IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO)2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
IIM Ahmedabad's incubator and investor, renamed IIMA Ventures in 2024. Runs incubation, sector accelerators and seed funds focused on deep tech, digital and climate.
- Varies
- Funding
- Varies
- Equity
- Varies by program
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO)
CO was the public name of the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship at IIM Ahmedabad. In 2024 it was renamed IIMA Ventures. Its roots go back to 2002, when the Innovation Centre at IIMA was set up with support from India's Department of Science and Technology and the Government of Gujarat.
It launched iAccelerator in 2009, often cited as one of India's first startup accelerators. That was followed by the Power of Ideas business plan contest in 2010 and the Powerstart climate accelerator in 2011. Today IIMA Ventures works across four areas: incubation, acceleration, research and insights, and incubating new venture funds.
Its investment focus is deep tech, digitization and climate tech. Recent milestones on its timeline include a Deeptech Accelerator Fund in 2023 and an AI Residency Program in 2026. Programs are often run with partners.
Examples include SAMRIDH with MeitY Startup Hub, North East Growth Lab and Kotak BizLabs. Each has its own terms and deadlines. Startups linked to its ecosystem include Razorpay, ideaForge, Agnikul, GUVI, Tookitaki and 5C Network.
It is less a single accelerator than an IIM-backed platform with many program doors.
What IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) looks for
IIMA Ventures says it invests in deep tech, digitization and climate tech. Its alumni range from fintech (Razorpay, Tookitaki) to drones (ideaForge) and space launch (Agnikul). Many calls are tied to a sector or region, such as Northeast India. Strong applicants show technical depth, an early product or pilot, and a clear plan to use IIM Ahmedabad's corporate and investor network.
How the IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) program works
IIMA Ventures runs several tracks rather than one batch. Incubation gives startups physical space in Ahmedabad, training programs and access to IIMA's network of mentors and partners. Acceleration programs are usually sector or region focused and run with government or corporate partners.
They use workshops, diagnostics and one-to-one coaching, and some include grant or equity funding. Fund incubation helps new early-stage fund managers launch their vehicles. A research arm publishes data tools and learning resources for founders.
Duration, funding and equity differ by program. SAMRIDH, for example, has been described as a 6-month accelerator for tech startups that are raising funds. Calls open and close through the year, so founders should match a specific program to their sector and stage.
How to apply to IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO)
- 1Browse current programs on iimaventures.com and pick one that matches your sector, stage and region.
- 2Read that program's eligibility, funding and equity terms, which differ between calls.
- 3Submit the program application, or use the Get Support form at go.iimaventures.com/WebsiteForm for general enquiries.
- 4For incubation in Ahmedabad, apply through ahmedabad.iimaventures.com.
- 5Prepare for a screening interview and, for funded programs, a due diligence round.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO).
IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) | Varies | Varies | Ahmedabad, India | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Up to $2.9M | None on grant | EU | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | Up to $1.5M | Not published | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Varies | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) FAQ
When is the IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) application deadline?+
IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO) has not announced its next deadline yet (Program-specific calls through the year). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
Is CIIE.CO the same as IIMA Ventures?+
Yes. The Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship at IIM Ahmedabad was known publicly as CIIE.CO and was renamed IIMA Ventures in 2024. The website, programs and portfolio now sit under the IIMA Ventures name at iimaventures.com. Older articles, directories and alumni profiles still use the CIIE.CO name, so both refer to the same organization.
Does IIMA Ventures take equity?+
It depends on the program. Some partner accelerators are grant-based or free. Funded programs and the venture funds it incubates invest for equity. IIMA Ventures does not publish one standard deal, so check the terms of each call before applying. Ask in writing whether a program includes grants, a convertible note or an equity stake.
Which startups came through CIIE.CO?+
IIMA Ventures lists Razorpay, ideaForge, Agnikul, GUVI, Tookitaki, 5C Network, Fourth Partner Energy and Zouk among startups from its continuum. Those range from payments and anti-financial-crime software to drones, 3D-printed rocket engines and renewable energy. The list mixes incubated and supported companies, not only equity investments.
Is there an open IIMA Ventures program right now?+
The website lists no open call as of late October 2026. Recent calls such as North East Growth Lab 2026 (deadline July 12, 2026) and Kotak BizLabs Season 3 (October 9, 2026) have closed. New calls appear through the year, so check the site regularly.
Sources: iimaventures.com, iima.ac.in, en.wikipedia.org, startupgrantsindia.com, startupgrantsindia.com