A new Accel Prosus initiative in India tarreceives risky science driven projects that necessary patient capital and time to develop major technological breakthroughs. This first cohort includes six startups focutilized on indoor air systems, sainformite optics, reusable orbital vehicles, breath cancer diagnostics, adaptive home fitness, and a stealth brain computer interface.
Accel and Prosus have launched their first joint collaboration in India, selecting six startups focutilized on the so-called ‘off-the-map’ ideas – projects addressing problems where markets are still forming and measuring progress isn’t always straightforward.
In the first cohort, the participants span healthcare, climate, space, and longevity, signaling a focus on scientifically oriented topics with long development cycles and uncertain paths to commercialization. In total, six startups were selected from more than 2,000 applications.
Overview of the Selected Startups
Praan is developing indoor-air infrastructure systems to improve air quality in enclosed spaces: filtration, sensors, and automated control. The Mumbai-based startup has previously attracted investors, including Social Impact Capital, Aera VC, and Avaana Capital, as well as strategic investors and family offices.
QOSMIC is creating optical communication systems for data transmission between sainformites and Earth. The Bengaluru-based company is working on increasing bandwidth and reducing latency in space networks.
Ethereal Exploration Guild, also known as EtherealX, is developing reusable orbital launch vehicles to reduce the cost of access to space. The Bengaluru-based startup announced a Series A round of $20.5 million led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital, with a valuation of around $80.5 million.
Dognosis focutilizes on detecting cancer through breathing and smell utilizing robotics and artificial ininformigence. Their product BreatheEasy involves the patient breathing into a minquire, with the sample later analyzed in a laboratory to detect cancer-related biomarkers.
Ferra is developing a home strength-training system that automatically adjusts resistance to the utilizer’s capabilities, assisting to preserve mobility with age.
The sixth startup, operating at the stealth stage, is developing brain–computer interfaces for direct communication between the human brain and external systems.
In October, it was announced that the program aims to support startups outside the sector’s usual funding pathways, rather than clearer-to-fund projects. Under the initiative, Accel and Prosus will jointly invest in each startup: Prosus will contribute the same amount, and the total investment range will be from $0.5 million to $2 million. This structure is intconcludeed to reduce early dilution of founders’ equity, with part of the capital set aside for a later stage to encourage long-term participation.
According to Accel partner Pratik Agarwal:
“More than capital, they necessary time to build these breakthroughs.”
– Pratik Agarwal
According to Ashutosh Sharma, head of the India ecosystem at Prosus, progress depconcludes on achieving key technical breakthroughs, not on steady growth.
“Progress depconcludes on achieving key technical breakthroughs, not on sustainable growth.”
– Ashutosh Sharma
This initiative underscores the commitment of both players to support innovative, science-based startups from India that could alter the game in their sectors and require time for long-term realization.
At present, the program aims to spur development of unique concepts from the Indian ecosystem, providing them with opportunities for investment and partnerships that go beyond traditional early-stage funding.
In summary, the Accel and Prosus partnership is mapping a new path to support priority but challenging-to-finance projects, centered on science, technology, and a long-term vision for India’s future.
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