BITS Pilani’s BITSoM Launches AI Startup Incubator VERTEX; Applications Open

BITSoM, under BITS Pilani, has launched VERTEX, an AI startup incubator in partnership with LENZ. The initiative aims to support 100 AI startups over the next three years.

BITS Pilani’s BITSoM Launches VERTEX AI Incubator to Support 100 Startups in Three Years

BITS School of Management (BITSoM) has launched VERTEX, a new incubation programme for artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The initiative has been developed in partnership with Silicon Valley-based LENZ and aims to help early-stage AI startups grow into enterprise-ready businesses.

As part of the launch, BITSoM has also partnered with Hack2Skill to identify promising AI founders from across India. According to the institute, the programme plans to support 100 AI startups over the next three years.

The incubator has been introduced to address the challenges many AI startups face after developing their first product. While several startups are able to build a minimum viable product (MVP), many struggle to test it with businesses, find customers or attract investors. VERTEX aims to provide support at this stage through mentoring, industry guidance and access to enterprise networks.

Selected startups will receive mentorship from experts associated with LENZ, opportunities to work with industry partners, investor connect programmes and access to AI infrastructure. Student teams from BITSoM will also work with founders on market research and business development projects.

Speaking on the launch, BITSoM Dean Saravanan Kesavan said the institute wants to create an environment where entrepreneurs can work closely with business leaders and build practical AI solutions. He added that students will also gain hands-on experience by working with startups during the incubation programme.

Arvind Ravishunkar, Managing Director of BITSoM VERTEX, said India has strong potential to build AI companies that can solve problems at a global scale. He said the programme aims to connect founders with customers, mentors and investors to help them grow faster.

The incubator will accept applications from AI startups working across different sectors. Some of the focus areas include enterprise AI, software automation, multilingual AI, education technology and financial technology. Applications for the first batch of BITSoM VERTEX are now open through the programme’s official website. The institute has invited AI founders from across the country to apply.