Microsoft, IIT Delhi target grassroots AI innovation with new accelerator for Tier-II, III towns

New Delhi: Microsoft and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi have jointly launched the Unnati AI Accelerator, a program focused on strengthening grassroots AI innovation in Tier-II and Tier-III regions of India.

The Unnati AI Accelerator, launched under a broader corporate social responsibility framework, intends to support AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, education, and sustainability.

Focus on solving local challenges through AI

With India’s generative AI landscape rapidly expanding, the accelerator seeks to decentralise innovation by equipping rural and semi-urban startups, students, and developers with access to funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and market networks. The program is positioned to encourage the creation of AI tools that directly address the unique socio-economic challenges faced by smaller towns.

According to the announcement, selected innovators will participate in a structured development path that includes bootcamps, expert-led guidance, and demo days. The initiative is aligned with the objectives of the IndiaAI Mission and intends to complement national goals around digital empowerment and inclusive technology adoption.

Emphasis on inclusive growth and rural capacity-building

The leadership at Microsoft and IIT Delhi emphasised the need for democratized access to AI. Aparna Gupta of Microsoft’s Global Delivery Center noted that innovation must extend beyond urban centres to ensure equitable growth. Microsoft IDC’s Rajiv Kumar added that the accelerator supports India’s wider digital transformation goals by enabling local entrepreneurs to scale solutions globally.

IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee highlighted the institution’s commitment to applying technology for solving grassroots-level challenges. Meanwhile, FITT’s Managing Director, Dr Nikhil Agarwal underlined that the program reflects India’s growing focus on bottom-up innovation in critical sectors.

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