Next Bharat Residency Program

• Agritech, edtech or cleantech startups seeking a residency-based acceleration program.

About this scheme

The Next Bharat Residency Program is spearheaded by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, a Suzuki Initiative committed to empowering impact entrepreneurs across India. The program is built around a clear premise: India's next wave of economic growth will be powered by its informal urban (India 2) and rural (India 3) economies, home to over one billion people with household incomes ranging from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh per year. These communities represent a vast, underserved market with enormous potential.

The program runs in a hybrid format over 3 months, combining three weeks of intensive in-person sessions in Bengaluru with ongoing virtual engagement. Selected founders receive equity-based funding of up to INR 5 crore to scale their venture, and a nominal stipend to cover living expenses during the in-person residency. Beyond capital, participants gain access to experienced mentors who understand the ground realities of building impactful businesses, including operational, market, and regulatory challenges specific to rural and informal sectors.

A distinguishing feature of the program is its connection to the Suzuki group's networks across India and Japan, opening up meaningful market access and partnership opportunities for portfolio companies. Participants also join a growing pan-India community of fellow impact entrepreneurs, enabling peer collaboration, shared learning, and long-term support well beyond the program duration. Past cohort companies have operated in sustainable agriculture, food processing, artisan crafts, dairy, waste management, and rural livelihoods.

Who can apply

• Impact-oriented, for-profit enterprises focused on increasing incomes for India's informal urban (India 2) or rural (India 3) economies are eligible.
• Applicants must be revenue-generating at the time of application, demonstrating early market traction and a scalable business model.
• Ventures must be actively planning to raise equity funding within the next 3-6 months; the program is structured to prepare founders for this milestone.
• Full attendance for the entire program duration is mandatory; completion of the program is a prerequisite for funding eligibility, though it does not guarantee investment.
• The highest equity holder of the company is required to attend all in-person sessions in Bengaluru; co-founders may attend on a need-basis but cannot substitute for the primary founder.
• Eligible ventures must demonstrate measurable social impact alongside commercial viability, with operations directly benefiting low-income or rural communities.
• Startups from sectors including agriculture, food processing, rural livelihoods, artisan crafts, waste management, sustainability, and allied impact sectors are encouraged to apply.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP

Benefits & funding

• Equity funding up to INR 5 crore, plus a nominal living stipend.
• Participants get experienced mentorship, access to Suzuki group networks, market and partnership opportunities.
• Join a pan-India community for peer collaboration and long-term support.
• Hybrid 3-month program with intensive in-person sessions.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, in your own name.

1. 1

   Application review by Next Bharat team, shortlisting based on impact, revenue, and scalability.

2. 2

   Followed by 2-3 rounds of interviews.

3. 3

   Investment representatives then conduct an on-site field visit before final selection.

Frequently asked questions