Yamuna Basin Challenge
A programme by HCL Foundation
Multi-track challenge for solutions to the Yamuna River Basin, open to students, researchers, non-profits, social enterprises and startups depending on the track.
At a glance
| Best for | Students, researchers, non-profits, social enterprises and startups with a solution for the Yamuna River Basin; the track decides who qualifies. |
|---|---|
| Duration | One to two years of funded implementation |
| Cost | Free |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About Yamuna Basin Challenge
The Yamuna Basin Challenge, or YBC, is an HCLFoundation challenge to enable cross-sector innovation and collaboration on nature-based and climate solutions in the Yamuna Basin. Shortlisted organisations receive grants for implementation periods of one to two years. The application window may already be closed; the programme's pages give different closing dates, so confirm with the helpdesk.
What you get
- A grant to selected organisations, paid in milestone-based instalments rather than as a lump sum.
- Track-wise prizes of a winner and two runners-up in each of the research, non-profit, innovation and ecological tracks.
- Recognition and a place at the national fest Umang for the student track.
Who can apply
- Students (Yuva), researchers and academic institutions (Anveshan), non-profits (Mridul), and startups, social enterprises and other organisations (Navachar and Aadhaar).
- Applicants must be based in India. Funds are not paid to individuals, so the money goes to a registered organisation.
- One answer on the site says startups can also apply to Mridul, but the track description lists only non-profit organisation types. Check before applying.
How selection works: applications are screened, then reviewed by evaluators and a selection committee. The programme's pages describe the stages differently, so expect more than one round.
How to apply: online through the YBC portal. There is no fee and no email applications. Questions go to ybc-helpdesk@hclfoundation.org.
Where to apply
Other HCL Foundation programmes
- HCLTech GrantAnnual CSR grant for registered not-for-profits doing rural work in Water, Biodiversity, Health and Education; startups are not eligible.
- Yamuna Basin Challenge: Navachar trackThe YBC track for innovation-led solutions to Yamuna Basin problems; startups and social enterprises can apply.
- Yamuna Basin Challenge: Aadhaar trackThe YBC track for ecological interventions that support conservation and restoration of the Yamuna Basin; open to non-profits and, per its site, startups.