides a non-dilutive grant of up to Rs 30 lakh so a startup can extend its runway without giving up equity, plus the chance to pitch separately for up to Rs 1.5 crore from the FITT Investment Fund. Selected startups also get sessions with Microsoft leaders and domain specialists on AI architecture and business model, introductions to B2B/B2G buyers through corporate and government partners, and investor-readiness support leading into Demo Days with VCs and angel investors.
The track is delivered by FITT, IIT Delhi with Microsoft India under Microsoft's CSR program, building on the first edition (10 startups selected from 600+ applications). Cohort 2 applications opened in July 2026 and close at the end of September 2026, with the cohort announced in October 2026.
Who is eligible for Unnati Se Pragati?
Open to AI-first and AI-enabled startups that already have a validated prototype or MVP (i.e., have moved past a local pilot) and are ready to scale toward product-market fit, sustainable revenue, and investor backing.
You qualify if:
- You qualify if you are building an AI-first or AI-enabled product or service
- You qualify if you already have a validated prototype or MVP, not just an idea
- You qualify if you have run a local or pilot deployment and are ready to scale it nationally
How much does Unnati Se Pragati give, and in what form?
Up to ₹30 L.
How to apply for Unnati Se Pragati
- Go to the official UNNATI AI 2.0 site and select "Apply now"
- Enter your name, email, and organization/company
- Choose "Track 1: Startup Acceleration - Grant upto INR 30 Lacs" from the track dropdown
- Select "Proceed to Application Form" to continue to the detailed application
Frequently asked questions
What is the UNNATI AI 2.0 Startup Acceleration track?
It is a 6-month acceleration program run by FITT, IIT Delhi with Microsoft India for AI-first and AI-enabled startups that already have a validated prototype or MVP, designed to help them turn a local pilot into a nationally scaled business through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and market access.
How much grant funding can a startup get?
Selected startups can secure up to Rs 30 lakh in non-dilutive (zero-equity) grant funding, and can separately pitch for up to Rs 1.5 crore in follow-on funding from the FITT Investment Fund.
What stage should my startup be at to apply?
The track is for AI-first or AI-enabled ventures that have already validated a prototype or MVP, typically through a local or pilot deployment, and are looking to scale that into a national rollout rather than starting from an idea stage.
How long does the program run?
The Startup Acceleration track runs for 6 months and is described on the official site as a growth engine engineered in partnership with FITT, IIT Delhi and Microsoft.
Who runs UNNATI AI 2.0 / Unnati Se Pragati?
It is run by FITT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer), IIT Delhi, supported through Microsoft India's CSR program, as the second edition of the Unnati AI Accelerator.
When do applications close for the current cohort?
Per the official program timeline, applications for UNNATI AI 2.0 Cohort 2 opened in July 2026 and close at the end of September 2026, with the selected cohort announced in October 2026.
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Source and verification
Official programme page: fitt-iitd.in. Last verified 22 September 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.