18startup is running this fellowship program in collaboration with SONA Incubation Foundation, Selam — an organization deeply committed to supporting early-stage startups like yours.
Sona Incubation Foundation (SIF) is a non-profit incubator supporting startups in deep tech, Industry 4.0, and more. Based in Salem, it offers mentoring, funding, and a 15,000 sq. ft. facility. SIF empowers innovators through competitions, camps, and industry support.
SONA also has a hardware facility which include a 3D printer, CNC milling machine, CNC turning machine, hardness testing machine, lighting testing lab, and a nano calibration ultrasonic cleaner. Know more...
Receive a soft commitment within just 5 days, subject to the terms of the funding source. This funding can come from private investments, debt funds, or even grants from SISFS or DST-Nidhi-iTBI.
Access technical credits from AWS, Notion, Zoho Suite, Webflow, providing the tools you need to build and scale your startup while minimizing initial expenses.
Get personalized guidance tailored to your business stage, industry, and growth bottlenecks week after week.
Learn from 200+ founders, access mentors beyond the program, and get exclusive templates, pitch decks, legal and financial tools.
If your startup is selected during the Demo Day on the 5th day of the program, you will be incubated with SONA Incubator in Salem for 14 months, subject to SONA's terms.
If you are incubated with SONA, you will gain access to their facilities, which include a 3D printer, CNC milling machine, CNC turning machine, hardness testing machine, lighting testing lab, and a nano calibration ultrasonic cleaner.
Networking | Founder Mindset | Collaboration Ground Rules
Startup Fundamentals | Idea Validation | Peer Evaluation
Team Building | Market Research | Consumer Behavior
Financial Projections | Story Telling | Pitch Deck Preparation
Pitch to the Investors & Incubator Panel | Get Feedback | Get Follow-on Support
Work on Traction | Gain Insights & Feedback | Growth Strategies
With over 15 years of extensive experience in the tech industry, Ajay Rungta is a seasoned professional with a remarkable track record. As the founding engineer at Practo, he dedicated over 11 years to driving its growth and success.
In his current role as a solopreneur, Ajay wears multiple hats as a startup advisor, mentor, angel investor, and super connector. He passionately collaborates with founders, offering invaluable guidance and support throughout their startup journey. Ajay's expertise extends to mentorship roles at various incubators and accelerators, where he provides anchor mentoring, conducts pitch reviews, evaluates cohorts, serves on grants juries, and delivers enriching masterclasses.
He is proud to be an alumnus of BITS Pilani.
Know more:
Prakash is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience across banking, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. With more than 20 years spent preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial statements, he brings deep strategic insight into how businesses should understand and present their numbers.
He is a serial Entrepreneur and Angel investor, Prakash knows exactly what investors look for and how founders can use financial clarity to build confidence, attract funding, and make smarter decisions.
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Entrepreneurs Impacted
Founders Incubated
Founders Funded
Cohort: 9
Founder: Plug in
I’ve attended multiple startup events before, but this was different. many practical activities, strategic frameworks, and a great community for founders.
Cohort: 10
Founder: Cumma
From mentorship to networking, everything felt relevant. I finally got clear on my next steps, and connected with people I still work with today.
Cohort: 9
Founder: HealthVize
Before this program, I was constantly second-guessing my idea. In just 4 days, I walked out with clarity, a clear MVP plan, and connections with founders who truly get the journey.
Cohort: 3
Founder: Avatron
I didn’t just meet mentors, I met future collaborators. The program helped me structure my startup, validate my direction, and build momentum with a real support system.
Cohort: 6
Founder: Spinacle
I’ve attended multiple startup events before, but this was different. many practical activities, strategic frameworks, and a great community for founders.
Cohort: 3
Founder: MeetGoals
This wasn’t a lecture, it was hands-on. I got expert feedback, bonded with fellow founders, and finally understood how to build something that investors will take seriously.
Founders hustled through the journey from ideation to funding and scaling, and who are now committed to supporting early-stage startup founders.
A BITS Pilani alumnus and ex-founding engineer at Practo, he brings 15+ years of tech experience and now works as a startup advisor, investor, and mentor.
A finance professional with 20+ years of experience, having worked at NTC Logistics, ICICI Bank, Atlas Copco, and as a mentor with Wadhwani Foundation.
A serial entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience, having built multiple startups, raised 7 funding rounds, and authored the bestselling book "Breaking Out and Making Big."
Ex-Caterpillar, an engineer and product mentor who helps hardware startups build frugal, market-ready products. He mentors through Atal Innovation Mission, T-Hub, AICs, UNIDO-FLCTD, and more.
A serial entrepreneur, product designer, and angel investor with 15+ years of industry experience, he is actively supporting startups with strategic guidance, and early-stage investments.
A Biomedical Scientist with a Ph.D. from NTU Singapore, he has founded multiple health-tech startups including Ferne Health (acquired), 221B Biomedical, and Bipolar Factory. while mentoring early stage startups.
An IITian, entrepreneur, and active angel investor who supports early-stage startups. With a background as a political strategist and a passion for growth, he is now building one of India’s largest community platforms.
An active angel investor and mentor with 50+ startup investments (including Drinkprime, Zypp Electric, Jar, TrulyMadly), He has guided 100+ student-led startups through his Dhandho Fellowship.
Submit the form. Our team will review your application and assess your compatibility with the program, and we’ll get back to you within one week.
This is an interaction with our mentor, where we evaluate your overall compatibility with the program and the potential value you can gain from it.
If selected & aligned, pay the fee to officially secure your seat in Cohort 13 and be part of the 18startup x SONA startup community.
Let's hear what Vamika (Founder of "The Founderly") has to say about 18startup. Vamika was the youngest & most enthusiastic participant of cohort-1.
Let's hear what Srijan (Co-founder of "Redstring") has to say about 18startup. Srijan met his co-founder at 18startup bootcamp and embarked on his adventure.
Let's hear what Misba (Co-founder of "Meet Goals") has to say about 18startup. Misba is one of the most enthusiastic entrepreneurs from cohort-3.
Let's hear what Karthik (Founder of "The EvolveX") has to say about 18startup. Karthik was one of the intellectual participants from cohort-1.
Let's hear what Jayesh (Founder of "Avatron") has to say about 18startup. Jayesh is one of the most enthusiastic entrepreneurs from cohort-3.
Let's hear what Aditya (Founder of "Opal Nexus") has to say about 18startup. Aditya is one of the most visionary entrepreneurs from cohort-1.
Let's hear what Satya (Founder of "Code sprint") has to say about 18startup. Satya was one of the energetic cohort participants.
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