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Kotak BizLabs Season 3

Eight-month equity-free accelerator offering grants up to INR 30 lakhs to revenue-generating Indian impact startups.

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Funding amount
Up to INR 30 Lakhs equity-free grant funding
Scheme
Kotak BizLabs Season 3
Open for
The startup must be registered in India, with its founders and operations based in India. The programme sources innovation from across Bharat and particularly aims to develop startup ecosystems in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, but the official page does not restrict applications to particular Indian states.
Deadline
Applications close 9 October 2026; the official page states that the deadline will not be extended

About the Program

Kotak BizLabs Season 3 is an eight-month acceleration programme operated by IIMA Ventures in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank as a CSR initiative. It supports social-impact and sustainability-focused startups from India, particularly ventures emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Eligibility requirements

  • The startup must be a formally registered business entity with valid DPIIT recognition.
  • The startup must have a market-ready product actively used by paying customers, demonstrating revenue and validated demand.
  • The solution must be innovative and aligned with one of the programme’s supported sectors or impact themes.
  • Startups remain eligible even if they have previously received grants, awards or equity investments.

Offerings / Benefits

  • Grant funding of up to INR 30 lakhs for 20 selected startups.
  • No application or participation fee.
  • No equity is taken for participation.
  • Tailored mentorship, specialised training and technical assistance.
  • A three-day intensive bootcamp at the IIM Ahmedabad campus for the top 25 startups in November 2026.
  • Investor interactions, peer networking and business-development resources.
  • Access to industry experts and startup-enablement networks.

Sectors supported

DeepTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, CleanTech, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, sustainability, supply chain and logistics, waste management, sustainable manufacturing, inclusive technology, electric mobility and other impact-driven solutions. DeepTech examples include AI, robotics, IoT and advanced materials. FinTech may include payments, lending, insurance and wealth-management solutions.Agriculture & AgriTechAI & Artificial IntelligenceAdvanced MaterialsCleanTechClimate & ClimateTechDeepTechEducation & EdTechEV & Electric MobilityFinance & FinTechHealthcare & HealthTechInsurance & InsurTechInternet of Things (IoT)Logistics & Supply ChainManufacturing & IndustrialRobotics & AutomationSocial ImpactSustainabilityWaste & Recycling

Selection process

  • Applications are reviewed by the programme’s incubator partners and experts. Shortlisted startups may be invited for additional discussions and evaluation. Applications are assessed on founding-team strength, uniqueness and innovation, sector alignment and scalability. Applicants are notified of their status at each stage, and the top 25 startups attend the IIMA Ventures bootcamp before the final grant-supported cohort is determined.

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