4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation

AIC-IIITH Foundation

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Details

Amount

Upto: ₹5 lakh

Provider

AIC-IIITH Foundation

Type

grant

Stage

MVP StageEarly Revenue Stage

About this Opportunity

The Social Impact Innovation Program is a 4-6 month acceleration program for Tech-based Social Enterprises that are already generating revenue and are active in the Environment, Waste Management, or Clean Energy sectors. This 4th cohort, named Akash ESIIP, specifically prioritizes GreenTech startups looking to scale with deep-tech, research, and real-world impact.

The program provides:

A milestone-based grant support of up to INR 5 lakhs (Equity-Free Grant).
Acceleration support, networking, and masterclasses/mentorship from experts.
Support in refining the business model and scaling for impact.
Direct research connects with IIITH faculty and labs.
Access to the IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed and CIE IIITH Startup services.

Startups with the readiness may also participate in demo-days and potentially receive seed funding. This program is an ideal fit for those who believe a small grant and acceleration support can help amplify their impact.

Eligibility

The startup must be a tech-based social enterprise focused on solving social or environmental challenges in India and helping the country achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mandatory Criteria:

India-based entity, incorporated as a Private limited Company, LLP, or Registered partnership (majority shareholding must be Indian, including OCI & PIO holders).
Must be registered with DPIIT.
Must have a cumulative revenue of INR 1 lakh or more at the time of application, as reflected in accounts.
Age of at least one founder should be >18 years.
Must be for-profit.

Focus Sectors (GreenTech):

Circular Economy/Resource Solutions (waste/water management, recycling).
Energy (smart grid, clean/renewable, low carbon, efficiency).
Green Data (use of GIS, IOT, AI/ML for industrial efficiency/environmental improvement).
Climate Adaptation.
Smart Cities.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Tech (e.g., vertical farming, precision agriculture).
Green Building and Construction.
Sustainable Mobility (e.g., EV charging, micro-mobility).
Sustainable Living (e.g., reusable packaging, zero-waste initiatives).

Preference will be given to startups that actively seek to establish a research connect with IIITH research labs or have the potential to integrate IIITH-developed technologies.

Note: Selected startups must take at least one seat for 6 months in the AIC-IIITH incubation space.

Application Process

The selection process includes the following steps:

Application Submission: Fill out the online application form.
Screening Rounds: Startups that meet the eligibility criteria and are deemed the best fit will be called for screening rounds.
Final Selection: A selection panel will review applications based on criteria such as:
- Sustainability/Viability of the business model.
- Potential for social impact.
- Potential for scalability.
- Innovativeness/Use of technology.
- Team strength.
Due Diligence & Agreement: Selected startups must undergo due diligence, submit necessary documents, and sign a program agreement with AIC-IIITH Foundation.
Program Participation: Startups must attend various training and mentoring sessions.
Grant Disbursement: Funding will be in multiple tranches, released only after pre-defined milestones are met.