IIT Madras WSAI Launches Intensive AI Startup Course: INR 4 Lakh Seed Grant

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras has officially opened registrations for a specialised, one-week short course titled “Building a Successful AI Startup". 

Designed to turn technical innovation into commercial business, the programme concludes with a high-stakes pitch competition where the winning team will receive an INR 4 lakh development grant to fund their venture. 

Interested applicants must submit their venture ideas or research concepts before the July 27 deadline through the official registration portal at tinyurl.com. 

IIT Madras AI Startup Course: Key Schedule & Location

• Program Dates: August 10 to August 14, 2026.

• Registration Deadline: July 27, 2026.

• Format: In-person and residential.

• Timings: Daily from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Venue: New Academic Complex (NAC) 2, IIT Madras Campus.

Curriculum Focus: From MVP to Venture Capital Pitch

The course is structured to bridge the gap between technical AI development and commercial execution. Participants will undergo rigorous training across five primary business modules:

• Market Validation: Strategies for deep customer discovery and identifying market pain points.

• Product Development: Building and iterating a robust minimum viable product (MVP).

• Business Models: Defining sustainable revenue streams and product-market fit.

• Funding & Scaling: Navigating term sheets, fundraising, and venture scaling.

• Pitch Day: A final competitive showcase in front of a live panel of prominent venture capitalist investors.

Expert Leadership and Industrial Mentorship

The initiative is led by Lakshmi Shankar, an industry veteran who brings deep global technology and investment experience to the programme. Shankar is the former Vice President at Google Search and currently serves as a general partner at Together Fund.

Target Audience and Fee Details

The programme is open to early-stage innovators, researchers, and technical professionals. The registration fee structure varies by applicant category:

• Students and Startups: INR 5,000 (IIT Madras students are eligible for a refund upon successful course completion).

• Industry Professionals: INR 25,000.

Interested applicants must submit their venture ideas or research concepts before the July 27 deadline through the official registration portal at tinyurl.com.