IIMK, Walmart Global Tech launches ‘DEEP LEAP’ incubation programme to support 50 DeepTech startups in India
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has introduced a DeepTech incubation programme, DEEP LEAP. This incubation programme will support technology startups that are working on emerging technologies.
IIM Kozhikode’s innovation hub, IIMK LIVE, has launched DEEP LEAP in partnership with Walmart Global Tech. IIMK LIVE has plans to get in touch with around 1,500 startups through the programme. Of these, 50 startups will be finalised for a 12-month incubation and acceleration programme.
The programme will be open to DeepTech startups from all over India that are working in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), quantum computing, robotics and autonomous systems, SpaceTech, aerospace, semiconductors and photonics.
There is a proposed budget of Rs 2.89 crore for the programme, which includes Rs 1.5 crore in seed funding for all the selected startups. DEEP LEAP will mainly focus on startups that have developed a prototype or reached the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.
Also Read | IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Calcutta feature among top Indian B-schools in QS Global MBA Rankings 2027
IIM Kozhikode to provide mentoring, investor support
The startups that are selected will get guidance on areas like planning how to launch and sell a product to customers, check if the product works properly and meets customer needs. Through DEEP LEAP, IIM Kozhikode will help the startups to speak to potential investors.
The programme will end with a Demo Day, where participating startups will get the opportunity to present their products and technologies in front of the investors. During the launch event, Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, said that DeepTech is not just about creating advanced technology.
The programme will help solve difficult but basic problems and develop technologies. DEEP LEAP will gather universities, industry and startups to help DeepTech companies turn their ideas and prototypes into products that can have a stronger impact. The partnership with Walmart Global Tech will also help Indian DeepTech startups get global funding opportunities.