Gurugram | July 1, 2026:
Highlights
- Selection: 16 startups chosen from 2,000+ applications through a multi-stage evaluation process.
- Process: 75 shortlisted → 28 pitch presentations → 16 selected for Cohort 1.
- Program: Structured acceleration offering mentorship, investor readiness, and venture capital pathways.
- Sectors: AI, mobility, sustainability, logistics, cybersecurity, legal tech, retail innovation, and enterprise solutions.
- Objective: Create equal opportunities for entrepreneurs across Tier 1, Tier 2, and emerging regions.
Startup Stairs, a Gurugram-based DPIIT-recognised incubator and NSDC International investee company, has announced the selection of 16 high-potential startups for the inaugural Cohort 1 of Startup League 2026.
The initiative reflects Startup Stairs’ mission to nurture founders beyond traditional startup hubs, providing ecosystem access, mentorship, and investor engagement opportunities.
Selection Process
- Applications received: 2,000+ from across India.
- Shortlisted: 75 startups.
- Final pitches: 28 ventures presented to a panel of ecosystem experts.
- Criteria: Market relevance, scalability, and founder capability.
- Outcome: 16 startups selected for Cohort 1.
Selected Startups
The inaugural cohort includes: Rayglides, InfraSight, Hitesh Enviro, Yoko Styles, Shander Services, Fix Point Technology, Erkey Motors, Klvin Technologies, ISectnet, Zeex AI, Ship Shop, Logixair, Smidham, Ekitabh AI, BU4 Auto, and Legal AI.
These ventures represent innovations across:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mobility solutions
- Environmental sustainability
- Logistics & supply chain technologies
- Enterprise solutions
- Cybersecurity & digital transformation
Dr. Preet Sandhu, Promoter, Startup Stairs: “The overwhelming response to Startup League 2026 demonstrates the depth of entrepreneurial talent emerging across our country. We received applications from founders solving real-world challenges across sectors and geographies, reinforcing our belief that innovation is no longer limited to a few startup hubs. Through Cohort 1, we aim to equip the selected startups with mentorship, strategic guidance, ecosystem access, and investor readiness support required to transform promising ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses.”
Acceleration Journey
Over the coming months, the selected startups will:
- Strengthen business fundamentals.
- Refine go-to-market strategies.
- Engage with mentors, industry experts, and investors.
- Participate in founder showcases and investment-focused interactions.
The program is designed to accelerate growth and prepare startups for future funding opportunities.
About Startup Stairs
Startup Stairs is a DPIIT-recognised incubator, NSDC International investee, and Government of Haryana empanelled incubator. It serves as the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the National Entrepreneurship & Employability Drive (NEED), driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development nationwide.
Operating at the intersection of incubation, acceleration, and industry collaboration, Startup Stairs supports founders from idea validation to commercialization through:
- Mentorship.
- Investor access.
- Market linkages.
- AI-powered startup enablement.
- Strategic partnerships.
Focus sectors include AI, drones, defence tech, EVs, robotics, semiconductors, climate tech, agritech, and emerging technologies.
🌐 Learn more: www.startupstairs.in | Startup League 2026
