IGNITE – IDFC FIRST Bank Social Incubation Program
A 9-month incubation programme supporting Indian startups developing sustainable business solutions in green manufacturing, waste management, circular economy, cleantech and sustainable products.
About the Program
IGNITE is a sustainable business incubation programme by IDFC FIRST Bank, with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) as an implementation partner. The programme supports innovative enterprises addressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. It aims to incubate 16 high-potential startups and enterprises through structured incubation, mentoring, market validation, product refinement, customer acquisition, pricing, investment readiness and strategic growth support.
Eligibility requirements
- • Startup must be registered and operating in India
- • At least one founder must be an Indian citizen
- • Startup should have a functional MVP or demonstrated proof of concept, corresponding to TRL 4 or above
- • Startup should address a social, environmental or developmental challenge aligned with the programme objectives
- • Startup must have been incorporated not more than 10 years ago
- • Business should operate in an eligible focus sector
- Focus Areas:
- • Green Manufacturing
- • Waste Recycling & Upcycling
- • Circular Economy Solutions
- • CleanTech
- • Renewable Energy
- • Water & Wastewater Management
- • ClimateTech
- • Sustainable & Indigenous Products
- • Local Resource-Based Enterprises
Offerings / Benefits
- • 9 months of structured incubation support
- • CSR grant for each selected startup
- • Up to ₹25 Lakhs CSR grant for top-performing startups
- • One-on-one mentoring from IIMCIP and industry experts
- • Customized technical bootcamps and masterclasses
- • Knowledge webinars
- • Business diagnostics
- • Mock pitch sessions
- • Market access opportunities
- • Business roadmap development
- • Investor pitching opportunities
- • Fundraising support
- • Networking with industry leaders, ecosystem partners, mentors and investors
- Program Duration:
- October 2026 – March 2027
- Application / Selection Process:
- IIMCIP will support the end-to-end implementation, including startup outreach, application screening, evaluation and selection of high-potential ventures with scalable and sustainable business models.
- Important Dates:
- Call for Applications: **August–September 2026**
- Application Deadline: **15 September 2026**
- Cohort Onboarding: **October 2026**
- Incubation Commences: **October 2026**
- Demo Day / Programme End: **March 2027**
- Program Track:
- 9-month structured incubation programme.
Sectors supported
Selection process
Selection process details are being verified.
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