IIT Madras Launches AI Startup Programme; Top Venture to Receive ₹4 Lakh Seed Support

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras has launched a week-long residential programme to help aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators transform artificial intelligence (AI) ideas into successful startups. The top-performing team will receive ₹4 lakh in seed funding support.

Titled "Building a Successful AI Startup," the programme will be held at the IIT Madras campus from August 10 to August 14.

The intensive programme is designed to bridge the gap between AI innovation and entrepreneurship by providing participants with practical knowledge of every stage of building a startup. The curriculum covers identifying market opportunities, developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), refining business models, raising investment, and delivering effective investor pitches.

The programme will be led by Lakshmi Shankar, General Partner at Together Fund and former Vice President of Google Search. He has also held senior leadership positions at Twitter, IBM, and EY. A Sloan Fellow from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Lakshmi Shankar will mentor participants through expert lectures, hands-on exercises, and discussions based on real-world AI startup experiences.

According to IIT Madras, the initiative aims to help innovators build AI-driven ventures with strong market relevance, sustainable business models, and long-term commercial potential. The programme is expected to provide participants with valuable insights into the rapidly growing AI startup ecosystem while connecting them with experienced mentors and industry experts.