The Wadhwani Foundation has unveiled a national AI-driven growth accelerator aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and MSMEs across India’s smaller towns and cities. With a core mission of enabling job creation, the initiative leverages intelligent technology to provide tailored mentorship, business insights, and structured growth paths—all at zero cost to users.
“AI lets us reach thousands of entrepreneurs simultaneously, but with the intimacy of one-on-one support,” said Meetul Patel, President at Wadhwani Foundation.
The platform is designed to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all startup tools. It uses AI to diagnose specific growth challenges, such as access to funding, go-to-market strategies, or team building. Founders are then guided through a series of customised, expert-led workflows and actionable plans, allowing them to grow in a structured, scalable, and sustainable way.
Already making strides in Gujarat, the vision is being implemented through programs like Ignite, Liftoff, and the recently introduced Accelerate initiative. These programs have collectively engaged with over 5,000 students and more than 150 startups, giving them access to structured entrepreneurial support that was often unavailable outside of India’s major cities.
“Entrepreneurship shouldn’t be a privilege,” Patel added. “It should be a path to prosperity—for anyone, anywhere.”
The AI-powered platform also adapts and evolves by learning from every user interaction, making each new engagement smarter and more impactful. By addressing structural barriers that hinder startup growth—such as lack of access to expert advice, funding channels, or market exposure—the Foundation aims to democratize opportunity for entrepreneurs from underserved regions.
Open to collaborations, the platform welcomes partners from academia, industry, and government to join the effort in creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The broader goal is not just to fuel startup dreams, but to build a resilient, job-creating innovation economy.
With its AI-centric model and grassroots approach, the Wadhwani Foundation is laying the groundwork for a more equitable future of entrepreneurship across India.
