Change Engine accelerator program to invest $5 Mn in early-stage AI startups

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Change Engine accelerator program to invest $5 Mn in early-stage AI startups Startup accelerator Change Engine has announced its plan to invest over $5 million over the next five years in early-stage AI startups from India. The initiative is focused on nurturing 6 high-potential AI startups annually, driving innovation in machine learning stack technologies and business applications that serve global markets. According to Change Engine, it aims to build second-generation AI products from India—solutions that go beyond superficial implementations to deliver robust, scalable, and tailor-made innovations. Its 6-month program provides startups with a state-of-the-art sandbox environment, comprehensive support in product development, and a global mentor network. Each year, it will seed 6 startups with $50K each, followed by up to $150K through syndication, paving the way for over $5M in total investment over the next three years. Change Engine claims to have built the AI ecosystem in Delhi NCR, hosting events such as the AI Product Bootcamp at IIT Delhi where over 40 AI enthusiasts received hands-on training from industry veterans at companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon. Previously, it has also done work around understanding the AI research work done by India vis-à-vis other countries. Change engine states that its previous cohorts have achieved significant milestones - Sonic Lambs featured on Shark Tank Season 4 and secured Rs 50L in funding, while CallPrep was spotlighted in Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund list. A feature of the Change Engine accelerator is their Customer Advisory Board, which brings together industry leaders from top US organizations—including Amazon, Google, McKinsey, and Adobe—to provide real-world insights, validate ideas, and refine go-to-market strategies. Gurugram-based Change Engine is a startup accelerator dedicated to building a vibrant AI ecosystem in India. By supporting early-stage startups with capital, mentorship, and strategic industry networks, Change Engine aims to drive innovation and position India as a global leader in AI.