HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 4: HDFC Bank has announced the launch of the eighth edition of its Parivartan Start-up Grants programme, aimed at supporting start-ups working in the social impact sector. This year, more than 15 incubators and accelerators have been onboarded to assist 50–60 start-ups, with selected ventures receiving grants of up to ₹50 lakh. The total budget for the programme stands at ₹20 crore.
Among the incubators shortlisted for this edition are IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Villgro, ICAR Pusa Krishi, IIT Guwahati Bionest, ASPIRE – University of Hyderabad, IIM-Calcutta Innovation Park, i-Hub Gujarat, Kerala Start-Up Mission, and IFMR Catalyst AIC. These institutions will invite applications from social entrepreneurs across India in the coming months. The initiative will culminate in “Demo Day” events, where start-ups will present their ideas to HDFC Bank, investors, corporates, and media, increasing their visibility and growth opportunities.
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The programme aligns with HDFC Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the financial year 2025, it will focus on areas such as AI for Social Good, Climate Innovation, Financial Inclusion, Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Economy, Education and Livelihood Enhancement, and Gender Diversity and Inclusion. Selected start-ups will come from various regions across India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and the North-East.
Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank, emphasized the programme’s role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges. “Our Parivartan Start-up Grants programme is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical societal needs. By nurturing social start-ups that are implementing solutions aimed at achieving SDG targets, we aim to support the creation of sustainable, inclusive solutions for communities across India,” he said.
Arup Rakshit, Group Head of Treasury at HDFC Bank, highlighted the impact of partnerships with incubators and accelerators. “Through strategic partnerships, we are building a robust start-up ecosystem. The programme empowers entrepreneurs with resources and visibility, enabling them to scale impactful solutions and contribute to India’s development journey,” he said.
Since its inception in 2017, the Parivartan Start-up Grants programme has supported over 400 start-ups through more than 120 incubators across the country. Now in its eighth year, the initiative continues to drive meaningful change by investing in social entrepreneurs committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future.
