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.
