India Accelerator (IA) has taken a big leap into the Middle East. The seed-stage accelerator has officially launched its Saudi Arabia program, supported by a $15 million fund to help Indian startups expand and scale in the Kingdom.
This initiative is part of a growing collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia. It aims to build bridges between the two countries’ fast-developing innovation ecosystems. The program also aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes digital transformation, sustainability, and technology-led growth.
India Accelerator Enters Saudi Arabia: A Step Toward Global Expansion
The India Accelerator enters Saudi Arabia with $15 Mn fund for Indian startups campaign is backed by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) through its Empowering Accelerators product. This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional innovation hub.
Through this program, India Accelerator hopes to help Indian founders access local networks, build partnerships, and reach investors in the Gulf region. It also highlights IA’s goal to expand beyond India and support global entrepreneurial growth.
Program Focus and Strategic Goals
The new accelerator program focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainability, Electric Mobility (EV), PropTech, and DeepTech. These sectors are key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, making them a natural fit for collaboration.
By investing in these areas, India Accelerator plans to support startups that can contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term goals of economic diversification and digital transformation. The move also helps India-based founders gain new opportunities in one of the world’s most ambitious innovation markets.
Cohort Launch and Application Details
The first accelerator cohort is set to launch in March 2026. It will include 8 to 10 high-potential startups carefully chosen for their innovation and scalability. Each selected company will receive market-entry support, regulatory assistance, mentorship, and investor access.
Applications opened on December 8, 2025, and will remain open until February 28, 2026. The program is designed to help Indian startups enter the Saudi market with a structured roadmap and professional guidance.
Moreover, the accelerator will provide workshops, pitch sessions, and partnership meetings. This ensures that participants gain real insights into the local business environment.
India Accelerator’s Broader Global Vision
According to India Accelerator, its partnership with NTDP creates a foundation for deeper engagement across the GCC region. The initiative is not only about Saudi Arabia — it’s a step toward creating a wider innovation network connecting Asia and the Middle East.
Alongside the accelerator, IA also manages early-stage investments through its venture arm Finvolve, three Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), and a GIFT City-based fund. Each of these efforts reflects IA’s long-term commitment to supporting startups beyond Indian borders.
The goal is simple — to empower founders with resources, mentorship, and funding so they can compete on the global stage.
Why This Move Matters
This expansion demonstrates how India Accelerator continues to build global opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 provides fertile ground for collaboration in areas like clean energy, urban innovation, and digital technology.
Furthermore, the partnership between India Accelerator and NTDP shows how government-backed programs can drive private innovation. Together, they are shaping a cross-border ecosystem that supports sustainable startup growth.
Conclusion
The India Accelerator enters Saudi Arabia with $15 Mn fund for Indian startups campaign marks a new milestone for Indian entrepreneurship. It offers founders access to mentorship, capital, and international exposure in a fast-evolving market.
With its focus on AI, EV, PropTech, and sustainability, the program aligns with both India’s and Saudi Arabia’s growth visions. It is not only an accelerator initiative but also a symbol of collaboration and innovation between two forward-looking economies.
By bridging innovation networks between Asia and the Middle East, India Accelerator continues to prove that great startups can succeed anywhere — with the right support and vision.
