Accel and Prosus have selected six startups for their first joint cohort in India, backing what they describe as “off-the-map” ideas—ventures tackling problems where markets remain undefined and progress is inherently hard to measure.
Notably, the inaugural cohort spans healthcare, climate, space, and longevity. This breadth underscores a deliberate focus on science-led themes that typically involve long development timelines and uncertain commercial pathways. The firms chose these six startups from a highly competitive pool of more than 2,000 applications.
Among the selected companies, Praan is developing advanced air infrastructure systems designed to improve indoor air quality through purification, sensing, and automated controls. Based in Mumbai, the startup has already secured backing from investors such as Social Impact Capital, Aera VC, and Avaana Capital, along with strategic investors and family offices.
Meanwhile, QOSMIC is building optical communication systems to enable high-speed data transfer between satellites and Earth. The Bengaluru-based company is working to significantly increase bandwidth while reducing latency in space-based networks.
In the space-tech segment, Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX) is developing reusable orbital launch vehicles aimed at lowering the cost of accessing space. The startup recently raised $20.5 million in a Series A round led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital, achieving a valuation of $80.5 million.
Additionally, Dognosis is innovating in cancer diagnostics by detecting multiple cancers through breath analysis. Its product, BreatheEasy, leverages dogs’ olfactory capabilities combined with robotics and AI. Patients breathe into a mask, and the system later analyzes samples in a lab to identify cancer-linked markers.
Further expanding into longevity, Ferra is developing a home-based strength-training system that helps individuals maintain mobility as they age.The system dynamically adjusts resistance levels based on a user’s performance.
In parallel, a sixth startup—currently operating in stealth—is working on brain-computer interfaces to enable direct communication between the human brain and external systems, signaling a bold step toward next-generation human-machine interaction.
Importantly, Accel and Prosus announced the program in October with the intention of backing startups that fall outside the traditional venture capital playbook. Instead of prioritizing ideas that are easiest to fund, the firms are focusing on high-risk, high-impact innovations.
As part of the initiative, Accel and Prosus are co-investing in each startup, with Prosus matching Accel’s contribution. Investment checks range from $500,000 to $2 million. Moreover, the firms structure the funding model to reduce early dilution for founders by deferring a portion of the capital, allowing founders to give up equity at a later stage.
According to Pratik Agarwal, partner at Accel, the model aligns with the needs of deep-tech startups. “More than capital, they require time to make those breakthroughs,” he said.
Similarly, Ashutosh Sharma highlighted the unique growth trajectory of such ventures. These companies often follow a non-linear path, where progress depends on achieving critical technical breakthroughs rather than steady, predictable growth.
Consequently, this cohort reflects a broader shift in venture investing toward long-horizon innovation, where patient capital and technical milestones take precedence over rapid scalability.
Accel and Prosus are not only redefining early-stage investing in India but also signaling strong confidence in deep-tech innovation. By backing unconventional ideas and restructuring capital deployment, they are enabling founders to pursue breakthrough technologies that could shape the future across industries.
