7th Cohort of the IMAGE Centre of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program
Organisation Name:
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
Application Deadline:
9 August 2025
About Organisation
The IMAGE Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) is a pioneering initiative launched by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is developed in collaboration with the Government of Telangana and leading industry enablers such as TVAGA (Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association), HYSEA, IIIT-Hyderabad, TIE Hyderabad, Hyderabad Angels, SucSEED Indovation Fund, Ventana Ventures, Ontropi, and TASK.
IMAGE CoE is dedicated to nurturing start-ups operating in the sectors of Gaming, Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Computer Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It serves as a catalyst for innovation by offering access to expert mentorship, infrastructure, funding, and strategic market linkages. As a sector-specific incubator, IMAGE CoE aims to foster entrepreneurship by supporting scalable and employment-generating business models. The accelerator program encourages creative solutions and technologies that align with India’s digital economy vision, providing an ideal ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Through its cohort-based structure, it brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and the investment community to collaboratively push the boundaries of digital content and intelligent automation.
About the Grant
The 7th Cohort of the IMAGE Centre of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program is designed to empower Indian start-ups working in Gaming, Animation, VFX, Computer Vision, and AI. This six-month cohort-based accelerator provides a platform for startups to scale their innovative products and services through tailored mentorship, funding, and infrastructural support.
Selected startups will receive a seed fund of ₹5 lakhs along with plug-and-play infrastructure, including access to conference rooms and a state-of-the-art Preview Theatre. The program also offers unmatched networking opportunities with venture capitalists, angel investors, and ecosystem enablers. Startups can showcase their offerings on Demo Day, opening doors for further investments and collaborations. Additional resources include access to Azure and AWS credits, MathWorks licenses, legal and IPR support, and usage of a Motion Capture (Mocap) studio.
With a strong focus on enabling commercialization and job creation, the accelerator program is an excellent opportunity for early to mid-stage start-ups aiming to build impactful ventures in emerging tech domains. The initiative is aligned with government efforts to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for digital content creation and intelligent solutions. This accelerator is not just a program but a comprehensive launchpad for innovative Indian ventures.
Who can Apply?
The accelerator program is open to Indian startups operating in the fields of Gaming, Animation, VFX, Computer Vision, and AI. To be eligible, applicants must be registered as a Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013. However, academicians, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, LLPs, and partnership firms can also apply, provided they incorporate as a private limited company within a stipulated period (preferably within 3 months) upon selection.
The startup must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation and should have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since its registration. Entities formed by restructuring or splitting an existing business are not eligible. The business model must demonstrate innovation, development, or improvement in products, processes, or services and should possess scalable potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
Startups with viable Proof of Concepts (PoCs), product prototypes, or strong technological capabilities in the given domains are highly encouraged to apply. The selection process includes online application, idea screening, and a one-on-one pitch session, ensuring only high-potential and visionary startups are onboarded. This program is ideal for startups aiming to elevate their innovation to the next level with guided industry support.
How to Apply?
Interested startups can apply online by submitting their proposals through the designated application portal. The application process includes three stages—submission of entries, initial screening of ideas, and a pitch session for final selection. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their business ideas align with the focus domains and eligibility criteria for successful consideration.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 7th Cohort of the IMAGE Accelerator Program is 9th August 2025. Applicants are advised to complete their submissions before the closing date.
Last Date To Apply
All interested candidates must ensure their application is submitted no later than 9 August 2025, after which entries will not be accepted or considered for the cohort.
Grant Amount
Selected startups will receive a seed fund of ₹5 lakhs, along with access to exclusive infrastructure, mentorship, market exposure, and credits from technology partners to accelerate their business journey.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
