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

As of July 2026, at least 10 active grants, incubation programs, and competitions are open for social and impact startups in India. These programs span government-backed initiatives, corporate social responsibility (CSR) challenges, and philanthropic prizes.

The funding landscape for social impact in India is diverse. Central schemes like RUSA 2.0 support university-led innovation, while private foundations and corporate partners run targeted challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and mental health. Most programs offer non-dilutive grants, mentorship, and market access, with total funding ranging from ₹2.2 lakh to ₹9.5 crore.

Active Social & Impact Grants and Programs

North East Growth Lab 2026 (IIMA Ventures)

The North East Growth Lab 2026 (NEGL) is a joint initiative by IIMA Ventures and SAP designed to support early-stage startups across the eight North Eastern states: Sikkim, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. Startups receive financial grants up to ₹5,00,000 along with technical assistance and business support to address regional challenges. The program is open to ventures registered or operating in the North East. The deadline for applications is 15 July 2026.

Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)

The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) program, run by IIMA Ventures with support from the Gates Foundation, supports technology-enabled solutions that enhance women's economic participation. The program offers grant funding starting from ₹45,00,000. It targets startups with a clear gender lens and scalable impact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

MAP-Health (Villgro)

MAP-Health (Market Access Partnerships) is an initiative by Villgro, India's oldest social enterprise incubator, focusing on healthcare social enterprises. The program provides market entry and expansion support through strategic partnerships and mentoring. Grant amounts vary by project. 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 supported by Atal Innovation Mission. It targets deep-tech solutions for social or climate problems at Technology Readiness Level 3 or higher. Selected startups receive milestone-based grant funding up to ₹2,20,000. Rolling applications.

Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (Andhra University)

The Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) under RUSA 2.0 supports research, prototyping, and startup ideas from the Andhra University ecosystem. Grants of up to ₹5,00,000 per project are awarded across a broad range of topics including AI, healthtech, clean energy, and social impact. Rolling applications.

Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park)

The Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 is a pre-incubation program by Maruti Suzuki and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. It prioritizes startups from eastern, north-eastern, and central India, though open nationwide. Focus domains include mobility, sustainability, and social impact. Winners receive cash rewards up to ₹13,00,000 and opportunity for paid PoC. Rolling intake.

Rapid Regen Challenge — the^delta prize (the^delta)

The Rapid Regen Challenge is a CSR initiative by PepsiCo, executed by the^delta prize. It invites non-profit organizations and civil society organizations to deploy regenerative agriculture practices across 500 hectares in Year 1, scaling to 2,000 hectares in Year 2. Total grant support is up to ₹6,50,00,000. Deadline: 2 August 2026.

Indian Innovation Icons 2027 (Marico Innovation Foundation)

The Indian Innovation Icons 2027 program, now in its 11th edition, supports both for-profit and non-profit innovators tackling significant challenges. Selected ventures receive mentorship, investor access, and national visibility. Grant amounts vary. Rolling applications.

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science (Wellcome)

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science, in partnership with Nature, awards up to ₹9,52,80,000 for interventions addressing anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The prize is open globally but focuses on scalable impact. Deadline: 15 September 2026.

AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 (AWE Funds)

The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge 2026 is an impact investment initiative by AWE Funds, supported by Bayer Foundation and others. It targets technology-driven startups serving underserved and climate-vulnerable communities in India. Total funding available is up to ₹2,49,00,000. Deadline: 31 July 2026.

Before Applying

Several programs impose specific eligibility constraints. The North East Growth Lab is limited to startups registered in or operating across the eight North Eastern states. Maruti Suzuki NURTURE gives preference to ventures from eastern, north-eastern, and central India. The Rapid Regen Challenge is exclusively for non-profits and civil society organizations. The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program requires a working prototype at TRL 3 or higher. MAP-Health focuses on healthcare social enterprises.

Urgency: The North East Growth Lab closes on 15 July 2026. The AWE Tech Innovation Challenge closes on 31 July 2026, followed by the Rapid Regen Challenge on 2 August 2026. The Wellcome Prize has a deadline of 15 September 2026. All other programs operate on a rolling basis, though Maruti Suzuki NURTURE and Indian Innovation Icons are cohort-based with batch intakes. Applicants should verify sector and stage alignment before applying.