MUMBAI (India CSR): Taking a significant step towards fostering social innovation, HDFC Bank has announced the eighth edition of its Parivartan Start-up Grants programme, one of India’s largest social impact funding initiatives. This year, the bank will allocate Rs. 20 crore to support 50–60 promising social start-ups, offering grants of up to Rs. 50 lakh each.
By partnering with 15+ leading incubators and accelerators, the programme aims to nurture early-stage ventures tackling critical social challenges, ensuring that innovative solutions reach underserved communities.
Building a Stronger Start-Up Ecosystem for Social Impact
The Parivartan Start-up Grants programme has been a catalyst for innovation in India’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since its inception in 2017, it has:
- Supported 400+ social start-ups
- Partnered with 120+ incubation centres nationwide
- Helped start-ups scale solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
For FY25, HDFC Bank has onboarded renowned incubators and accelerators, including:
- 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
- IFMR Catalyst AIC
These institutions will invite applications, provide mentorship, and help scale innovative social enterprises, culminating in Demo Day events where start-ups will showcase their solutions to investors, corporates, and media for additional funding and growth opportunities.
Focus Areas for FY25: Innovation with Purpose
HDFC Bank’s Parivartan Start-up Grants programme is aligned with India’s developmental priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In FY25, the programme will focus on:
- AI for Social Good – Leveraging artificial intelligence for social impact, from healthcare to education.
- Climate Innovation – Sustainable solutions for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
- Financial Inclusion – Expanding access to financial services for underserved communities.
- Agriculture & Rural Economy – Innovations to boost productivity and sustainability in farming.
- Education & Livelihood Enhancement – Empowering youth with skill development and employment opportunities.
- Gender Diversity & Inclusion – Promoting women-led enterprises and initiatives for social equity.
The programme will support entrepreneurs from diverse regions, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and the North-East.
Leadership Speaks: Driving Impact Through Collaboration
Highlighting the programme’s significance, Kaizad Bharucha, DMD, HDFC Bank, stated:
“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 working towards SDG targets, we aim to create sustainable, inclusive solutions that benefit communities across India.”
Arup Rakshit, Group Head, Treasury, HDFC Bank, emphasized the role of collaboration in driving impact:
“Through strategic partnerships with incubators and accelerators, 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. We aim to create a better future by supporting ventures that bring meaningful social change.”
Scaling Impact: A Vision for the Future
With eight years of success, the Parivartan Start-up Grants programme continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and social progress. As the 2025 edition takes shape, HDFC Bank remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are solving real-world challenges and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable India.
(India CSR)
