Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) with Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR has launched the LEAP AHEAD initiative in collaboration. This program aims to bolster tech startups by offering them access to funding, mentorship, and global connections.
The LEAP AHEAD (Launchpad for Tech Entrepreneurs towards Accelerated Growth and Pioneering AHEAD) initiative is a pan-India programme designed to support startups that show early traction and are in the growth stage.
It offers startups an array of benefits including an intensive three-month hybrid mentorship program, the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship with investors and industry experts, funding of up to ₹1 crore in a co-investment model, networking and global market exposure, a one-year free associate membership with TiE Delhi-NCR, incubation in STPI's centers across India, and additional benefits from third-party service providers.
Startups eligible for this initiative include those involved in software product development, registered with DPIIT under the Startup India program, and have demonstrated revenue generation and external investment.
While launching the initiative, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, said that India's evolution from a BPO destination to a global capability and R&D center, combined with its leadership in digital public infrastructure, presents multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs to build successful enterprises.
“India stands as a leader in digital public infrastructure and this can now be used in multiple ways by entrepreneurs to build successful enterprises. Youth in smaller cities have the hunger to do and achieve more. That's the fire in the belly we need to build on. We would like to also see more women and people from tier 2/3 cities coming as entrepreneurs,” said Krishnan.
Sharing details about the scheme, Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, said that the initiative is particularly focused on mentorship and co-investment to help technology startups gain market entry, experience growth, and diversify. Additionally, the LEAP AHEAD Startup Summit will be extended to cities like Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and Chandigarh, indicating a wider geographical reach of the program.
“With this initiative, technology startups will gain entry into the market, experience rapid growth and diversify into new horizons. This program is focused mainly on two things – mentorship and co-investment,” Kumar said.
According to Dr. Saurabh Shrivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, the initiative is expected to mentor 75 companies over three months, aiming to secure funding for about 15 of them and expanding to over 30 cities.
