IIT Madras WSAI announces 1-week intensive AI startup course for students, researchers, early-stage founders

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, has announced a one-week, in-person short course titled 'Building a Successful AI Startup'. It is designed to help participants transform AI-based ideas into viable business ventures.

IIT Madras WSAI AI startup course is open to final-year B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD students along with faculty members, researchers, engineers, product managers, aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage AI startup members.

The course provides hands-on training across different stages of startup development, from identifying market opportunities and building a minimum viable product (MVP) to preparing for fundraising and pitching to investors.

Applications for the programme are open until July 27, 2026. The classes will be conducted from August 10 to August 14, 2026, at the IIT Madras campus.

Also read From IIT Madras to Kharagpur: Why top engineering colleges are now teaching biomedical sciences

WSAI course highlights

The programme will be led by Lakshmi Shankar, general partner at Together Fund and former vice president of Google Search. He has also held leadership roles at Twitter, IBM and EY and is a Sloan fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

The course will include classroom sessions, hands-on activities and discussions based on real AI startup experiences. Participants will learn how to identify customers, validate business ideas, build products, attract users, develop revenue strategies, raise funds, negotiate with investors and grow an AI startup.

The programme will conclude with a pitch day, where participants will present their startup ideas before a panel of investors. The winning team will receive Rs 4 lakh to support the development of its AI startup venture.

Also read SRM Medical College bets on AI, interdisciplinary learning to make students tech-savvy, research-driven: Dean

IIT Madras WSAI AI startup course: How to apply

Candidates who are interested in the WSAI course can follow the steps below to apply:

• Visit the official IIT Madras WSAI website, wsai.iitm.ac.in and open the AI startup course application page

• Read the eligibility criteria, course details, schedule, and selection process carefully

• Complete the online application form with the required personal, academic, and professional details

• Upload the necessary documents, if required, such as academic certificates, resume, or proof of affiliation.

• Submit the application by July 27, as mentioned by IIT Madras WSAI

After submitting the application, candidates should wait for the institution's confirmation regarding selection and course participation.