MeitY Startup Hub, Meta launches accelerator XR Startup program to create next-generation startups in extended reality technologies

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub and Meta, launched an accelerator XR Startup programme in New Delhi today to create next generation startups in extended reality technologies across the country.

XR Startup Program focuses on skilling and building technological capabilities for the metaverse, and will help shape the ecosystem for these emerging technologies, including Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in the country.

The Accelerator Program will support 40 early-stage start-ups working in XR technologies with a grant of 20 lakhs rupees each. Further, the Grand Challenge will encourage early-stage innovators in sectors like Education, Learning and Skills, Healthcare, Gaming and Entertainment, Agritech and Climate Action, and Tourism and Sustainability. The innovators will be provided support to upscale from the Research and development phase to developing workable products and services. At first, 80 innovators will be shortlisted to attend a bootcamp, out of which, a total of 16 innovators will be provided grants of 20 lakhs rupees each and further support to help them develop Minimum Viable Product or prototypes.

Speaking on this occasion, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, Indian Startups from tier-2 and tier-3 cities will shape the future of technology and internet for India and the world. He said, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision, it is clear that India is no longer going to be a consumer of technology, but become a leader in producing emerging technologies.