Partnership · AI & Deep Tech

Atoms X selects six deeptech startups in first cohort

By Startup Enthusiast · 17 March 2026

What they do

Atoms X is a joint deep tech investment initiative by Accel and Prosus

The program selected six early-stage startups from over 2,000 applications this year

Investments range from $500K to $2M with flexible equity terms for founders

Accel and Prosus launched the inaugural selection of the Atoms X cohort.
Six early-stage startups were chosen from over 2,000 applications received.
The partnership was announced in October 2025 to co-invest in Indian deeptech firms.
Each selected startup receives between $500K and $2 Mn in funding.
Prosus matches the capital commitments made by Accel for each investment.
Equity allocation is postponed to help founders retain more ownership initially.
The cohort includes companies in climate infrastructure, space access, and healthcare.
One stealth startup is developing brain-computer interface technology for humans.

Atoms X expands on the original Atoms pre-seed scaling program launched in 2021.
It specifically targets the leaptech track going beyond standard deep tech.
The structure allows investors to support high-risk emerging technologies effectively.
Flexible equity terms address common concerns about founder dilution in early stages.

The program focuses on climate infrastructure, space access, and next-gen healthcare.
Investors provide seed stage plus funding to selected innovative companies.
The model involves matching capital commitments between two major global investors.
Startups are selected based on their potential in advanced technological fields.
The initiative supports hardware and software solutions for complex global challenges.

The selected startups will begin receiving capital commitments from Accel and Prosus.
Founders will benefit from postponed equity allocation structures.