Social & Impact Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — July 2026

As of July 2026, at least 10 active funding programs are available for Social & Impact startups in India. These include grants, incubations, competitions, and equity-based initiatives offered by university incubators, corporate foundations, and global philanthropies.

The funding landscape for social impact in India is shaped by a mix of government-linked schemes (e.g., Atal Innovation Mission), institutional programs (IIMA Ventures, Andhra University), corporate-led challenges (Maruti Suzuki, AWE Funds), and international prizes (Wellcome). Most programs accept rolling applications, but two have fixed deadlines this month.

Active Social & Impact Grants and Programs

Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)

The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) program is run by IIMA Ventures, the startup incubator at IIM Ahmedabad, with support from the Gates Foundation. It targets technology-enabled solutions that improve women's economic participation. Selected startups receive grant funding of ₹45 lakh (from description: ₹45,00,000) and incubation support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The program focuses on AI and innovation to address gender equality and economic empowerment.

MAP-Health (Villgro)

MAP-Health (Market Access Partnerships) is run by Villgro, India's oldest social enterprise incubator. The program helps social enterprises in Indian healthcare accelerate market entry and expansion. It offers strategic interventions and expert guidance. Funding amounts vary and are determined case-by-case. Applications are rolling.

Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program (AIC-IIITH Foundation)

The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program is a 4-6 month acceleration program by AIC-IIITH Foundation, in partnership with Coherent Corp and Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. It supports deep-tech solutions addressing social or climate problems, aligned with India's SDGs. Selected startups receive equity-free grant funding up to ₹2,20,000, released against agreed milestones. The program focuses on moving from prototype (TRL 3) to market-ready product. Rolling applications.

Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG)

The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) is a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹5 lakh per project under RUSA 2.0. It supports research-to-startup ideas from the Andhra University ecosystem. Focus areas include AI, HealthTech, EdTech, green energy, and social-impact innovation. Selected innovators receive mentorship and prototype-to-market support. Rolling applications.

Next Bharat Residency Program (Next Bharat Ventures)

The Next Bharat Residency Program is a Suzuki Initiative that targets impact entrepreneurs serving India's underserved urban (India 2) and rural (India 3) economies. It offers equity-based funding up to ₹5 crore, along with a 3-month hybrid residency (3 weeks in-person in Bengaluru, virtual remainder). Founders receive a stipend. Rolling applications.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation initiative by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. Focus domains include mobility, sustainability, and social impact. Benefits: cash rewards worth ₹13 lakh, opportunity for a paid PoC, mentorship, and access to Maruti Suzuki's ecosystem. Open to early-stage startups, with a preference for eastern, north-eastern, and central India. Rolling applications.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 is a biennial platform by Marico Innovation Foundation. It supports for-profit and not-for-profit innovators tackling real-world challenges. Provides strategic mentorship, investor access, and national visibility. No fixed funding amount is stated; it varies per winner. Applications are rolling.

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science is an international competition by Wellcome and Nature. It awards up to ₹9,52,80,000 for novel interventions addressing anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Deadline: 15 September 2026. Open to global applicants; the prize aims to accelerate development and policy prioritization of effective mental health solutions.

AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 (AWE Funds)

The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 is an investment initiative by AWE Funds, supported by Evergreen Philanthropic Fund, Bayer Foundation, and AWE Foundation. It targets tech-driven startups serving underserved and climate-vulnerable communities in India. Funding up to ₹2,49,00,000. Deadline: 31 July 2026.

United Hacks V7 (Hack United)

United Hacks V7 is a global online hackathon organized by Hack United. It is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels. Tracks include Design and Education. Prizes up to ₹23,71,500. Deadline: 12 July 2026.

Before Applying

Several programs have specific eligibility criteria. The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant is restricted to ideas originating from within the Andhra University ecosystem. The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 prioritizes startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The Next Bharat Residency Program targets ventures focused on India's informal urban and rural economies, with equity-based funding. The Wellcome Prize and AWE Tech Challenge have fixed deadlines: 15 September 2026 and 31 July 2026, respectively. United Hacks V7 closes on 12 July 2026. All other programs accept rolling applications, but may operate in cohorts with selection cycles. Review each program's detailed page for any additional requirements such as DPIIT recognition or MSME registration — such details are not specified in the provided descriptions but may apply.