The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has opened enrollments for an intensive entrepreneurship program aimed at supporting innovators looking to build businesses in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This five-day residency program, organized by Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI), will run from August 10 to 14, 2026, with applications closing on July 27.
Designed for aspiring founders and technology professionals, this bootcamp combines expert guidance with hands-on learning to help participants transform their AI-driven ideas into commercially viable ventures. The program covers the entire startup process, from validating the idea and understanding customer requirements, to developing an MVP, creating a sustainable business strategy, and preparing to secure investment.
Applications are open to a diverse range of participants, including final year BTech, MTech, and PhD students, teachers, researchers, engineers, product managers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and founders of early-stage startups exploring opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence.
One of the key highlights of the program is the final pitch day, where participants present their business concepts in front of investors and industry leaders. Startups identified as having the highest potential will receive seed support of Rs 400,000 to propel their ideas. Participants will also benefit from expert feedback and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and investors.
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The program instructor will be Lakshmi Shankar A general partner at Together Fund and former vice president of Google Search, he will draw on his experience at companies such as Twitter, IBM, and EY to guide participants through the challenges of building and scaling a technology startup.
In addition to classroom sessions, participants will interact with startup founders, investors, and business experts and gain insight into product market fit, financing, revenue generation, customer acquisition, investment negotiations, and business expansion. Through this initiative, IIT Madras aims to strengthen India’s AI startup ecosystem by providing innovators with the knowledge, mentorship, and industry exposure they need to turn promising ideas into successful companies.
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