India Accelerator (IA) and the Institute for Defence Studies and Research (IDSR) at Gujarat University have jointly launched a new accelerator programme named ‘ADVAIT’ to support early and growth-stage startups in the defence and aerospace sectors. The initiative, officially launched in Ahmedabad, aims to provide startups with mentorship, funding opportunities, and industry collaboration, with applications opening on 5 May.
The programme focuses on startups working in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, space technology, advanced materials, cybersecurity, and surveillance. ADVAIT follows a model involving collaboration between industry, academia, and startups to develop deployable defence technologies. Selected startups will be offered access to domain-specific mentorship and opportunities to address real-world problem statements from the defence sector.
“India is at an inflexion point where our startups are not just solving commercial problems but are stepping up to serve national priorities,” said Ashish Bhatia, Founder & CEO of India Accelerator. “With ADVAIT, we are creating a platform that gives these startups the tools, mentorship, and ecosystem support they need to build for Bharat’s strategic edge,” he said.
Arindam Mukhopadhyay, Partner at IA, said, “ADVAIT is not just another startup programme — it’s a mission to fast-track national security innovation. By bringing startups, academia, and industry together, we’re building an engine for next-generation defence capability.”
Srinivasa Rao Sureddi, CEO of IDSR, added, “Through ADVAIT, we are enabling a new breed of defence-ready startups.”
India Accelerator is a startup ecosystem player that provides funding, mentorship, and business support services to early-stage companies. The Institute for Defence Studies and Research is affiliated with Gujarat University and focuses on defence-related academic and research initiatives.
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