Yotta Rudra Program: Shakti Cloud GPU credits for Indian AI startups

What you get

• Up to USD 100K* free credits in total across stages. Yotta says 'up to USD 35K' can be unlocked immediately
• By stage: Launch $10,000, Ignite $25,000, Fuel $50,000, Thrive $100,000, each paid in tranches
• 25% discount on additional usage, including after you leave the programme
• Training, mentorship, go-to-market support and, for Fuel/Thrive, access to Yotta's ISV marketplace

Eligibility

• Working on innovative AI/ML, data science or high-performance computing projects
• Has a working company website and LinkedIn profiles for both the applicant and the company
• Bootstrapped or funded up to and including Pre-Seed, Angel, Seed, Debt or Series A
• Has not already received equal or greater credits from Yotta under another programme
• Stage limits: Launch <1 yr and <$50K revenue/funding; Ignite <3 yrs; Fuel <5 yrs; Thrive <10 yrs and <$2.5M revenue (or >$1M funding)

How the Yotta Rudra program works

Credit types and validity

• Up to USD 100K free credits in total (Yotta states up to USD 35K can be unlocked immediately)
• Stage caps: Launch $10,000, Ignite $25,000, Fuel $50,000, Thrive $100,000, released in tranches
• 25% discount on additional usage, including after leaving the programme
• Training, mentorship, GTM support; ISV marketplace access for Fuel/Thrive

How the credits are applied and when they expire

Apply once via the Rudra portal, complete KYC and upload documents, then pass desk screening, reference checks and a pitch (Fuel/Thrive add an expert panel). After the email decision you sign the Rudra Startup Program Agreement and a Master Services Agreement, each within 5 business days. Services are provisioned via a Service Order Form and tracked on OneYotta. Credits come in tranches and are valid 6 months (Launch/Ignite), 9 months (Fuel) or 12 months (Thrive); unused credits lapse, with a $100,000 cumulative cap.

Approval time

Decision confirmed by email within 3 business days after evaluation

For founders in India

Rudra is aimed at Indian startups and runs on Yotta's Shakti Cloud in India, which suits data-residency needs. Expect KYC and signed agreements; the stage table shows first tranches starting as low as $1,000, so the '35K immediately' headline may not apply to every stage.

How to apply, step by step

1. Read the criteria at yotta.com/rudra (eligibility, application process and programme structure pages)
2. Apply through the official programme portal via 'Apply Now'. Submit only one application per startup
3. Complete KYC and upload the required documents
4. Go through desk screening and reference checks, plus a pitch (Fuel/Thrive also get an expert panel review)
5. Yotta confirms the decision by email within 3 business days. You then sign the Rudra Startup Program Agreement and a Master Services Agreement, each within 5 business days
6. Services are provisioned through a Service Order Form, and you track usage on the OneYotta portal

Documents and details to keep ready

• Business plan
• Pitch deck
• Team bios
• Financial projections
• KYC documents
• Proof of fundraise or funding-partner association (checked during reference checks)

Common reasons applications are declined

• Not working on AI/ML, data science or HPC
• Funded beyond Series A
• Already received equal or greater Yotta credits under another programme
• Outside the stage's age or revenue/funding limits
• Missing working website or LinkedIn profiles for applicant and company

Tips before you apply

• Prepare business plan, pitch deck, team bios, financial projections and KYC documents before applying
• Submit only one application per startup
• Sign both agreements within 5 business days of the decision to avoid delays
• Plan GPU usage per tranche, since unused credits lapse at the end of each stage

Terms to know

• Credits are valid for 6 months (Launch/Ignite), 9 months (Fuel) or 12 months (Thrive) from entering the stage. Unused credits lapse
• The cumulative cap is $100,000 across all stages. Yotta may close the credit account or discontinue the programme with notice