The application deadline for BuildAI 3.0 is 15 October 2026 — today. AI founders who have not yet applied need to move fast: this is one of the most direct routes to government-backed incubation in India's AI ecosystem.
BuildAI 3.0 is run by IndiaAI, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and ITEL Foundation, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati and IITG Technology Incubation Centre (IITG-TIC). The flagship event takes place on 20–21 November 2026 at IIT Guwahati.
Eligibility
The programme is open to AI startups that are 0–3 years old. Student startups with DPIIT certification are also welcome to apply. The aim is to identify and nurture India's most innovative AI startups and founders.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the official BuildAI application link shared by ITEL Foundation, and must be in by 15 October 2026. Winners stand to gain incubation by IndiaAI and MeitY, co-incubation by ITEL Foundation and IITG-TIC, and cash prizes of up to ₹2 lakh for the top five startups. Travel tickets for shortlisted startups are reimbursed at actuals, capped at ₹10,000 per startup.
Why it matters for founders
Government schemes for startups are often slow money — BuildAI 3.0 is different: incubation with IndiaAI and MeitY backing plus a clear event date. If you are an AI founder within the 0–3 year window, missing today's deadline means waiting a full cycle. Apply before midnight.