CII CIES

SCALE - Sectoral Startup Cohort

Startup as Catalyst for Acceleration, Leadership & Expansion

SCALE is a 100-day, sector-focused cohort for growth-stage startups that are ready to work closely with industry and move from innovation to adoption.

India’s startup ecosystem is evolving. The next phase is not about creating more startups it is about enabling promising ones to scale with industry, navigate complex enterprise environments, and deliver real, measurable outcomes.

SCALE supports startups as they progress from early traction to meaningful enterprise engagement through structured access, guided mentorship, and sector-relevant capability building.

Programme Who can apply Deliverables Brochure Cohorts

Programme

Delivery Mode

Physical | Virtual | Hybrid

Duration

100 days

Cohort Size

8-12 startups

Fees per startups

INR 4,00,000 / + taxes (as applicable)

What You Gain in 100 Days

Leadership & Industry Access

3 closed-door CXO interactions
Moderated peer learning circles

Capital & Growth Strategy

2 curated sessions with VCs, family offices & serial entrepreneurs
3 masterclasses on cap table strategy & leadership

Market & Policy Access

Pitching opportunity at Pitch 360
Showcase at flagship events, including
ICONN Summit 2026
Policy dialogues with government stakeholders

Global & Institutional Leverage

International delegation with curated B2B meetings
Recognition as a CII CIES Affiliated Startup, with access to CII platforms and initiatives

Value Realisation

Why Join SCALE?

Save months of individual outreach and relationship-building through curated, ready access to industry leaders and enterprises
Avoid trial-and-error in enterprise engagement by learning directly from real industry contexts and expectations
Accelerate credibility-building by associating with a trusted, industry-led platform from day one
Reduce decision-making uncertainty at critical growth stages through structured guidance and peer benchmarks
Shorten the path from pilot to adoption by engaging within a cohort aligned to industry priorities

Achieve in 100 days what often takes 12–18 months. Apply Now

Who should apply?

A market-ready solution, validated through pilots or early customers
Solutions with clear relevance and value for enterprise or industry adoption
Seed-funded startups, backed by angels or institutional investors

Startups actively planning the next phase of scale, including Series A or subsequent growth capital.

Cohort Details

Sector	Format	Size of the Cohort	Apply Now
Automotive and Renewable Energy	Hybrid	8-12	Apply Now

Application & Selection Process

Apply Now

Click Here Submit Expression of Interest we will review your application and reach out when a relevant cohort is launched

What happens once I submit my application?

Application Submitted

Initial Screening
Sector relevance, solution maturity, and readiness to engage with industry
↓
Shortlisting
Startups aligned to cohort objectives are shortlisted
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Internal Review & Validation
Assessment of use-case fit, peer composition, and cohort balance
↓
Selection Communication (Within 15 Days)
Selected startups receive confirmation from CII CIES
↓
Participation Confirmation & Fee Payment (Within 10 Days)
Startups confirm participation and complete payment
↓
Cohort Onboarding
Orientation, mentor onboarding, and cohort start-date communication
↓
Cohort Commences (100 Days)

Can the program fee be waived if I want to attend only select meetings

The program fee applies to the complete cohort journey and cannot be waived for partial or selective participation.

Does the Cohort start from the date the program fee is paid?

The official cohort start date will be communicated to all selected startups in advance, independent of individual payment dates.

Does CII provide accommodation or travel support?

No. Travel, accommodation, and related expenses for physical sessions, learning missions, and international engagements are to be borne by participating startups.

Does participation guarantee business engagement with corporates?

No. The cohort facilitates curated introductions and dialogue-led engagement. Commercial outcomes, if any, are at the discretion of the participating startups and corporates.

I got to know about the cohort only now. Can I join even if it has already started?

No. Each cohort runs as a structured 100-day program, and startups must join at the beginning to ensure continuity and meaningful engagement.

You may apply to a future cohort when applications are announced, or express your interest here and we will keep you informed.

What happens if a startup needs to withdraw after selection?

Participation in the SCALE cohort is a commitment to the full 100‑day journey. Once selected and confirmed, startups are expected to remain engaged throughout the program. Withdrawal after confirmation is not allowed, and the programme fee is non‑refundable.

Does participation in the cohort provide continued engagement opportunities with CII CIES after the program concludes?

Yes. Startups that complete the SCALE cohort continue to benefit from ongoing engagement with CII CIES. They receive recognition as CII CIES Affiliated Startups, along with access to relevant CII platforms, sectoral initiatives, and industry networks even after the 100‑day program ends.

Can participation be transferred to another co-founder or team member if the application was submitted by the founder?

Participation in the SCALE cohort is confirmed at the time of selection and is intended for the applying founder. In exceptional cases where the founder is unable to attend, the participation may be transferred only to a registered co‑founder of the startup. Transfer to other team members is not permitted, as the program is designed to engage leadership directly.