Accenture Ventures Challenge, one of the biggest open innovation events in India and the foremost of its kind, is an annual event run by the Accenture Ventures and Open Innovation team to recognize and reward the best Indian B2B deep-tech startups that are solving real-time business problems by harnessing disruptive innovations.
Now in its 5th edition, the Accenture Ventures Tech Next Challenge will focus on identifying startups that are defining the next phase of deep-tech disruption by leveraging frontier technology areas of Metaverse, Space Tech, Advanced Computing and Science Tech.
Challenge Categories
This year, we’re focusing on startups that are riding the wave of innovation, going beyond imagination across four technology segments:
Metaverse
We are on the lookout for XR and Web3 driven solutions that are working towards building a responsible metaverse based on human-centric experiences.
1. Transport
Solutions that enable the shift to virtual worlds (VR, Avatars and New Worlds).
2. Transform
Solutions that augment the physical world and current day use cases (AR, 3D Digital twins, AIoT).
3. Transact
Solutions around Identity, Tokenomics, Decentralized Finance in Metaverse (Digital Identity and Digital Currency, NFTs, DLT & Tokenization).
4. Trust
Solutions focused on building trust and integrity in the Metaverse (Privacy, Security, Veracity, Inclusion & Accessibility and Sustainability).
Space Tech
Just like Titan Space Technologies and Pixxel, we’re searching for the next set of Startups to conquer the frontier of space-based innovation.
1. Space to Earth
Providing access to traditionally difficult-to-access technology such as satellite data and insights to enable innovation for businesses on Earth.
2. Earth to Space
Utilizing familiar technologies to advanced space operations and explorations, create new market opportunities and expand the scope of the possible in Space, and enable upstream change.
3. Space & Beyond
Limitless opportunities to unlock the space economy via exploration, tourism, destination planning and new business development.
Advanced Computing
We are in search of solutions that are focused on enhancing computational power and leveraging amplified processing capabilities to enable new forms of connected solutions.
1. Next Gen Computing
Solutions around Quantum computing, Neuromorphic computing, Biocomputing, Edge computing, Generative AI.
2. Connected Solutions
Solutions enabling the perpetuation of advanced computing covering 5G, IT/ OT + Digital Twins, Advanced Robotics
Science Tech
We have got our eyes on companies working around deep sciences to improve people’s lives.
1. Material Science
Solutions around identification and utilization of new materials that challenge the status quo – nano materials, bio-mimetic materials across multiple industries.
2. Bio-innovation
- In-silico science
- Bio Intelligence
- Alternative Food (Protein)
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the program, a startup must fulfill the below criteria:
- Deep tech startups in their early-stage or growth-stage.
- Solving for businesses (B2B).
- Have their headquarters in India/ have an Indian Co-Founder and established operations in India (if the headquarters is elsewhere).
- Have executed paid engagements (pilots/ deployments) for Enterprise clients.
What’s in it for Startups?
- The winners will join Accenture Ventures Open Innovation partner program and co-create solutions for Accenture clients around the world.
- The winners will be awarded with USD 15,000 to build a custom solution for Accenture.
- Potential candidature for Strategic Minority Investment by Accenture.