Deval Delivala, Founder, WalkAbout, said active ageing is an economic and social imperative as the 12 week programme prepares 100 founders for mentorship, funding support, and a Mumbai Demo Day.
Entrepreneurship in later life is gaining fresh attention as WalkAbout opens the second edition of its Startup Accelerator for adults aged 55 and above across India.
The 12 week programme will select 100 founders from across the country and support them with structured business sessions, one on one mentorship from experienced founders and investors, and guidance across product development, pricing, and go to market strategy. The programme will run online through June, July, and August, with select in person interactions.
WalkAbout, a community platform for active agers, has designed the accelerator for individuals who want to build a business, remain professionally engaged, and find renewed purpose beyond their primary careers.
Twenty five founders from the cohort will be shortlisted for a Demo Day scheduled for 27 September 2026 in Mumbai. Selected ventures will receive milestone linked funding support. WalkAbout will not take equity in participating ventures and has positioned the programme as a grant based initiative for entrepreneurship in later life.
The first edition of the accelerator was held in 2022 and received more than 400 applications, with 20 founders selected. That cohort went on to build businesses across food, apparel, arts, and coaching, reflecting the business potential of India’s 55 plus demographic.
The programme also focuses on community building. Participants will work with peers at a similar life stage while developing their ventures. Applicants who are not selected for the main cohort will be able to access the WalkAbout Startup Circle, which will offer continued learning, expert led sessions, and community engagement opportunities.
Deval Delivala, Founder, WalkAbout, said, “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 and 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.”
Adults aged 55 and above with a business idea at any stage can apply. The programme is open to applicants working on concepts or early revenue businesses across food, training and coaching, apparel and accessories, arts and crafts, consulting, technology, services, and other categories.
Applications take about five minutes. The selection panel will evaluate passion, willingness to learn, and the potential of the idea. The deadline to apply is 15 June 2026.
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