Liftoff
Tailored Growth Tracks for Startups and SMEs Whether you’re a startup ready to raise capital or an SME team aiming to scale operations, Liftoff offers structured, zero-cost programs designed to fuel your next stage of growth.
20+
years of entrepreneurship experience
250+
incubators partnered
5K+
ventures supported in last 24 months
500+
Mentors & Experts
20
years of
entrepreneurship
experience
250+
incubators
partnered
4K+
startups supported
in last 24 months
250+
startups raised external
funding
A complete growth launchpad for both emerging ventures and established businesses
A dual-track initiative designed to accelerate business readiness and leadership capability.
Liftoff brings together startup founders and SME leadership teams under one structured growth platform — combining sector-focused learning, hands-on mentorship, and strategic execution support.
Whether it’s shaping scalable business models or strengthening operational teams, Liftoff equips organizations at different growth stages with the mindset, tools, and guidance to scale sustainably.
A tailored journey enabling ventures to develop compelling value propositions, establish scalable business models, and achieve sustainable growth in the market.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all registered ventures with a committed team.
Our advisors will help customize each venture’s journey based on stage and needs.
How It Works
Self-Paced Model
- Self-guided modules
- Self-assessed gap analysis
- Expert masterclasses
- Group mentoring by expert mentors
- Concept overviews
- Playbook roundtables
- AI Tutors
- Helpdesk
Via Incubator Model
- Selected cohorts
- Gap identification
- Journey mapping
- Group / 1:1 mentoring
- Pitching bootcamps
- Investor connects
- Helpdesk
- AI tutors
Our Programs
Liftoff for Startups
A curated growth-readiness program that helps startups define scalable business models, validate key assumptions, and strengthen go-to-market strategy. Through mentorship, toolkits, and expert-led learning, founders build clarity, pitch confidence, and investor readiness.
Liftoff Academy for SMEs
A 10–12 week curated, certification-based program for SME leadership teams, focused on strengthening management capability, operational excellence, and execution. Delivered via live expert sessions, sector-aligned learning tracks, and curated frameworks to help businesses grow with clarity and confidence.
What You Get
Your Liftoff Journey (Step-by-Step)
Gap Identification
Customized Journey Mapping
Expert-led Sessions & Playbook Roundtables
Mentor Connects & Office Hours
Self-paced Digital Learning
Pitch Practice & Readiness Review
Demo Day (By Eligibility)
Why Incubators Choose Liftoff
- Enhanced venture supported
- Community and ecosystem development
- Capacity building through content + connections
- Greater visibility and credibility
Hustle Stories: Celebrating Startup Excellence
Explore inspiring journeys from 30 exceptional startups in our new coffee table book, ‘Hustle Stories,’ featuring success stories from the Liftoff program.
Success Stories
A glimpse into some of the lives our Foundation has impacted.
Poulomi Bhattacharya
Founder & CEO, SilverGenie
The Wadhwani Liftoff Propel program has been instrumental in our journey from zero to one stage.
Praveen Kumar
Founder, Yuvayana Tech and Craft Private Limited
Participating in the program by the Wadhwani Foundation provided me with invaluable knowledge and insights into the world of fundraising for startups
We have got a very good opportunity from Wadhwani Foundation and would like to go with all the information and the guidance that have been provided to us in the Liftoff program, it also helped us with boosted confidence.
Susheel Shetty
Founder, Rootskart
Wadhwani Foundations's program for startups is a great one because it helped me get more insights in the areas of improvement for my business which is Branding, Packaging and Fund Raising.
Ajay Bhuwalka
Founder, Urban Monk Private Limited
Rohit Anand
Founders, Rosa Tech
This program equipped me with the knowledge, network, and mindset necessary to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams with passion and purpose. I highly recommend it to anyone aspiring to make their mark in business.
Anirban Mohanty
Founder, Let's driEV
Attending the Wadhwani Liftoff Program was a truly transformative experience. The insightful sessions led by industry experts and hands-on workshops honed my entrepreneurial skills.
The Wadhwani Liftoff program is meticulously crafted to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in launching their ventures.
Somasundaram Narayanan
Founder, GenuineIN Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Praveen Kumar
Founder, Yuvayana Tech and Craft Private Limited
Susheel Shetty
Founder, Rootskart
Ajay Bhuwalka
Founder, Urban Monk Private Limited
Rohit Anand
Founders, Rosa Tech
Anirban Mohanty
Founder, Let's driEV
Somasundaram Narayanan
Founder, GenuineIN Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Ready for Liftoff?
FAQ
Why should I join the Program?
Our program is designed to help early-stage startups refine their Pitch, business model, become investor ready and secure funding. Through a structured manner, we provide mentorship and targeted training to create a compelling investment pitch deck. By identifying strengths and weaknesses through a gap analysis, we guide startups in developing a robust business narrative.
Are there any eligibility criteria?
The entity must be registered in India (Under DPIIT) and have at least one full-time founder actively involved in managing the business and possess sufficient funds to cover operational expenses for the next six months.
Is startup registration mandatory for this program?
Yes, only registered startups are eligible for the program.
Is there any selection process after submitting application?
Yes, after submitting your application, there is a selection process. The applications will be evaluated based on factors such as problem definition, solution fit, unique value proposition, scalability, business strategy, market size, readiness to scale, action plan, investment readiness, team strength, and alignment with the program’s goals. A shortlist of startups will be selected for further consideration based on this evaluation.
How do we get to know about the selection?
Post evaluation, our team will send out an email to the selected applicants. Further, timely information about the joining the cohort will be shared. Due to large volumes of applications that we receive, selection might take more time in some cases.
What is the duration of this program?
4-12 weeks
Is there a Program Fee?
Wadhwani Foundation does not charge any fees nor take any equity or commission for this program.
What is the mode of delivery for this program?
The program will be conducted Online.
Do we get funding from Wadhwani Foundation after program completion?
Wadhwani Foundation does not directly provide funding to startups. Instead, we facilitate fundraising by connecting you with a network of over 35 investment partners. This gives you opportunities to pitch your startup directly to potential investors, increasing your chances of securing funding after completing the program.
Are we eligible for demo day post program completion?
Yes, you are eligible for demo day after completing the program. However, our investment team will evaluate your readiness to pitch by conducting a mock pitching session and reviewing your final pitch deck. Based on these assessments, you will be invited to participate in demo day.
Do we get the recordings of the sessions?
There are no recordings available, you can connect with the program manager or consultant for any inputs.
Can I interact with mentors during the live session?
What if I have doubts about certain modules?
Will I be able to connect with mentors after the cohort?
Can we raise money for real from the investors we pitch to?
Yes, subject to mutual agreement by both the parties, investor & startup.
| Week | Monday (Expert Session) | Tuesday | Wednesday (Expert Session) | Thursday (Expert Session) | Friday (Playbook Roundtable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3'25 | Bridging the Gap: Effective Goal Setting for MVP Success | Strategic Decisions: When to Pivot and When to Persevere | Modeling Success: Utilizing the Business Model Canvas for Strategic Planning | Crafting Your North Star: Defining Mission, Vision, and Values | |
| Feb 10'25 | Acquisition Mastery: Advanced Strategies for Customer Growth | Iterate to Innovate: Enhancing Product Development Through Feedback | Competitive Edge: Crafting Your Strategy and Positioning in the Market | Maximizing Customer Retention: Strategies for Sustained Growth | |
| Feb 17'25 | Roadmap to Success: Planning and Testing Your MVP | Market Ready: Designing a Winning Go-to-Market Strategy | Scaling Smart: Building a Sustainable Business Model | Growth Hacking 101: Driving Startup Growth Creatively | |
| Feb 24'25 | Mastering Metrics: Leveraging Analytics for Startup Success | Financial Fluency: Crafting Compelling Projections for Investors | Perfecting Your Pitch: Techniques for Winning Over Investors | Customer Insights - Not scheduled | |
| Mar 3'25 | Bridging the Gap: Effective Goal Setting for MVP Success | Strategic Decisions: When to Pivot and When to Persevere | Modeling Success: Utilizing the Business Model Canvas for Strategic Planning | Crafting Your North Star: Defining Mission, Vision, and Values | |
| Mar 10'25 | Acquisition Mastery: Advanced Strategies for Customer Growth | Iterate to Innovate: Enhancing Product Development Through Feedback | Competitive Edge: Crafting Your Strategy and Positioning in the Market | Maximizing Customer Retention: Strategies for Sustained Growth | |
| Mar 17'25 | Roadmap to Success: Planning and Testing Your MVP - Not scheduled | Market Ready: Designing a Winning Go-to-Market Strategy | Scaling Smart: Building a Sustainable Business Model | Growth Hacking 101: Driving Startup Growth Creatively | |
| Mar 24'25 | Mastering Metrics: Leveraging Analytics for Startup Success | Financial Fluency: Crafting Compelling Projections for Investors | Perfecting Your Pitch: Techniques for Winning Over Investors | Team - Not scheduled | |
| Mar 31'25 | Bridging the Gap: Effective Goal Setting for MVP Success | Strategic Decisions: When to Pivot and When to Persevere | Modeling Success: Utilizing the Business Model Canvas for Strategic Planning | Crafting Your North Star: Defining Mission, Vision, and Values | |
| Apr 7'25 | Acquisition Mastery: Advanced Strategies for Customer Growth | Competitive Edge: Crafting Your Strategy and Positioning in the Market | Iterate to Innovate: Enhancing Product Development Through Feedback | Maximizing Customer Retention: Strategies for Sustained Growth | |
| Apr 14'25 | Roadmap to Success: Planning and Testing Your MVP - Not scheduled | Market Ready: Designing a Winning Go-to-Market Strategy | Scaling Smart: Building a Sustainable Business Model | Growth Hacking 101: Driving Startup Growth Creatively | |
| Apr 21'25 | Mastering Metrics: Leveraging Analytics for Startup Success | Financial Fluency: Crafting Compelling Projections for Investors | Perfecting Your Pitch: Techniques for Winning Over Investors | Customer Discovery - Not scheduled |