SheConnects Digital Accelerator India 2026 (Round 2)
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Quick Answer
Grant funding and comprehensive support for not-for-profit organizations scaling proven solutions to advance women's digital inclusion across India.
- Funding amount
- ₹85L – ₹4.2Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Reliance Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 4 September 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Reliance Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator is a significant initiative founded by Reliance Foundation and Gates Foundation, with management oversight from GSMA Foundation. This program is dedicated to advancing women's digital inclusion across India by scaling high-impact, proven solutions. In India, the crucial grant funding component is spearheaded by Reliance Foundation.
The Accelerator aims to address critical barriers preventing women and girls from meaningfully participating in the digital world. These barriers often include issues of access, affordability, digital literacy and skills, lack of relevant content and services, online safety and security concerns, and restrictive social norms. By tackling these challenges, the initiative seeks to expand digital access, enhance skills, ensure safety, and create economic opportunities for women throughout the country.
The core of the SheConnects Digital Accelerator India 2026 is to provide substantial grant funding to organizations that have already validated their solutions and are ready to scale. These solutions should either enable women to access the internet for the first time or help existing users derive greater benefits from digital services. Beyond funding, the program fosters innovation, encourages evidence-building, and promotes South-to-South learning to strengthen inclusive digital ecosystems. Selected projects are expected to contribute valuable insights into successful approaches, drive further innovation, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable digital landscape that significantly improves women's lives and 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. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Reliance Foundation is an Indian foundation set up in 2010. It runs scholarships, online skilling courses and grant and leadership programmes, and says its initiatives have reached people across India. Most of its programmes are for students, young people and non-profits, not…
Learn moreThe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commonly known as the Gates Foundation, is the world's largest private charitable foundation. Established in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, the foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It focuses on reducing global…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹85L – ₹4.2Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator India 2026 offers significant grant funding of up to INR 4.2 crores, with funding requests typically ranging from INR 85 lakhs to INR 4.2 crores. This non-repayable capital is designed to enable not-for-profit organizations to scale their proven solutions. Beyond financial support, the program provides invaluable knowledge, expertise, and best practices tailored to address the gender digital divide. Participants will benefit from structured bootcamps, fostering skill development and strategic thinking, alongside dedicated learning exchange opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration. Comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) technical assistance is also provided to ensure project effectiveness and impact. Selected organizations will gain increased visibility to potential partners through profiling in key publications, events, and social media, enhancing their reach and impact.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process designed to identify high-impact and scalable solutions. After the initial Pitch submission, a thorough screening will be conducted by the program's selection committee, which includes representatives from Reliance Foundation, Gates Foundation, and GSMA Foundation. Shortlisted organizations will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal. These comprehensive proposals will then be rigorously assessed by a Fund Panel, comprising subject matter experts and program partners, to determine their alignment with program objectives, potential for impact, scalability, and organizational capacity. The final selection will be based on the panel's recommendations, ensuring that the most promising projects advancing women's digital inclusion are chosen.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Online Pitch
Complete a short online application describing your organization and proposed solution.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator?
The program is exclusively open to not-for-profit organizations that are legally registered and operating within India. Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to gender equality and serving underserved groups.
What is the funding amount available?
Applicants can request grant funding ranging from INR 85 lakhs (₹8.5 million) up to INR 4.2 crores (₹42 million). The exact amount awarded will depend on the project scope and assessment.
What kind of solutions are the partners looking to fund?
We are seeking proven, high-impact solutions that advance meaningful internet adoption and use among women in India. Projects should address barriers like access, affordability, digital skills, relevant content, online safety, and social norms. Solutions must be beyond the idea stage and ready for scaling.
What is the expected duration for proposed projects?
Proposed projects should have a duration of 15 to 18 months. This timeline allows for effective implementation and scaling of the solution.
What kind of support does the Accelerator provide in addition to funding?
Beyond grant funding, the Accelerator offers a robust support package including expert knowledge and best practices, bootcamps, learning exchange opportunities, and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) technical assistance. Participants also gain increased visibility to potential partners.
Is DPIIT Startup India recognition or MSME registration required?
The program is specifically for not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, DPIIT Startup India recognition or MSME registration, which are primarily for for-profit entities, are not required or applicable for this Accelerator.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
