Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator
Under Kotak BizLabs Accelerator by Kotak Mahindra Bank
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Quick Answer
A 6-8 month accelerator program by Kotak Mahindra Bank offering up to ₹30 lakh in equity-free grant funding and mentorship for revenue-generating startups.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 6 October 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Kotak Mahindra Bank. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
Kotak BizLabs Season 3 is a comprehensive accelerator program launched by Kotak Mahindra Bank as a key part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurial growth, the program aims to identify and support high-potential startups that are developing impactful solutions across critical sectors. The initiative addresses the common challenges faced by early-revenue-stage startups, providing them with the necessary capital, guidance, and network to scale rapidly. By empowering founders to build meaningful businesses, Kotak BizLabs seeks to create lasting positive impact on the economy and society, aligning with India's drive for innovation and sustainable development. The program focuses on startups that have already achieved market readiness and are generating revenue, ensuring that support is directed towards ventures with proven product-market fit and a clear path to growth. Through strategic partnerships with leading incubators across India, Kotak BizLabs leverages a wide network of expertise and resources to accelerate the journeys of selected startups.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of India's leading private-sector banks, headquartered in Mumbai. Founded in 1985 as a finance company by Uday Kotak and converted into a full-service bank in 2003 after receiving a banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India, Kotak has signed an…
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Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹30 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected startups will receive up to ₹30 lakh in equity-free grant funding, designed to accelerate their growth and product development without requiring any equity dilution. Beyond the significant financial support, the program offers a robust support stack including hands-on mentorship from seasoned industry experts and successful entrepreneurs who provide strategic guidance and operational insights. Participants gain invaluable investor connections through curated networking opportunities, engaging directly with potential partners and funding sources. The accelerator also provides extensive market access, allowing startups to showcase their innovations at exclusive events and a dedicated Demo Day, facilitating commercial partnerships and customer acquisition. A tailored curriculum, bootcamps, and expert-led workshops further enhance founder capabilities, complemented by access to a trusted ecosystem for innovation and sustained growth.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Funding source
- CSR funded
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for Kotak BizLabs Season 3 is highly competitive and multi-staged, designed to identify startups with the highest potential for impact and scalability. Applications are initially screened by a panel of experts from Kotak Mahindra Bank and the partner incubators to assess alignment with focus areas, market readiness, and revenue generation. Startups that successfully pass this initial screening are then invited for an in-depth evaluation, which typically includes interviews to understand the team dynamics, business challenges, and growth strategies. A final shortlist of promising ventures is then invited to present their pitch to a distinguished jury panel. This pitch round serves as a critical assessment of the startup's innovation, business viability, and potential for creating lasting impact. The final selection is made based on the overall strength of the application, the pitch presentation, and the alignment with the program's objectives, leading to induction into the accelerator cohort.
Application Process
- 1
Application Submission
Complete the online application form with detailed information about your startup.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kotak BizLabs?
The Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme is Kotak Bank’s CSR initiative, launched in collaboration with five of India’s leading incubators, to empower early-revenue-stage startups to fast-track their big, bold entrepreneurial dreams. It provides a structured 6-8 month program to accelerate growth.
Who is eligible to apply for Kotak BizLabs Season 3?
The program targets registered entities recognized by DPIIT, which are revenue-generating, possess a market-ready product, and have an existing customer base. Applicants must be developing innovative solutions aligned with the program's focus areas, including Agritech, Climate Tech, FinTech, Health Tech, EdTech, and Electric Mobility.
How long is the Kotak BizLabs programme?
Kotak BizLabs Season 3 is an intensive 6–8-month acceleration programme, designed to provide comprehensive support and mentorship to selected startups during this period.
Is there a fee to apply or participate in Kotak BizLabs?
No, there are absolutely no application or participation fees for Kotak BizLabs. As a CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the program is fully funded, and selected startups do not incur any costs for their involvement.
Will my startup receive funding, and how much?
Yes, selected high-growth startups may receive catalytic grant funding of up to ₹30 lakh. The precise amount of the grant is determined based on the program's evaluation criteria and the potential of the startup. Participants will also gain valuable opportunities to connect with external investors.
How much equity transfer is involved in this program?
There will be no transfer of equity from the ventures involved in the Kotak BizLabs programme. The grant funding provided is entirely equity-free, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their companies.
When is the application deadline for Season 3?
The final application deadline is 06th October 2026. While applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, it is highly encouraged for founders to apply early to ensure consideration before the closing date or if the program receives a sufficient number of eligible submissions earlier.
What kind of support, beyond funding, does the program offer?
Beyond grant funding, the program provides hands-on mentorship from industry experts, tailored curriculum through bootcamps and workshops, curated networking opportunities with partners and fellow entrepreneurs, and direct access to investors and market entry points, including participation in a Demo Day.
Who runs Kotak BizLabs?
Kotak Mahindra Bank runs Kotak BizLabs as a CSR initiative, delivered through partner incubators such as NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, where it is called Velocity.
Does Kotak BizLabs need DPIIT recognition?
Yes. NSRCEL's Velocity page lists DPIIT recognition, revenue and a market-ready product among its requirements.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
News
- Kotak BizLabs Hausla empowered Season 2 spotlights 4 founders solving real-world problemsexchange4media.com · 2 weeks ago
- Kotak BizLabs’s ‘Hausla Empowered’ returns with four founders tackling critical challengesadgully.com · last month
- Kotak BizLabs Season 3 to support over 100 early-stage startupstelanganatoday.com · last month
- Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Expands National Footprint, Will Support 100+ Startupssmestreet.in · last month
- Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Expands National Footprint, Will Support 100+ Startups.tripurastarnews.com · last month
Source: Google News aggregated
