More about Vipul Patel
Partner, Seed Investing, IIM Ahmedabad’s CIIE.CO
CIIE.CO is the Innovation Continuum for fearless entrepreneurs, built at IIM Ahmedabad and recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Department of Science and Technology.
Founded in 2002, initially, as an academic centre, CIIE.CO has since grown and pivoted to address the multiple emergent gaps in India’s innovation-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem. Today, this continuum spreads across incubation, acceleration, seed and growth funding, and research.
Over its journey, CIIE.CO has continued to fill the multiple, ever-evolving gaps in the Indian innovation-driven entrepreneurship space in many novel and pathbreaking ways. Among various initiatives, CIIE.CO has conceptualised and hosted India’s first accelerator - iAccelerator- in 2009, created India’s first and so far the only cleantech-focused fund called INFUSE Ventures, designed and hosted one of India’s largest accelerator programs - The Power of Ideas and continued to run it in four waves over a decade. Overall, CIIE.CO has accelerated over 1000 startups, funded over 300 startups, mentored and coached over 5000 startups and inspired more than a million with its publication - Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.
CIIE.CO multiplies its strength by working with like-minded partners like corporates, government departments, ministries and bodies, investors, multilateral agencies and academia. Through these partnerships, CIIE.CO has created and implemented a range of interventions including accelerator programs, investment instruments and funds, research and advisory projects and long-duration comprehensive programs including various elements of the innovation continuum. It has and continues to work with the central and several state governments in advisory roles on policies and initiatives that are aimed at the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
CIIE.CO is the Innovation Continuum for fearless entrepreneurs, built at IIM Ahmedabad and recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Department of Science and Technology.
Founded in 2002, initially, as an academic centre, CIIE.CO has since grown and pivoted to address the multiple emergent gaps in India’s innovation-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem. Today, this continuum spreads across incubation, acceleration, seed and growth funding, and research.
Over its journey, CIIE.CO has continued to fill the multiple, ever-evolving gaps in the Indian innovation-driven entrepreneurship space in many novel and pathbreaking ways. Among various initiatives, CIIE.CO has conceptualised and hosted India’s first accelerator - iAccelerator- in 2009, created India’s first and so far the only cleantech-focused fund called INFUSE Ventures, designed and hosted one of India’s largest accelerator programs - The Power of Ideas and continued to run it in four waves over a decade. Overall, CIIE.CO has accelerated over 1000 startups, funded over 300 startups, mentored and coached over 5000 startups and inspired more than a million with its publication - Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.
CIIE.CO multiplies its strength by working with like-minded partners like corporates, government departments, ministries and bodies, investors, multilateral agencies and academia. Through these partnerships, CIIE.CO has created and implemented a range of interventions including accelerator programs, investment instruments and funds, research and advisory projects and long-duration comprehensive programs including various elements of the innovation continuum. It has and continues to work with the central and several state governments in advisory roles on policies and initiatives that are aimed at the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Signing up on our website is completely free! If you encounter any issues with profile or notice something unusual, please don't hesitate to report it to us. We're here to help ensure a smooth and secure experience.
Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
"At DevX.Work, we’ve greatly benefited from our association with eChai. Their events and networking forums have connected us with high-potential startups, ecosystem leaders, and innovation-driven professionals — many of whom have become valuable partners, collaborators, and even clients. What stands out most is the openness and accessibility of the community — whether you're an early-stage founder or an experienced entrepreneur, eChai provides a welcoming space to learn, collaborate, and grow. It's more than just a network — it's a catalyst for real, collaborative growth. We’re proud to be part of the eChai community. Highly recommended for any organization aiming to grow within the startup space."
Umesh Uttamchandani
Co-Founder, DevX
“I have no hesitation in saying that my association with eChai has been a gateway into the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many young and dynamic entrepreneurs. These interactions have been immensely enriching - I’ve learned a great deal and have always tried to offer guidance whenever approached. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that I deeply value, and it wouldn’t have been possible without eChai.”
Syed Nadeem Jafri
Founder, Hearty Mart
eChai Partner Brands
eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.
