Startup grants & funding schemes in India

The **BIRAC Seed Fund** at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University provides support to **market-ready biotech and life-science innovators**. This fund helps startups move from the prototype stage to the market, offering both financial assistance and hands-on ecosystem support. Selected startups receive seed funding, access to Bioriidl labs and incubation infrastructure, expert mentorship, and support through the BIRAC BioNEST network.

Kotak BizLabs is a flagship **CSR initiative** by Kotak Mahindra Bank, delivered in collaboration with top incubators like **NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore)**. The program is specifically designed to empower and accelerate visionary, early revenue stage ventures. The accelerator aims to fuel innovation that creates a lasting impact by providing: * **Grant Support** ranging up to **Rs. 30 Lakhs** for select high-potential startups meeting the criteria. * **Hands-on Learning:** Tailored curriculum with

The **Social Impact Incubation Programme** is a collaborative initiative by **Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV)** and **IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP)**. It is conceived to bridge the gap for impact-driven startups that face roadblocks like scarce funding and isolated networks. This programme is designed to empower social entrepreneurs building sustainable, technology-enabled solutions. 10 high-potential ventures will be selected to receive 360° support to amplify impact

BPCL Ankur Fund's 'Elevate' cohort invites startups to innovate and transform the energy landscape through equity investments. BPCL is a Fortune Global 500 company committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 and is looking to expand its presence in Green Energy Businesses and Digital Ventures. This opportunity is for startups that have developed a Proof of Concept (PoC), Prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or a fully implemented solution in Oil & Gas or any other industry

The FITT Investment Fund, powered by **IIT Delhi and SIDBI**, is inviting applications from deep-tech ventures solving real, high-friction problems. Selected startups will receive up to **Rs. 1.5 Crores in funding**, along with access to the newly launched **FITT-SIDBI Deeptech Accelerator Program**. This exclusive **6-month accelerator** brings: * 10 technical + business workshops * Investor interactions * Continuous monitoring via the FITT Investment Fund * A high-visibility Demo Day *

The AI & AgriTech Innovation Center, operating under the Maha Agri-AI Policy 2025, 2029, aims to drive technology-driven, farmer-centric transformation in Maharashtra. Track 2, 'Pilot & Validation', is dedicated to supporting the field testing, validation, and scaling of mature AI-based agricultural solutions. The objective is to focus on real-world deployment, impact assessment, and business model validation of proven technologies. **Support Offered:** * Funding for pilot implementation

The **IIITD-IC FinTech Grand Challenge** is a national initiative launched by the IIIT Delhi Innovation & Incubation Center in partnership with Startup India and Decentro. Its core objective is to identify and support promising FinTech startups that are developing innovation-driven and scalable solutions to address critical issues in the financial sector. The challenge focuses on solving specific problem statements within FinTech, including: * **Seamless KYC & Digital Onboarding** *

Pulse AI for Fintech is a 24-week accelerator program jointly launched by SanchiConnect and ThinKuvate. It is designed to provide quick term sheets and fast-track the growth of 4-6 selected startups leveraging AI for FinTech solutions. The program offers an upfront investment of INR 2-3 Crore per startup, along with a focus on market access through Go-to-Market strategies, partner connects, pilot opportunities, and participation in an offshore global demo day. Key benefits include one-on-one

The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is an annual, global award that recognizes an exceptional young leader, aged 18 to 30, who is using technology, innovation, and social impact solutions to advance the United Nations Global Goals and contribute to ending extreme poverty. The award provides a **USD 250,000 grant** which is paid directly to the legally registered organization affiliated with the winning applicant. This funding is intended to support scaling innovative

The Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund , Challenge Round 6 is managed by ACCESS Development Services on behalf of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It supports enterprises working within agroecology value chains to establish or expand high-impact, sustainable business projects. The program provides grant investments between INR 100 lakhs and INR 200 lakhs (up to INR 2 crore) to Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs) and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). These

The Imagine H2O Accelerator supports early-stage water startups by offering tailored, zero-equity support to help them develop, pilot, and scale innovative water technologies. Startups receive sector-specific guidance, expert mentorship, and access to global markets. The program provides industry training, personalized development support, and introductions to customers, partners, and investors. Participants also benefit from increased visibility at major industry events, digital

This program supports innovative and scalable startups through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme. IIM Udaipur Incubation Centre offers investment support of up to Rs. 50 lakhs through Convertible Debentures, helping startups accelerate growth, refine their solutions, and expand their market presence. Selected startups also gain access to expert mentorship, guidance from industry leaders, and a strong network of investors and ecosystem partners.