Facebook, T-Hub shortlist 10 AI-focused startups for accelerator programme

Social media behemoth Facebook Inc and the Telangana government-backed startup facilitator T-Hub announced the second edition of their India Innovation Accelerator programme, and have shortlisted 10 startups focussed on finding solutions for social challenges using artificial intelligence (AI).

Healthcare-driven blockchain solutions provider StaTwig, fin-tech startup ftcash, infotech startup Signzy, data analytics startup Blue Sky Analytics, jurisprudence-focused data analytics platform Pensieve and IoT-driven startup Greenturn Idea Factory were among the startups selected for the programme, an official announcement said. 

Other startups chosen to be part of the selected cohort are agri-tech startup Sensegrass, Marut Drones, HR-focused tech platform Shortlist Professionals, and mental health-focused startup Innerhour. 

The India Innovation Accelerator programme is focused on startups that provide solutions for healthcare, agriculture, sanitation, infrastructure and climate change among others by leveraging AI. 

As many as 140 participants were reviewed on the basis of the quality of solutions offered and the market readiness and social impact of their offerings. 

Assistance from FbStart - Facebook Inc's programme which aids early-stage mobile startups to develop apps - will be available to the startups selected under the India Innovation Accelerator. 

Operational support and mentoring will be provided by a panel of mentors, industry experts and investors, the statement said. Specialised training in product development, marketing, partnerships and management will also be made available under the Facebook and T-Hub programme. 

“At Facebook, we believe artificial intelligence will be key to finding disruptive solutions to address societal challenges like access, affordability, and skill shortage,” Manish Chopra, head and director of partnerships, Facebook India, said. “We are excited to champion the next generation of tech startups applying AI for social good and accelerate their development by giving them access to expertise.”

Ravi Narayan, CEO, T-Hub, said, "Startups that are focused on solving social challenges need all the help they can get in terms of great technical support, market access, and industry connects. The India Innovation Accelerator program by Facebook in partnership with T-Hub, offers such support to the best startups in this space that are using AI. I commend Facebook for this pioneering effort."

Other programmes accelerating startups’ growth:

• 11 startups from Intel India's incubator hub showcased IoT and AI-focused offerings
• Nasscom and Cisco renew thingQbator programme for another year
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Tata Trusts set up India Agritech Incubation Network (IAIN)