PIEDS Womenpreneur for Bharat 4.0
By PIEDS
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Quick Answer
A women-focused startup program from PIEDS – BITS Pilani supporting women-led ventures from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with equity funding and incubation support to build scalable, impact-driven businesses.
About this funding program
The PIEDS Womenpreneur for Bharat 4.0 program, a flagship initiative by Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) at BITS Pilani, in association with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, aims to empower women entrepreneurs across India. This program specifically targets women-led ventures originating from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, fostering innovation and economic growth in these regions. By providing crucial equity funding and comprehensive incubation support, the initiative enables these startups to develop scalable, impact-driven solutions that align with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It seeks to bridge the funding and support gap for women founders, helping them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build successful, sustainable businesses that contribute significantly to national development. The 4th cohort builds on the success of previous editions, continuing its mission to support and elevate the next generation of women leaders in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Eligibility
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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
Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) PIEDS is an autonomous, not-for-profit society registered in 2013 under The Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, housed within the Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Center (RKIC) at BITS Pilani. It serves as the Technology…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹15 Lakhs
What You Get
Selected women-led startups will receive up to ₹15 lakh in equity funding, in exchange for a 2% equity stake. Beyond financial support, the program offers robust incubation support from PIEDS – BITS Pilani, including expert mentorship to guide product development and business strategy. Participants gain access to a valuable network for scaling their impact-driven ventures, fostering growth and market access. The program also provides opportunities to build and scale businesses focused on achieving critical UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Funding source
- CSR funded
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications undergo an initial screening phase to ensure all eligibility criteria are met, including founder demographics, company stage, revenue limits, and DPIIT certification. Shortlisted startups are then evaluated based on their innovative idea, market potential, alignment with UN SDGs, and the scalability of their solution. This evaluation typically involves a thorough review by a selection committee comprising experts from PIEDS – BITS Pilani and partner organizations. Promising ventures may be invited for further interviews or a pitch presentation round to assess the team's capabilities and the viability of their business model before final selections are made for the cohort.
Application Process
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Apply Online
Submit your application through the official Accubate application form by the deadline, including all required startup and founder details and your pitch deck.
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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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Womenpreneur for Bharat 4.0 program?
The program primarily focuses on supporting women-led startups from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India, providing them with equity funding and incubation to build scalable, impact-driven businesses aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
What kind of funding is offered, and what is the equity requirement?
The program offers equity funding up to ₹15 lakh per startup. It requires the selected startup to provide a 2% equity stake to PIEDS – BITS Pilani as part of the funding terms.
Are there any specific eligibility criteria regarding the founders?
Yes, women entrepreneurs must hold more than 51% equity in the company. The startup must also be registered in India and operating from a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city.
What are the stage and revenue requirements for applicant startups?
Startups must be at least at the idea stage with a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) or prototype. The annual revenue of the startup must not exceed ₹1 crore per year, and it should not have received more than ₹20 lakh in prior grants or seed funding.
What legal entity types are eligible to apply?
Applicants must either be a for-profit Private Limited Company as per the Indian Companies Act, or be willing to incorporate as one if selected for the program.
How do I apply for the Womenpreneur for Bharat 4.0 program?
Applications must be submitted online through the official program page, typically via an Accubate application form, by the stated deadline. You will need to provide details about your team, startup, and pitch deck.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
