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Why Choose the I2A Program
FedTech and IndusBridge Ventures proudly return with the India to America (I2A) Launchpad, a premier U.S. market access program designed for Indian dual-use technology startups - those with innovations applicable to both commercial and defense sectors.
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Building on the success of our 2024 pilot, I2A equips startups with the education, mentorship, and strategic connections necessary to thrive in the complex U.S. innovation ecosystem.
The I2A Launchpad is a uniquely positioned INDUS-X affiliated program, endorsed by both Indian and U.S. defense innovation ecosystems. With a proven model, strategic partnerships, and demonstrated results, I2A is the launchpad Indian startups need to make a mark globally.
Who Should Apply?
High-growth Indian startups developing dual-use technologies in defense, aerospace, AI/ML, advanced sensing, space, autonomous systems, or cybersecurity, that already show market traction and early revenue, and are led by teams committed to building a strong foothold in the U.S. defense and commercial innovation markets.
Deadline: July 18th, 2025
Program Overview
Application Deadline
July 18, 2025
Snapshot
10 Weeks of programming + in person immersion in the US and continued access to US advisors and network of defense primes, potential partners, defense/govt and commercial market customers and investors.
The India to America (I2A) Launchpad is tailored specifically for high growth Indian startups developing dual-use technologies, offering them a structured pathway to access U.S. commercial and government markets. The program provides key resources, education, mentorship, and strategic exposure to help these companies successfully enter and expand in the U.S.
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Core Benefits for Indian Companies:
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Market Access & Strategic Exposure:
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Receive curated immersion opportunities in the U.S. for qualified startups.
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Gain introductions to investors, research labs, and testing facilities through our extensive network.
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Engage directly with the U.S. Department of Defense, defense primes, and commercial innovation stakeholders.
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Education & Readiness:
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Hands-on workshops covering U.S. defense contracting, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR compliance, and federal acquisition strategy.
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Guidance on setting up a U.S. entity, navigating registration (NCAGE/SAM.gov), and exploring venture funding.
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Demo Day prep and pitch support for targeted exposure to government and private sector audiences.
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Mentorship & Network:​
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Personalized mentorship from U.S.-based experts in federal innovation, commercialization, legal structuring, and business development.
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Weekly 1:1 sessions with sector-specific advisors and program-aligned support teams.
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Program Highlights
Workshop Curriculum
The program includes virtual workshops covering essential topics such as:
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Unpacking U.S. markets and customer acquisition methods.
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Understanding the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and regulatory considerations.
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Navigating the prime contractor ecosystem.
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ITAR and EAR considerations for international companies entering U.S. markets.
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Providing deeper insights into specialized areas such as scaling operations in the U.S., securing funding, legal structuring and participating in government grants and contracts.
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World-class mentorship and the opportunity to meet U.S. customers, partners, and investors during the program.
Program Structure
01 In-Person Program Launch and Official Event
The program kicks off with an in-person launch event, providing participants the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
02 Workshops and Training
Startups will engage in highly tailored workshops to understand and navigate the DoD contracting landscape and other essential aspects of entering the U.S. market.
03 1:1 Advisory
Ongoing strategic coaching tailored to each startup’s vertical.
04 Progress Review
Structured progress reviews are conducted to ensure participants are on track and achieving key milestones within the program.
05 Progress Review
Structured progress reviews are conducted to ensure participants are on track and achieving key milestones within the program.
06 U.S. Immersion
Companies will be invited to participate in an in-person immersion event in the U.S. (e.g., defense tech conference).
Eligibility
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Indian companies with strong founders, validated technologies, world-class solutions and prepared to expand to the U.S. market.
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Companies that are generating revenue or confident early traction.
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Those with a dual-use technology solutions.
Program Fee
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Program Fee: $25,000 USD payable upon selection to the program towards the costs and necessary resources.
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Additional Perks: World-class mentorship and the opportunities to meet U.S. customers, partners, and investors during the program.
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Ongoing Support – All startups participating in the program continue to have access to ongoing resources and support from IndusBridge and FedTech.
Cohort One
Over a 12-week program, participants engaged in tailored workshops on U.S. market entry strategies, Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes, and regulatory compliance, including ITAR and EAR considerations. The program facilitated direct interactions with key stakeholders across the DoD, Space & Primes ecosystem.
The I2A Launchpad has effectively accelerated the integration of Indian startups into the U.S. defense innovation ecosystem, fostering cross-border collaborations and technology transfers. IndusBridge Ventures remains committed to supporting such initiatives that enhance the global competitiveness of Indian dual-use technology startups and strengthen strategic partnerships between India and the United States.
Cohort One Alumni
Hear from Cohort One
FedTech, a leading deep-tech venture builder based in the United States, partners with federal labs, research institutions, corporations, and federal agencies- including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE) and NASA to transform breakthrough technologies into impactful solutions.
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FedTech has partnerships with over 80 federal labs and has trained over 3000 innovators. It has accelerated over 400 deep-tech startups in the US and world-over that have gone on to raise billions of dollars and achieved market success and revenue growth in the US DoD ecosystem, government and commercial markets.
