Accel and Prosus have announced the selection of six early-stage startups for their first Atoms X cohort. This initiative aims to support founders developing significant science-driven innovations from the outset.
According to the VC firms, these startups are addressing critical long-term challenges in areas such as climate infrastructure, space access, and next-generation healthcare, with the potential to transform human experiences.
The partnership was established in October 2025, with a focus on co-investing in emerging deeptech startups in India. Prosus will match Accel’s capital commitments to invest in these ventures at the seed stage and beyond.
Accel's Atoms program, launched in 2021, was designed to assist early-stage startups. It has since expanded to include two tracks: Atoms AI and Atoms X, the latter focusing on “LeapTech” startups that extend beyond traditional deeptech.
Under this program, Accel and Prosus are co-investing in each selected startup, with funding amounts ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. This investment structure is crafted to help founders maintain more equity early on by deferring part of the equity allocation.
After reviewing over 2,000 applications, the firms have chosen six startups for the program:
- Praan
Founded: 2017
Founders: Angad Daryani
Headquarters: San Francisco and Mumbai
Praan creates filter-less air purifiers that utilize electricity and multi needlepoint ionization technology to capture harmful particles, providing a cost-effective solution for air quality management. - QOSMIC
Founded: 2024
Founders: Shreyaans Jain, Rohit Ramakrishnan, Aloke Kumar
Headquarters: Bengaluru
QOSMIC is developing space-based optical communication systems using laser technology, aiming to enhance data transmission efficiency between satellites and Earth. - Dognosis
Founded: 2023
Founders: Akash Kulgod, Itamar Bitan
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Dognosis focuses on breath-based diagnostics, utilizing trained dogs and AI to detect diseases at early stages through non-invasive breath sample analysis. - Ferra
Founded: 2024
Founders: Rohit Patel, Anurag Dani
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Ferra has created a home-based strength training system for older adults, using adaptive resistance technology to ensure safe workouts. - EtherealX
Founded: 2022
Founders: Manu J Nair, Shubhayu Sardar, Prashant Sharma
Headquarters: Bengaluru
EtherealX is working on fully reusable launch vehicles to reduce space transportation costs, including developing its own engines for enhanced efficiency. - Stealth Startup
This startup is currently operating in stealth mode and is focused on brain-computer interface technology, aiming to facilitate direct communication between the human brain and external systems.
This inaugural cohort reflects the commitment of Accel and Prosus to foster innovation in deeptech and related fields.
