Deadline Date: November 30, 2025
Kotak BizLabs Season 2 has been launched to identify and support social impact and sustainability-focused startups from tier-2 and tier-3 cities across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
The focus areas of this opportunity are the second edition of Kotak BizLabs in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank to create tomorrow’s startup capitals in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, building on the success of the first cohort, Kotak BizLabs Season 2 is designed to identify and support social impact and sustainability-focused startups from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, harmonized tailored training, expert-led mentoring, and acceleration support to help startups strengthen their foundations and scale their impact, with a focus on sourcing innovation from Bharat, Kotak BizLabs nurtures entrepreneurs to build resilient, impactful businesses and drive sustainable change.
The grant funding of up to INR 30 lakhs for 15 high-potential startups, tailored mentorship, specialized training, and access to expert networks for solving technology and business challenges, a 3-day intensive bootcamp at the IIM Ahmedabad Campus for the top 25 selected startups in January 2026, handholding from pitching-to-deal closure, startups with an existing customer base with monthly revenue offering innovative, commercialisation-ready products or solutions, social impact startups into Agritech, Climate Tech, Fintech, Inclusive Tech, Sustainability, Ed Tech, Healthcare, Indigenous Art & Craft, Clean Tech, Waste Management, Sustainable Manufacturing, Deep Tech for Impact, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Enterprise/AI solutions.
Kotak BizLabs Season 2 aims to build on the strong foundation created by its first edition by expanding its reach across key states and emerging startup locations. By focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the program seeks to widen access to entrepreneurial support and identify high-potential innovations emerging from Bharat. This approach aligns with the vision of creating inclusive and regionally diverse startup ecosystems.
The program offers grant funding of up to INR 30 lakhs to 15 selected startups, enabling them to strengthen operations, scale effectively, and deepen their impact. Along with funding, startups receive tailored training that addresses both business and technical challenges, with support delivered through expert mentors and specialized modules.
A key highlight of the opportunity is the intensive three-day bootcamp hosted at the IIM Ahmedabad campus for the top 25 shortlisted startups. This bootcamp will provide hands-on guidance, strategic insights, and exposure to leading industry experts, supporting founders as they refine their business models and growth strategies.
Startups selected for the portfolio support stage will receive continuous handholding from pitching to deal closure, ensuring they are equipped to navigate investor interactions and secure suitable partnerships. Eligible startups must already have an existing customer base with monthly revenue and offer innovative products or solutions that are ready for commercialization.
The sectors covered under this opportunity include a wide spectrum of impact-driven fields such as agritech, climate tech, fintech, sustainability, healthcare, clean tech, waste management, ed tech, indigenous art and craft, deep tech for impact, supply chain and logistics, and enterprise or AI-based solutions.
For more information, visit IIMA Ventures.
