The Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) announced that 42 AI startups from across the country have been shortlisted as part of the first cohort. The startups have been chosen following a rigorous selection process, represent 11 industry sectors from 10 Indian states. More than half the startups in the programme are from outside the state of Telangana, with an express interest to set up in Hyderabad either this year or next. Nearly 70% of the startups are bootstrapped and 25% of them have one female founder.

As part of the Year of AI 2020 initiative, the Telangana government launched the Telangana Artificial Intelligence Mission (T-AIM) accelerator programme Revv Up, which is exclusively designed for growth-stage artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The vision of T-AIM is to develop Telangana as a global hub for AI startups.

“The participating entrepreneurs and their startups represent innovations powered by Artificial Intelligence. From addressing non-invasive healthcare solutions, to climate modelling, and new ways to support learning these founders will greatly impact how our future will be shaped,” said Jayesh Ranjan, Industries and IT Principal Secretary.

RevvUp, in line with the vision of the Govt of Telangana, will build India's homegrown AI community that is keenly trained to solve and address native challenges based on inferences and insights stemming from locally available datasets.

The accelerator is keen to work with growth-stage AI startups, seeking measurable growth in terms of customer growth, revenues and acquiring market share. The 12-month program will be replete with various events, activities and interventions such as PoC opportunities & market access with the Telangana government and industry leaders, investor roundtables, workshops & masterclasses on IP harvesting, Go-To Market, pitching & fund raising, mentorship from senior industry leaders in technology and business, and access to global markets. RevvUp aims bring onboard 200 AI startups by this year.