NetApp has selected five startups for the 15th cohort of its Excellerator accelerator programme, as the data infrastructure company looks to help deep-tech businesses develop AI solutions for enterprise adoption. The selected startups work across AI-powered software engineering, generative AI security, workflow automation and enterprise data intelligence.
The latest cohort includes LightSprint AI, Wald.ai, Lasso Security, Cogover and QUIPU AI, with two startups also participating in NetApp’s initiative for women-founded and women-led businesses.
The six-month programme will give participating startups access to NetApp’s technology leaders, mentorship and advanced data infrastructure expertise, alongside opportunities to explore proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements.
“The startups in Cohort 15 are tackling some of the most significant challenges that enterprises currently face as they deploy AI on a large scale,” Vasanthi Ramesh, Vice President of Engineering and Site Leader at NetApp India, said.
LightSprint AI is focusing on automating software development using collaborative AI agents. Wald.ai detects sensitive information in AI communications through contextual analysis. Lasso Security is building capabilities to secure AI applications, agents and LLMs.
Cogover offers no-code and low-code workflow automation, while QUIPU AI transforms enterprise data into contextual intelligence for AI applications.
During the six-month programme, the startups will receive mentorship, access to NetApp technology leaders and advanced data infrastructure expertise. They will also work with NetApp teams to explore potential proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements, with a $15,000 grant available for a potential PoC.
Cogover and QUIPU AI are also part of ExcellerateHER, NetApp’s initiative supporting women-founded and women-led startups. The initiative has supported 23 startups, providing access to mentorship, technical expertise and enterprise opportunities.
Since its launch in 2017, NetApp Excellerator has supported 90 startups across 14 previous cohorts. Participating companies have collectively raised more than $600 million, while the programme has enabled 30 PoC engagements and led to six commercial contracts within NetApp. Its participants include more than 20 PhD founders, highlighting its focus on deep-tech entrepreneurship.
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