SAAF Cities 2.0 Program by Villgro
By Villgro
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Quick Answer
A 12-month program supporting 3-4 deployment-ready startups with a shared INR 2.4 crore grant pool, technical mentorship, and deployment support for urban waste and wastewater innovations.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 20 January 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Villgro. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
SAAF Cities 2.0 is a national program by Villgro and HDFC Bank Parivartan that supports deployment-ready innovations addressing urban waste and wastewater challenges across Indian cities.
The program focuses on enabling startups to work directly with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to deliver measurable, on-ground impact through digital, circular, and water-focused solutions. Selected enterprises gain access to a shared INR 2.4 crore grant pool along with technical assistance, expert mentorship, and structured deployment support.
Over a 12-month engagement, startups are supported to pilot, validate, and scale their solutions in real-world urban environments, strengthening India’s transition towards sustainability and a circular economy.
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
Villgro Innovations Foundation is India's oldest social enterprise incubator, founded in 2001 by Paul Basil and headquartered at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai. The organisation supports early-stage, innovation-driven enterprises working on solutions for underserved…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2.4Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Selected enterprises receive a share of the INR 2.4 crore grant pool, along with technical assistance, specialised mentorship, connections with ULBs and corporates, and deployment support to test, validate, and scale solutions.
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.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many startups are supported in the program?
The program supports 3 or 4 startups.
What is the program duration?
The program runs for 12 months.
What are the focus areas?
The focus areas are Digitisation of Waste, Waste-to-Value & Waste-to-Energy, Wastewater Management, and Lake Restoration.
What is the grant amount available?
There is a shared INR 2.4 crore grant pool for selected startups.
Who is eligible to apply?
Deployment-ready startups or enterprises with proven pilots or early commercial traction that are ready to work with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Is the program currently accepting applications?
No, applications are closed.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
