A first-of-its-kind studio to co-build AI, machine learning and data science ventures, with a focus on health AI, education AI, responsible AI and Indic language AI
CHENNAI, Sept 15:TheWadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at IIT Madras will launch ‘AI Studio’, a venture studio designed to build artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science companies from the Institute’s research.
The AI Studio is designed to help researchers and founders take research concepts from the idea stage to a viable and scalable business. Each cohort venture will be supported with seed funding, cloud and compute credits, lab access, mentoring, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and product-market-fit support — taking them from idea to a formal spin-out into the IITM Incubation Cell ecosystem.
Highlighting the unique aspects of this initiative, Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras, said, “Atthe Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, our mission has always been to move AI from the lab to the real world. The AI Venture Studio takes that mission a decisive step further — not just publishing research, but building the companies that carry it into people’s lives. With the depth of our research and the strength of the IIT Madras ecosystem behind each venture, we are uniquely placed to do this at scale.”
Further, Ms. Roopa Karemungikar, CEO, AI Studio, WSAI, IIT Madras, said, “We are at a rare moment where AI, world-class research, and India’s ambition are converging. The AI Venture Studio is how we turn that moment into companies that matter — built on defensible research, solving real problems for real markets. I’m honoured to lead it, and excited to help India’s next generation of deep-tech founders turn their ideas into reality.”
Prof Satya Seshadri, Head, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT Madras, added, “Led by the Department of Data Science and AI, with the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the AI Venture Studio marks IIT-M’s pioneering step into active venture building. Selected teams gain expert mentoring, technology, resources, and customer access to help founders thrive.
Founders selected for the AI Studio cohort will have access to seed funding, WSAI’s research laboratories, data and research resources, mentoring from faculty and domain experts besides a structured entrepreneurship training. They will also benefit from a defined path towards further funding and spin-out.
The Studio will be open to IIT Madras and WSAI researchers, academic founders from other institutions, and external entrepreneurs with an AI, ML or data science venture or idea.
Applicants will go through two stages. The first will be an initial training and bootcamp open to a larger applicant pool, followed by a full studio programme for a smaller set of selected ventures. Call for applications for the inaugural cohort will be launched on October 3rd 2026
Ventures admitted to the Studio will undergo a six-month venture development and evaluation programme, which can be extended by up to three months for ventures progressing towards an institutional funding round. The Studio will run two cohorts a year, with applications opening in the winter and spring cycles.
The launch builds on IIT Madras’ broader deep-tech incubation ecosystem, which has supported the incubation of hundreds of deep-tech startups collectively valued at $8 billion and has resulted in the creation of over 11,000 direct jobs.