Startup Stairs, a Gurugram-based DPIIT-recognised startup 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 received more than 2,000 applications from across the country where the selected ventures represent some of the most promising innovations emerging across sectors such as artificial intelligence, mobility, sustainability, logistics, cybersecurity, legal technology, retail innovation and enterprise solutions.
The selection process involved multiple stages of evaluation, beginning with over 2,000 applications, followed by the shortlisting of 75 startups and final pitch presentations by 28 ventures before a panel of ecosystem experts. Following this extensive assessment, market relevance, scalability and founder capability, 16 startups were selected to join the Cohort 1 acceleration program.
Startup League 2026 is a national-level startup acceleration and funding platform designed to identify, nurture and support high-potential founders through mentorship, ecosystem access and investor engagement opportunities. This initiative reflects Startup Stairs’ broader mission of creating equal opportunities for entrepreneurs beyond traditional startup hubs and strict institutional networks.
Applications were received from founders across Tier 1, Tier 2 and emerging entrepreneurial regions, reflecting the growing depth of innovation beyond traditional startup hubs.
The selected startups will now embark on a structured acceleration journey that will help them strengthen their business fundamentals, go-to-market strategies, and prepare them for engagement with investors and venture capital funding opportunities.
The inaugural cohort showcases a diverse mix of startups working across emerging and high-growth sectors that are expected to play a significant role in shaping India’s innovation economy.
The selected startups include 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.
Together, these ventures represent innovations spanning artificial intelligence, mobility solutions, environmental sustainability, logistics and supply chain technologies, enterprise solutions, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Startup Stairs is bridging the critical gaps in the startup ecosystem by connecting founders with mentorship, industry partnerships, government initiatives and funding opportunities. Through collaborations with incubation networks, innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship programs, the organization aims to create sustainable growth pathways for startups at various stages of their journey.
Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Preet Sandhu, Promoter, Startup Stairs said, “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. Our objective is to ensure that entrepreneurial opportunities are accessible to innovators irrespective of their location, background or institutional affiliations.”
Over the coming months, the selected startups will participate in a focused acceleration program that will provide access to industry experts, business mentors, strategic partnerships and investor engagement opportunities. The initiative is expected to culminate in founder showcases and investment-focused interactions, enabling startups to accelerate their growth and strengthen their readiness for future funding opportunities.
Through initiatives like these, Startup Stairs remains committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators and building a more inclusive, accessible and impact-driven startup ecosystem for India.
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