SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat
A pan-India incubation programme by IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation with SBI Foundation support for technology-driven startups addressing real-world social challenges in FinTech, AgriTech and HealthTech.
About the Program
SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat is a pan-India incubation initiative under SBI CSR, implemented by IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF). The programme aims to support early-stage innovators and technology-driven startups developing scalable solutions for real-world and localized social challenges. The programme intends to identify and support **12 technology-driven startups** working in FinTech, AgriTech and HealthTech through a structured incubation programme.
Eligibility requirements
- • Innovation should have reached **TRL 3 or above**.
- • Applicants can be eligible startups or innovators developing technology-driven solutions.
- • Solutions should address real-world and localized social needs or challenges.
- • Preference for solutions capable of reaching prototype/pilot readiness within three months.
- • Preference for startups from Tier-2, Tier-3, rural and underserved regions, particularly Chhattisgarh and nearby areas.
- • Women-led startups, youth innovators and student entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply.
- • Preference for scalable, sustainable solutions with potential for direct or indirect employment generation.
- Focus Areas:
- • FinTech
- • AgriTech
- • HealthTech
Offerings / Benefits
- • Seed funding support of up to ₹8.5 Lakhs per project
- • Structured incubation support
- • IIT Bhilai technical expertise and innovation ecosystem
- • Prototype development, testing and validation support
- • Field deployment support
- • Mentorship and training
- • Policy guidance and technical support
- • Access to prototype development facilities, smart labs, laboratories and incubation infrastructure, as applicable
- • Industry linkages and investor interactions
- • Ecosystem networking
- • Facilitation of partnerships with government agencies, grassroots organizations and industry partners
- Application / Selection Process:
- The provided source states that the programme will identify and support 12 technology-driven startups through structured incubation. Specific stages of the selection process are not provided.
- Important Dates:
- Application deadline: **31 August 2026**
- Programme: Pan-India incubation programme
Sectors supported
Selection process
Selection process details are being verified.
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