Social & Impact Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — August 2026
For social and impact startups in India, August 2026 presents diverse funding opportunities. Programs range from incubation and grants to competitions, supporting innovations in healthcare, women's empowerment, deep-tech, and rural development.
August 2026 offers 10 active funding programs for Social & Impact startups across India. These opportunities include direct grants, comprehensive incubation programs, and high-profile competitions designed to foster innovation and scale impact. The funding landscape for social and impact ventures in India is dynamic, characterized by support from institutional programs, and a growing number of challenges and competitions. These initiatives often prioritize technology for social good, healthcare solutions, women's empowerment, and sustainable development goals.
Active Social & Impact Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Economic Empowerment | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | From ₹45 lakh |
| MAP-Health | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Varies |
| Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹2.2 lakh |
| Andhra University Centenary Innovation & Impact Grant (AUCIIG) — RUSA 2.0 | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Next Bharat Residency Program | Grant/Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹5 crore |
| Maruti Suzuki NURTURE Cohort 4 at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park | Competition | Rolling | Up to ₹13 lakh |
| Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature | Competition | 15 Sep 2026 | Up to ₹9.5 crore |
| Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
| The Wellcome Snakebite Innovation Prize | Competition | 16 Sep 2026 | Up to ₹18.3 crore |
Women's Economic Empowerment (IIMA Ventures)
This program, led by IIMA Ventures with support from the Gates Foundation, is an AI and innovation initiative. It focuses on fostering entrepreneurship that addresses societal challenges, specifically backing technology-enabled solutions designed to enhance women's economic opportunities. IIMA Ventures, the startup incubator and accelerator at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, provides institutional expertise and network access. The program offers grant funding and incubation support to selected startups.
MAP-Health (Villgro)
The MAP-Health (Market Access Partnerships) program, spearheaded by Villgro, accelerates market entry and expansion for social enterprises within the Indian healthcare sector. Villgro works to make innovative social enterprises succeed by scaling solutions that address critical societal needs. Villgro, India's oldest social enterprise incubator, provides expert guidance and strategic interventions. The program offers grant funding and incubation support, with amounts varying, leveraging Villgro's experience in impact investing and social entrepreneurship.
Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program (AIC-IIITH Foundation)
The Akash Coherent ImpactTech Program by AIC-IIITH Foundation is a 4-6 month acceleration program from AIC-IIITH Foundation, the Atal Incubation Centre at IIIT Hyderabad. In partnership with Coherent Corp and supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, it targets deep-tech solutions addressing social or climate problems aligned with India's Sustainable Development Goals. The program focuses on bridging the
