Algorand Startup Lab Cohort 2

Startup Lab - Cohort 2

The Algorand Startup Lab – Cohort 2 is designed to accelerate the growth of Web3 startups, leveraging the global leadership from T-Hub and the Algorand Foundation. The program supports prototype/MVP stage startups with significant Web3 resources, business mentorship, and access to funding.

Apply Now

Startup Lab - Cohort 2

The Algorand Startup Lab – Cohort 2 is designed to accelerate the growth of Web3 startups, leveraging the global leadership from T-Hub and the Algorand Foundation. The program supports prototype/MVP stage startups with significant Web3 resources, business mentorship, and access to funding.

Apply Now

Program Objectives

The Algorand Startup Lab Program connects innovative startups with leaders in the Algorand ecosystem, facilitating collaboration to deliver disruptive blockchain-based solutions across verticals spanning from financial inclusion and supply chain management to DeFi and security. The program is designed to support startups in achieving product readiness, market readiness, and investment readiness, positioning them for accelerated growth and success.

Why Algorand?

Benefits for Startups

01

Tailored Guidance for Product Refinement and Market Entry

Personalised advice and insights from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs to fine-tune their products, ensuring they meet market demands, stand out from the competition, and navigate market entry strategies.

02

Web3 Training

Technical support on specific Web3 topics, such as pricing models and frameworks, to benefit from the network effect.

03

Workshops

Valuable skills and insights through specialised workshops to help with market analysis and testing, helping them establish competitive pricing, analyse their market, and refine their business strategy development.

04

Pitch Coaching

Expert guidance to develop and deliver compelling pitches, making a strong impression on potential investors, partners, and customers.

05

Preparation for Fundraising

Knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complex world of fundraising, from creating compelling pitch materials to identifying potential investors and expanding their businesses and access to leading VCs.

06

Access to Bridge Services and Funding from Algorand Foundation

From Day One of the Startup Lab, participants will have access to critical services to help launch their Web3 solution in the market and investment from Algorand Foundation, based on achieving key milestones.

07

Market Access

Key introductions to gain access to new markets and exposure to a wider audience, targeted at new sales and growth opportunities.

08

Expert Guidance

Access to advisory sessions from Algorand executives and seasoned professionals in the industry.

09

Demo Day

The opportunity to showcase your startup to investors and stakeholders at the program’s culmination.

Mentorship

A panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and mentors will support the startups, providing expert guidance throughout the program through 1-1 office hours and workshop sessions.

These sessions will focus on various topics related to product, market & investment readiness. By involving SMEs, the program ensures startups gain insights and expertise, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to effectively communicate their value propositions and strengthen their capabilities in business incubation.

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Eligibility Criteria

All selected teams must:

Be based in India.
Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype with at least one dedicated founding member on the team.
Participate fully in the program, both remotely and in person, at T-Hub.
Natively build their Web3 application on the Algorand blockchain.
Stake ALGOs equivalent to INR 5,000 in the Algorand ecosystem will be returned with accumulated returns upon program completion.

Eligibility Criteria

All selected teams must:

Be based in India.
Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype with at least one dedicated founding member on the team.
Participate fully in the program, both remotely and in person, at T-Hub.
Natively build their Web3 application on the Algorand blockchain.
Stake ALGOs equivalent to INR 5,000 in the Algorand ecosystem will be returned with accumulated returns upon program completion.

Eligibility Criteria

All selected teams must:

Be based in India.
Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype with at least one dedicated founding member on the team.
Participate fully in the program, both remotely and in person, at T-Hub.
Natively build their Web3 application on the Algorand blockchain.
Stake ALGOs equivalent to INR 5,000 in the Algorand ecosystem will be returned with accumulated returns upon program completion.

Program Phases

Workshops & Trainings

Providing startups with knowledge and skills across technical and business functions to build robust blockchain-enabled solutions.

Technical Web3 Support

Providing startups with knowledge and skills across technical and business functions to build robust blockchain-enabled solutions.

Mentorship Sessions

Well timed mentorship sessions with industry veterans and confidential feedback to help startups course-correct or validate assumptions to achieve product-market fit.

Product Readiness

Helping startups refine their prototypes to meet technical and market standards.

Market Readiness

Equipping startups with strategies and tools to enter and compete in their target markets.

Investment Readiness

Preparing startups to pitch and secure funding from investors effectively.

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Key Topics

Mentor Sessions

Weekly mentoring by industry experts and subject matter specialists.

Workshops

Targeted sessions on:

Product Design Refinement
Decentralised Governance Frameworks
Regulatory and Compliance Readiness
Building Web3 Ecosystem Partnerships
Long-term Sustainability and Monetization Planning

Decentralised Application (DApp) Development Workshops
Smart Contract Auditing and Optimization
Node Setup
Go-to-Market Activities
Community Building and Engagement Strategies
Partnerships with NFT/DeFi Protocols
Web3-Specific Pricing Models and Marketing

Focus Areas

Financial Inclusion

Identity Management

DeFi

Value Chain & Supply Chain Management

Decentralised Marketplace

Web3 Infrastructure

Security

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Program Schedule (2025)

February

Outreach

7th March

Application Deadline

March

Cohort 2 Launch

April-June

Product Readiness

July-September

Market Readiness

October-December

Investment Readiness

December

Graduation

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FAQs

How does the T-Hub and Algorand Startup Lab program work?

The Startup Lab program brings together the very best in business and industry mentorship with world class Web3 developer support for startups building blockchain solutions for real world impact. Each of the twenty selected teams will be assigned a dedicated business mentor and Web3 technical mentor to work with over the course of the year, and the program will include a mix of virtual and live sessions that are specifically focused on helping each team build and fine-tune their product based on market feedback, prepare to take their product to market, and emerge ready to raise their first (or next) round of capital.

What are the eligibility criteria for startups to apply?

In order to be eligible for the Algorand Startup Lab, a startup must be (1) based in India and (2) building a Web3 solution. Applicants should have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype, and at least one dedicated founding member on the team. Teams must be willing and able to participate fully in the program remotely and in-person at T-Hub. The startup team should also be willing to natively build their application on the Algorand blockchain if their product is currently on another chain.

What is in it for startups?

Experienced mentors to help fine tune products, strategies and pitches
Hands-on technical expertise to build on Algorand
Access to customers and markets for live testing and feedback
Potential pre-seed funding and investment introductions
Workshops on relevant skills like solution design, marketing & fundraising
Networking forums to explore partnerships

Can a single founder apply to the programme?

While diversity of skills on a team is preferred, exceptional individuals with proven ability to execute may also apply. Priority will be given to those who have demonstrated progress through development work or relevant partnerships.

What are the focus areas?

We aim to support any innovative, scalable Web3 solution. Suggested focus areas include health care, supply chain, sustainability, agritech, and fintech, but solutions for other verticals where real-world problems are being addressed are also welcome.

The startup is not registered in India. Can I apply?

While registration in India is not required, physical presence during the program is expected. Preference will be given to Indian-based startups to maximize in-person engagement and collaboration.

FAQs

How does the T-Hub and Algorand Startup Lab program work?

The Startup Lab program brings together the very best in business and industry mentorship with world-class Web3 developer support for startups building blockchain solutions for real-world impact. Each of the twenty selected teams will be assigned a dedicated business mentor and Web3 technical mentor to work with over the course of the year. The program will include a mix of virtual and live sessions specifically tailored to help each team build and fine-tune their product based on market feedback, prepare to take their product to market and emerge ready to raise their first (or next) round of capital.

Throughout the process, companies that reach specified milestones will be eligible for critical bridge services and pre-seed and seed funding from the Algorand Foundation.

What are the eligibility criteria for startups to apply?

To be eligible for the Algorand Startup Lab, a startup must be (1) based in India & (2) building a Web3 solution.

Applicants should have a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype and at least one dedicated founding member on the team. Teams must be willing and able to participate fully in the program remotely and in person at T-Hub. The startup team should also be willing to build their application on the Algorand blockchain natively if their product is currently on another chain.

What is in it for startups?

Experienced mentors to help fine-tune products, strategies and pitches
Hands-on technical expertise to build on Algorand
Access to customers and markets for live testing and feedback
Potential pre-seed funding and investment introductions
Workshops on relevant skills like solution design, marketing & fundraising
Networking forums to explore partnerships
Access to funding and critical bridge services to launch their solutions

Can a single founder apply to the program?

While the diversity of skills on a team is preferred, exceptional individuals with proven ability to execute may also apply. Priority will be given to those who have demonstrated progress through development work or relevant partnerships.

What are the focus areas?

We aim to support any innovative, scalable Web3 solution. Suggested focus areas include financial inclusion, identity management, DeFi, value chain & supply chain management, decentralised marketplace, Web3 infrastructure and security, but solutions in other verticals where real-world problems are being addressed are also welcome.

The startup is not registered in India. Can I apply?

While registration in India is not required, physical presence during the program is expected. Preference will be given to Indian-based startups to maximise in-person engagement and collaboration.

I am an idea/early-stage startup. Can I apply?

Having an MVP or prototype developed is highly preferred; however, exceptional ideas and teams will be considered case-by-case based on the progress and commitment demonstrated.

Is it only meant for startups in Web3?

The focus of the Startup Lab is to support early-stage startups building innovative, scalable solutions using Web3 technologies. This includes both companies exploring a transition from Web2 to Web3, as well as those building their first offerings natively in the Web3 space. While applications built on Algorand’s platform are preferred, multi-chain startups will also be considered. The main criterion is the innovative potential of the solution and how it leverages the core capabilities of Web3 technologies.

Do I have to have a solution built on Algorand?

While experience with Algorand is valued, it is not required. The program aims to onboard startups onto Algorand and help them leverage its features. Multi-chain experience may also be considered.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

The program is fully funded by the Algorand Foundation and T-Hub. Startups do not pay any registration or participation fees. As participants in the Web3 economy and now active members of the Algorand community, all selectees are expected to stake ALGOs equivalent to INR 5,000 in the Algorand ecosystem. This amount will be returned to the respective Founder(s) with accumulated returns upon graduation from the program

Will travel expenses be covered for in-person events at T-Hub?

While travel expenses are typically the responsibility of each startup, a limited amount of travel support may be considered based on the need and availability of funds for this purpose. Selected teams will be invited and sponsored by the Algorand Foundation to participate in certain national and global blockchain and Algorand events.

What is after the PoC presentation?

Startups will receive 1:1 custom reviews to refine their solutions. Feedback, along with the potential for pilot deployments, funding, and other support, will be discussed to help startups progress towards commercialisation and scaling their solution.

How do I know if my startup is ready for the program?

Ideally, a startup should have an MVP and a targeted user base. Commitment to ongoing development is key. If unsure, please contact the organisers to discuss your specific stage and fit for the program.

Is follow-on funding available from Algorand?

All companies will be eligible for pre-seed and seed funding through the program based on the achievement of key, specified milestones. Thereafter, based on startup progress and investment readiness, AlgoVentures will evaluate startups, together with external VCs, that seek follow-on funding for potential investment. Follow-up funding is not guaranteed by participation in the Startup Lab program.

How will startups be evaluated for selection?

Selection will be based on factors like innovation level, problem-market fit, solution design, technical feasibility and roadmap. Shortlisted startups might undergo interviews before final selection into the program.

I have solutions for more than one use case. Can I submit multiple applications?

No, multiple applications by the same team/individual will not be considered. If your startup has multiple focus areas, please mention all of them in a single application form.