Mumbai, 5th May 2026 – WalkAbout, India’s leading community platform for active agers (55+), has announced the launch of the second edition of its Startup Accelerator for adults aged 55+ across India. The 12-week programme is designed to support individuals looking to build a business, stay engaged, and find renewed purpose beyond their primary careers.
The Startup Accelerator will select 100 founders from across the country. Participants will receive structured business sessions, one-on-one mentorship from experienced founders and investors, and hands-on guidance across product development, pricing, and go-to-market strategy. The programme will run online with select in-person interactions through June, July, and August.
Twenty-five founders will be shortlisted to present at a Demo Day scheduled for 27th September 2026 in Mumbai, where selected ventures will receive milestone-linked funding support. WalkAbout takes no equity in participating ventures and offers the programme as a grant-based initiative focused on enabling entrepreneurship in later life.
The first edition of the accelerator in 2022 received over 400 applications, with 20 founders selected. The cohort went on to launch businesses across sectors including food, apparel, arts, and coaching. The results highlighted the growing entrepreneurial potential within India’s 55+ demographic, a segment that brings decades of professional experience, market understanding, and execution capability.
Beyond business building, the programme places strong emphasis on purpose and community. Participants work alongside peers at a similar life stage, building ventures while forming a meaningful support network. Those not selected for the main cohort will have access to the WalkAbout Startup Circle, which offers continued learning, expert-led sessions, and community engagement opportunities.
Deval Delivala, Founder, WalkAbout quoted “Active ageing is an economic and social imperative. What experienced professionals need is structure, mentorship, and a community that takes their ambition seriously. This accelerator is designed to help them build their next chapter with purpose.”
Prabh Simran Singh, Mentor, Previous executive at Flipkart, Hotstar, Google & Unilever said “Active agers bring decades of skill, judgment, and real-world experience. In the first edition, what stood out was how founders evolved with clarity and confidence. This is a cohort to watch.”
Who Should Apply
Adults 55+ with a business idea at any stage, from a concept to early revenue. Categories include food, training and coaching, apparel and accessories, arts and crafts, consulting, technology, and services. Applicants from any category are welcome.
Applications take approximately five minutes. The selection panel evaluates passion, willingness to learn, and the potential of the idea at any stage.
Apply at https://mywalkabout.in/startupaccelerator Deadline: 15th June, 2026
