Once the application window closes, all submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation process using a 20-point scoring framework (specific to each category) to assess, rank, and shortlist candidates. Each of the 20 criteria will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest, 5 the highest), resulting in a maximum total score of 100. Evaluators will assign scores for each criterion based on the startup’s responses to targeted questions in the profiling questionnaire. The scoring parameters are defined as follows:

• 5 (Excellent): Outstanding performance, fully meeting or surpassing expectations with robust, compelling evidence.
• 4 (Very Good): Strong performance with clear evidence, though minor areas for improvement may exist.
• 3 (Good): Satisfactory performance with some evidence, but with noticeable limitations or inconsistencies.
• 2 (Fair): Limited performance with significant gaps or insufficient evidence to support claims.
• 1 (Poor): Minimal or no evidence provided, with substantial deficiencies in meeting expectations.

Based on the evaluation, the top 200 startups and organizations across three categories will be shortlisted to advance to the Business Challenge phase.

Following the initial screening of applications, 200 startups/entities will be shortlisted for the next evaluation round, which will take the form of a business challenge. This event will be organized in New Delhi, with exact dates communicated directly to the shortlisted applicants. Participation is mandatory and requires in-person attendance.

Each startup will have 5 minutes to pitch their venture, focusing specifically on the theme of Exports. The pitch should emphasize the startup’s offerings, their uniqueness, and innovative strategies and solutions to enhance export potential and global market reach. A detailed briefing on the pitch requirements and process will be communicated to all shortlisted startups/organizations prior to the business challenge. The jury will engage in a 5-minute Q&A session to assess the feasibility and impact of the proposed ideas. Based on the pitches and interactions, the jury will score and rank all participants, and the top 100 will be selected for the final cohort of the pilot batch of BHARATI.

After the cohort is formed, the selected 100 participants will undergo a comprehensive 120-hour Acceleration Program. This program is designed to further enhance their capabilities, refine their export-focused strategies, and strengthen their global market presence. The high level overview of the Acceleration program content is provided below

Acceleration Program Content

The BHARATI initiative by APEDA is designed to support the startups at various stages of their lifecycle, aligning its content approach with their growth journey requirements. Below is a structured content approach for the BHARATI Acceleration Program, tailored to the startup lifecycle stages—Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, and Scaling—ensuring relevance and actionable support for participants in the pilot cohort (September 2025 to June 2026)

Content Approach for BHARATI Acceleration Program

The export-focused acceleration program is designed for online content delivery, and APEDA will publish a detailed calendar of sessions and activities in advance. Full attendance and active participation in all mandatory online sessions are required to qualify for the issuance of a completion certificate from APEDA. Each participating entity may nominate a maximum of one representative, including the owner or founder, to participate in the program, and their details must be submitted during the application process.

Mentorship

As part of the Acceleration program, APEDA will offer 3 mentorship sessions of 1-hour each, which will be personalized and contextualized to the participant and its business. These sessions are part of a paid mentorship program, with each participant required to pay INR 5,000 to participate. The three sessions will focus on:

Session 1: Growth & Scaling (1 Hour)

This session focuses on diagnosing a startup's current growth bottlenecks and providing inputs for a phased scaling plan. It emphasizes identifying and prioritizing high-impact levers aligned with market expansion, resource optimization, and operational efficiency, alongside metrics-driven management. The session also includes guidance to help founders anticipate and address scaling pitfalls, tailored to their unique business stage and challenges.

Session 2: Developing a Business Plan with an Export Focus (1 Hour)

This session guides startup founders in identifying target export markets and creating a 12-month business plan. It includes inputs on go-to-market strategies (e.g., diaspora-focused for agri-food, value chain for non-agri), production scaling, capacity and capability development, resource management, market positioning approaches, and financial planning for export-led growth.

Session 3: Developing a Pitch Deck and Financial Model (1 Hour)

This session provides inputs to startup founders to develop a compelling pitch narrative, including value proposition hooks tailored to investor types (e.g., angels for early-stage ventures). It also involves assessing and enhancing current investor readiness through gap analysis, such as evaluating traction evidence or team credentials. Additionally, it offers hands-on guidance to create a watertight financial model covering scenarios like revenue forecasts and burn rates, and then integrating it into a concise pitch deck structure for effective investor approaches.

Benefits of the 3-Session Startup Mentorship Program

• 1. Hyper-Personalized and Contextualized Inputs
• Receive tailored guidance specific to your startup’s current business, operating context, and growth stage. The sessions address your unique challenges, ensuring actionable insights that align with your market dynamics and business goals.
• 2. Outside-In Perspective from Extensive Mentorship Experience
• Benefit from an external viewpoint informed by mentoring numerous startups across industries through growth and fundraising stages. This perspective helps uncover blind spots, identify untapped opportunities, and refine strategies for success.
• 3. Reduced Risk of Failure and Structured Scaling
Internalizing the session inputs equips founders to scale systematically, minimizing common pitfalls. The mentorship provides tools to strengthen business resilience, ensuring sustainable growth and reducing the likelihood of startup mortality.
• 4. Investor-Ready Business Plans and Financial Models
Develop realistic, stress-tested business plans and financial models that withstand investor scrutiny. Learn to craft compelling pitch decks and financial forecasts that resonate with investors, enhancing your startup’s fundraising potential.
• 5. Actionable Frameworks for Long-Term
Gain access to proven frameworks and metrics-driven strategies that empower founders to navigate scaling challenges, optimize resources, and position their startups for long-term growth and market leadership. Participants who do not opt for the paid 1-1 mentorship sessions will only be entitled to the 120 hours of acceleration content, which is common to all participants.

As part of the APEDA Acceleration program, participants will engage in a comprehensive 120-hour acceleration curriculum designed to enhance their business capabilities. Upon completion, participants are required to submit a 12-month export plan, an investment pitch deck, a business plan, and a financial model. Following these submissions, APEDA will, on a best-effort basis, facilitate connections between the pilot startup cohort and potential investors or government agencies to support their funding pitches. However, APEDA does not guarantee any investor interactions, nor does it provide or facilitate direct funding, grants, or financial assistance from itself or any third party under the BHARATI program. The responsibility for securing funding or investment lies solely with the participants, and APEDA does not assure or guarantee any funding outcomes. Furthermore, participation in the BHARATI program does not grant automatic access to government schemes, benefits, funding, or grants offered by APEDA or other governmental bodies. Participants must independently pursue such opportunities, adhering to the respective eligibility criteria and processes, without assistance from APEDA for availing these schemes, benefits, funding, or grants.