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GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub

ALWAYS ON PROGRAM

Fueling Fintech Growth, Year-Round

The Always On Program is a rolling accelerator designed for high-potential fintech startups from post-seed to Series D. With quarterly onboarding, it offers tailored 3-month growth enablement followed by long-term alumni support, empowering startups to expand in India and globally through the GIFT City fintech ecosystem.

Program Benefits

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  • Strategic Connections via introductions to banks, insurers, regulators, family offices, and VCs, expanding your network and partnership opportunities.

  • Pitch Readiness with advisory and review support for your pitches, ensuring you present your value proposition effectively to stakeholders.

  • Visibility & Showcase through features at major ecosystem events and marketing amplification via GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play channels, boosting your brand presence.

  • Alumni Access with ongoing eligibility for targeted support, providing continued resources and guidance as your company grows.

Business Building
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  • Potential to get investment from GIFT IFIH for all participating startups

  • Introductions to investors for funding opportunities through our network and VC partners

Funding Support
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  • Complimentary office space at GIFT IFIH campus

  • Partner subscriptions for free or at preferential rates

  • Access to GIFT IFIH partners:

    • Banking products at preferential rates

    • Community partner

  • Access to admin and other services (legal, incorporation, HR, etc.)

  • Lifelong access to Plug and Play network across 20+ countries

  • Visibility at Investors' Day, PoC Showcases, and partner events.

In-Kind Support

Program Timeline

01

Active Support – 3 Months

  • Onboarding & discovery sessions

  • Curated intros to corporates, VCs & regulators

  • Complimentary infrastructure at GIFT IFIH

  • Visibility through showcases and newsletters

02

Passive Support – Ongoing

  • Continued access to ecosystem events

  • Alumni status with eligibility for tailored support

  • What is the Always On Program at GIFT IFIH?
    The GIFT City IFIH Always On Program is a rolling, case-by-case Proof of Concept (PoC) and growth enablement platform for high-potential startups from post-seed to Series D. It offers dedicated 3-month active support followed by ongoing passive engagement as part of the IFIH alumni community. The program aims to unlock tangible growth opportunities through the GIFT City Fintech ecosystem, focusing on corporate partnerships, investor access, regulatory enablement, and cross-border expansion.
  • Who is the program for?
    The program is for startups that are: Post-seed to Series D stage Ready for growth and scale Looking to expand in India or globally Exploring PoCs with BFSI players or large corporates In need of curated introductions and regulatory guidance
  • How are startups selected?
    We select 5 to 10 high-potential startups each quarter, based on relevance, growth trajectory, and strategic alignment with GIFT City and its stakeholders.
  • What is the program structure?
    The program has two phases: Phase 1: Active Support (3 Months) Onboarding & Discovery: Deep-dive to identify specific needs. Curated Connections: Introductions to corporations, VCs, regulators, and ecosystem players. Access to Infrastructure: Complimentary office space at IFIH, GIFT City. Visibility: Opportunities to showcase progress. Phase 2: Passive Support (Ongoing) Continued access to events, pitch opportunities, and partner connections. Alumni status with eligibility for case-based support.
  • What support and resources are provided?
    The program provides: Strategic Connections: Intros to banks, insurers, regulators, family offices, and VCs. Pitch Readiness: Advisory and review support for pitches. Visibility & Showcase: Feature at major ecosystem events and marketing amplification via GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play channels. Alumni Access: Ongoing eligibility for targeted support.
  • What are the benefits of the program?
    Benefits include: Complimentary office space at IFIH, GIFT City during the active phase. Access to curated connections and introductions. Visibility at Investors' Day, PoC Showcases, and partner events. Marketing amplification via GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play channels.
  • What are the program objectives?
    The program objectives are to: Facilitate corporate PoCs, pilots, and partnerships Enable fundraising through curated VC and investor access Support regulatory navigation and cross-border expansion Provide GIFT City positioning and integration opportunities
  • What are the key deliverables and outcomes?
    Key deliverables and outcomes include: Signed PoCs or pilots with corporates or public agencies. VC engagement and potential follow-on funding. Regulatory navigation support. Integration into the GIFT City ecosystem and visibility at flagship forums and expos
  • How many team members can participate?
    Office space is provided for up to four team members during the six-month program.
  • Can we attend and/or pitch at any events during the program?
    Yes! During the Go-to-Market phase (November 2025 –January 2026), you’ll have opportunities to pitch at Plug and Play APAC Summit and Gift City Expo, meet potential customers, partners and investors among other ad-hoc opportunities.

Submit Your Interest Today!

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