Next Bharat Residency Program
By Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited
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Quick Answer
Equity funding and mentorship for revenue-generating impact ventures in India's rural and informal economies.
About this funding program
The Next Bharat Residency Program is spearheaded by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, a Suzuki Initiative committed to empowering impact entrepreneurs across India. The program is built around a clear premise: India's next wave of economic growth will be powered by its informal urban (India 2) and rural (India 3) economies, home to over one billion people with household incomes ranging from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh per year. These communities represent a vast, underserved market with enormous potential.
The program runs in a hybrid format over 3 months, combining three weeks of intensive in-person sessions in Bengaluru with ongoing virtual engagement. Selected founders receive equity-based funding of up to INR 5 crore to scale their venture, and a nominal stipend to cover living expenses during the in-person residency. Beyond capital, participants gain access to experienced mentors who understand the ground realities of building impactful businesses, including operational, market, and regulatory challenges specific to rural and informal sectors.
A distinguishing feature of the program is its connection to the Suzuki group's networks across India and Japan, opening up meaningful market access and partnership opportunities for portfolio companies. Participants also join a growing pan-India community of fellow impact entrepreneurs, enabling peer collaboration, shared learning, and long-term support well beyond the program duration. Past cohort companies have operated in sustainable agriculture, food processing, artisan crafts, dairy, waste management, and rural livelihoods.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Funding providers
Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, incorporated in January 2024 and headquartered at GIFT City SEZ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The venture fund has launched with a corpus of ₹340 crore (~$40 million) and…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5 Cr
What You Get
Equity funding up to INR 5 crore, plus a nominal living stipend. Participants get experienced mentorship, access to Suzuki group networks, market and partnership opportunities. Join a pan-India community for peer collaboration and long-term support. Hybrid 3-month program with intensive in-person sessions.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Application review by Next Bharat team, shortlisting based on impact, revenue, and scalability. Followed by 2-3 rounds of interviews. Investment representatives then conduct an on-site field visit before final selection.
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the Next Bharat Residency Program?
Impact-oriented, for-profit enterprises focused on increasing incomes for India's informal urban (India 2) or rural (India 3) economies. Applicants must be revenue-generating and planning to raise equity funding within 3–6 months.
Is equity taken, and how much?
Yes, this is an equity-based program. Selected startups can receive equity funding of up to INR 5 crore. It is not a grant or debt instrument.
Do I need to attend in person?
Yes. Full attendance for the entire 3-month program is mandatory. The highest equity holder must attend all in-person sessions in Bengaluru. Completion of the program is a prerequisite for funding eligibility, though it does not guarantee investment.
What sectors are encouraged to apply?
Sectors including agriculture, food processing, rural livelihoods, artisan crafts, waste management, sustainability, and allied impact sectors are encouraged. The focus is on ventures with measurable social impact for low-income or rural communities.
What non-monetary benefits does the program offer?
Participants gain access to experienced mentors, Suzuki group networks across India and Japan for market access and partnerships, and a pan-India community of impact entrepreneurs for peer learning and long-term support.
Is there a stipend during the residency?
Yes. Selected founders receive a nominal stipend to cover living expenses during the three weeks of intensive in-person sessions held in Bengaluru.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
