Six startups—from spacetech to brain-computer interfaces—signal a long-horizon shift in Indian venture capital
A new playbook for science-led startups
Accel and Prosus have selected six early-stage startups for the inaugural Atoms X cohort, targeting “breakthrough, science-led innovations from day zero.”
- Over 2,000 applications screened
- Final cohort spans climate, space, and healthcare
- Focus on long-horizon, high-impact technologies
The message is clear: venture capital is moving beyond quick wins to fund deep, foundational innovation.
Structured capital with founder-first design
The partnership, announced in October 2025, is built on a co-investment model.
- Prosus matches Accel’s capital commitments
- Cheque sizes range from $500K to $2 Mn
- Equity structure delays dilution, helping founders retain ownership early
It’s a subtle shift—but meaningful. Think of it as giving founders more runway before handing over control.
From Atoms to Atoms X: The LeapTech pivot
Accel’s Atoms programme, launched in 2021, initially focused on pre-seed scaling. It has since evolved.
- Two tracks now: Atoms AI and Atoms X
- Atoms X targets “LeapTech”—a layer beyond traditional deeptech
What’s LeapTech? Technologies that don’t just improve systems—they redefine them entirely.
Meet the six startups shaping the cohort
Praan (2017)
- Builds filter-less air purification systems
- Uses ionisation technology to capture pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)
- Targets large indoor and outdoor environments with low-maintenance solutions
QOSMIC (2024)
- Developing laser-based optical communication for space
- Replaces traditional radio frequency systems
- Enables faster, secure satellite-to-Earth data transfer
Dognosis (2023)
- Combines canine detection + AI + brain-computer interfaces
- Uses breath samples for early disease detection
- Focus on conditions like cancer, TB, and COVID-19
Ferra (2024)
- Builds home fitness systems for older adults
- Uses adaptive resistance technology for joint-safe workouts
- Linked to Aeroleap’s smart home gym ecosystem
EtherealX (2022)
- Developing fully reusable launch vehicles
- Aims to cut cost of space transportation
- Focus on recoverable boosters and upper stages
Stealth Startup
- Working on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology
- Enabling direct brain-to-device communication
- Targets next-gen human-computer interaction
Why this cohort matters now
This isn’t a typical accelerator batch chasing SaaS metrics. It’s closer to funding scientific infrastructure for the future.
- Climate tech tackling air quality at scale
- Spacetech addressing data and launch bottlenecks
- Healthtech pushing non-invasive diagnostics
In many ways, this mirrors early bets in companies like SpaceX or DeepMind—high risk, but potentially category-defining.
The bigger signal for India’s VC ecosystem
Atoms X reflects a broader shift: India’s startup ecosystem is maturing from consumer internet to core science innovation.
The real question—will capital stay patient enough for these long gestation cycles?
TL;DR
Accel and Prosus have unveiled six startups in their first Atoms X cohort, focusing on deeptech and LeapTech innovations. With $500K–$2 Mn investments and founder-friendly structures, the initiative backs long-horizon bets across climate, space, healthcare, and brain-computer interfaces.
AI summary
- Accel & Prosus launch Atoms X cohort
- 6 startups चुosen from 2,000+ applications
- Focus on deeptech and LeapTech innovation
- Investments range $500K–$2 Mn
- Includes spacetech, healthtech, BCI startups
