IIM Kozhikode DeepTech Programme Launches ‘DEEP LEAP’ with Walmart Global Tech

IIM Kozhikode’s business incubator, IIMK LIVE, has launched its flagship IIM Kozhikode DeepTech programme, named DEEP LEAP. Walmart Global Tech has joined as the founding industry partner, marking the retail giant’s first formal institutional deep tech collaboration in India.

The 12-month incubation and acceleration initiative is backed by a total budget outlay of INR 2.89 crore. This includes a dedicated INR 1.5 crore pool for seed funding and equity investments, allowing selected early-stage startups to secure financial support of up to INR 30 lakh each.Eligible tech innovators can access application guidelines through the official IIMK LIVE Portal.

IIM Kozhikode DeepTech Programme: Fueling Next-Gen Indian Startups

The sector-agnostic programme targets early-stage Indian ventures that have already built a working prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Out of an estimated 1,500 applicants nationwide, a curated cohort of 50 startups will be selected. 

The initiative focuses on high-impact sectors including Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), quantum computing, cybersecurity, robotics, SpaceTech, semiconductors, and climate tech.

Structured Scaling and Investor Access

Selected founders will receive over 15 hours of expert mentorship and 30 hours of structured training covering product validation and go-to-market strategies. The programme will culminate in a premier Demo Day, where the 50 cohort startups will pitch their validated innovations directly to a panel of 15 to 20 venture capitalists and industry leaders for commercial scaling.