Register now for the 7th Cohort of IMAGE CoE by STPI. The deadline for submission of applications is August 9, 2025!
About the Contest
“IMAGE CoE ” – a Centre of Entrepreneurship for Gaming, Animation, VFX, Computer Vision, and AI Start-Ups, is a flagship initiative by STPI – Hyderabad, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and Government of Telangana, in Collaboration with TVAGA (Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association), HYSEA, IIIT Hyderabad, TIE Hyderabad, Hyderabad Angels, SucSEED Indovation Fund, Ventana Ventures, Ontropi, and TASK.
IMAGE CoE offers a 6-month cohort-based accelerator program specifically designed to support startups in driving innovation across Gaming, VFX, Animation, Computer Vision, and AI.
IMAGE CoE invites applications for its 7th Cohort.
Who Can Apply?
IMAGE CoE invites the applications from Indian Start-ups who are working in Gaming, Animation, VFX and Computer Vision AI.
Eligibility Criteria
- The start-up must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013).
- The date of registration/incorporation must not be beyond 10 years.
- Individual Academicians, Researchers, Educators, Entrepreneurs, partnership firms, LLPs may also participate, however, if they are selected then they will have to register as private limited company in a stipulated time (preferably within 3 months).
- Start-up should have an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 100 crore for any of the financial years since its incorporation.
- Entity should not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already existing business.
- Entity working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services or if it is a scalable business model with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation.
Focus Areas
The Start-ups are expected to be in the following domains
- Gaming
- Animation
- VFX
- Computer Vision and AI
Selection Process
Selection Process would be organized in three (3) phases.
- Phase-1:Applications from start-ups are invited through an online contest portal
- Phase-2: Shortlisting/ Screening of Ideas, POCs and solution having strong potential through initial scrutiny.
- Phase-3: Selection of start-ups for this program through an one on one pitch-in session.
Offerings
- 5 lakhs Seed Fund
- Plug and Play Infrastructure with access to conference rooms and a fully equipped Preview Theatre
- Connections with major VCs and Angel funds
- Demo Day to showcase your products/services to investors
- Access to Mocap Studio (upcoming)
- Mentorship from Industry Experts
- Market Access through ecosystem enablers – HYSEA, TVAGA, Telangana Government, STPI,
- IIIT-H, Hyderabad Angels, SucSEED indovation fund, Ventana Ventures and many others
- Legal, IPR Statutory Support.
- Azure and AWS Eco System Credits
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply through this link.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications is August 9, 2025.
