The flagship NetApp Excellerator startup accelerator program recently welcomed its 12th cohort. Five startups working on cutting-edge solutions for data management and artificial intelligence will participate in Cohort 12, capitalizing on the importance of data as a key driver of business growth. Five deep tech startups are produced by the cohort: NEMA AI, Zeron, Chaos Genius, Kensu, and Blockfenders. They were chosen because of their propensity for data, including high-potential areas like cybersecurity, cloud cost optimization, and data exchange. Three of these companies have a presence in the US market and operations in India, underscoring the program's global nature.

NEMA AI is a neuroscience and AI-based consumer insights platform that uses brain scan technology. The startup leverages this to personalize and optimize learning, branding, and marketing strategies, focusing on making learning better for children. Kensu is a no-code AI data observability platform that helps businesses detect, diagnose, and remediate data quality issues. It is exploring a Proof of Concept (PoC) around its business model.

NetApp Excellerator's Cohort 12 has emerged as a strong launchpad for women entrepreneurship, with NEMA AI, Chaos Genius, Zeron, and Kensu being led by women. Over the course of the cohort, they will be mentored under NetApp ExcellerateHER, a dedicated initiative that supports women-led startups operating in the deep tech space. Since the launch of the initiative in 2020, NetApp has seen a steady rise in women-led startups, which now make up 38% of all participating startups. Through NetApp Excellerator, startups can enjoy access to resources, mentors, and industry experts across geographies to help them gain maximum exposure and knowledge. Over the last seven years, NetApp has mentored a total of 77 startups, out of which 28 are global startups and 17 are women-led startups.

 

Speaking on the launch of NetApp Excellerator Cohort 12, Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India, said, "This cohort marks an exceptional change in tide with four out of the five businesses being led by women. We also have many focusing on data-driven solution offerings. We take pride in seeing the NetApp Excellerator program grow and look forward to catalyzing growth and helping participants thrive in the deep-tech ecosystem". Adapting to the ever-evolving dynamics of the technology sector, the NetApp Excellerator program has continuously advanced. United by a common vision, the collaboration between NetApp's mentors, leaders, and startups has catalyzed substantial advancements within the realm of deep tech. Their success can be seen through alumni who have gone on to raise over $350 Mn collectively, including five startups who raised over $160 Mn last year alone.