PwC India Launches Accelerator To Support Startups In AI, Blockchain & Others

PwC India has launched its maiden accelerator programme to support startups operating in the areas of artificial intelligence, blockchain, spacetech and data analytics.

At least 15 late-stage startups which have secured Series A or B funding and have at least two to three successful commercial implementations will be selected under the three-month programme, ‘Emerging Tech Startup Challenge’, PwC India said in a statement. 

These selected startups will receive 25 hours of pro-bono consulting services across areas such as management, technology, go-to-market strategies, valuation, funding, and taxation, the statement added.

“By empowering emerging technology startups and equipping them with the tools to thrive, we are fostering a dynamic and sustainable tech ecosystem in India,” said Sanjeev Krishan, chairperson at PwC India.

The accelerator targets startups operating across multiple sectors, including retail, manufacturing, financial services, infrastructure, healthcare, and telecom, with solutions in both B2B and B2C segments.

“Through this platform we want to create a growth ecosystem for our clients. We can’t wait to see how the disruptors and innovators can address the most pressing challenges related to the growth of our largest clients,” said Arnab Basu, partner and leader of advisory at PwC India.

The programme will include a tailored curriculum featuring workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and demo days, with startups gaining access to PwC’s network of industry experts and advisors.

Applications for the programme will open on March 5 and close on May 5. The final selection will be completed by the end of June

This development comes amid a growing trend of corporate-backed accelerator programmes in India’s startup ecosystem. In February, Flipkart Ventures selected five startups for the third cohort of its Flipkart Leap Ahead programme, offering equity investments up to $500K along with mentorship designed by a global consulting firm. 

In the same month, Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund announced its second cohort with nine startups, providing grants up to INR 20 Lakh targeting founders under 25 years. 

The fund received applications from startups across more than 50 cities and offers “no-strings attached” grants along with mentorship and strategic partnership opportunities.

Other notable accelerator launches include Inflection Point Ventures’ third cohort of IPV Ideaschool, which supports pre-seed to seed stage startups with investments of INR 1 Cr, and 100X.VC’s investment of INR 23.3 Cr in 18 startups selected from over 1,900 applications. 

Additionally, the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) partnered with IIMA Ventures to launch SwanariTM TechSprint 3.0, a women-focused fintech programme aimed at enhancing financial inclusion for women in India.