PACE
Pre-incubation And Concept Exploration
1 cohort completed successfully. Cohort 2 currently ongoing.
Validate your idea before you build your startup. An intensive 8-week program for aspiring entrepreneurs to test assumptions, build MVPs, and achieve product-market fit before committing full-time.
What is PACE?
PACE bridges the gap between having a business idea and being incubation-ready. Whether you're exploring a side project, validating a market opportunity, or transitioning to entrepreneurship, this program provides structured guidance and mentorship to de-risk your startup journey.
Validate Your Idea
Prove or disprove your core assumptions through customer discovery and market validation before building at scale.
Build Your MVP
Create a minimum viable product using lean methodology with guidance from AIC-GIM's mentor network and GIM faculty.
De-Risk Your Startup
Achieve product-market fit signals before investing significant time and capital into your venture.
Fast-Track to Incubation
Top performers get guaranteed entry to AIC-GIM's incubation program with priority access to funding and resources.
8 Weeks to Launch
From ideation to validated product, with structured milestones at every phase.
Cohort size
8-Week Program Timeline
A structured journey with clear milestones and deliverables at each phase.
Ideation & Problem
Weeks 1-2
Define the core problem, identify your target customer, and analyze the competitive landscape.
Market Validation
Weeks 3-4
Conduct customer discovery interviews, design surveys, and test demand hypotheses with real users.
MVP Development
Weeks 5-6
Build your minimum viable product using rapid prototyping and lean development principles.
Pitch & Demo Day
Weeks 7-8
Craft your pitch deck, receive presentation coaching, and showcase at Demo Day to mentors and investors.
What You Get
Complete support to validate and launch your idea with expert guidance and peer learning.
Expert Mentorship
Access to AIC-GIM's network of experienced mentors and successful entrepreneurs.
Market Research Access
Work directly with GIM faculty for customer discovery, data analysis, and market insights.
Peer Cohort
Learn and collaborate with 15-20 fellow aspiring founders in your cohort.
Certificate of Completion
Earn your PACE completion certificate recognized in the AIC-GIM ecosystem.
Fast-Track to Incubation
Top performers gain guaranteed entry to AIC-GIM incubation with priority access.
Who Should Apply?
PACE is for anyone with a business idea who wants structured guidance before building full-time.
Working Professionals
Explore a startup idea on the side with flexible, intensive guidance designed for your schedule.
Student Entrepreneurs
Test your early-stage concept before graduation with peer support and expert mentorship.
Domain Experts
You have deep expertise in a field but lack startup experience—we'll help you build the business.
First-Time Founders
Ready to validate and launch, but want proven methodology and mentorship before diving in.
Ready to Validate Your Idea?
Join the next cohort of PACE and transform your concept into a validated startup.
Questions? Email us at startups@aicgim.in
