HDFC Bank has launched a new initiative to support startups addressing critical social challenges in areas like AI for social good, climate innovation, financial inclusion, agriculture, and sustainable rural development. Additional focus areas include education, livelihood enhancement, and promoting gender diversity and inclusion. Selected startups will receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh.

The bank has partnered with 15 leading incubators and accelerators, including IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Villgro, and ICAR Pusa Krishi, to identify impactful social ventures across India. These institutions will help invite applications from entrepreneurs working on solutions with a significant social impact.

The program will culminate in a series of “Demo Day” events, where funded startups will have the opportunity to showcase their work to investors, corporates, and the media, enhancing their visibility and access to funding opportunities. Startups selected will represent regions including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and the northeastern states.

Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director at HDFC Bank, reiterated the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation to address pressing societal needs, while Arup Rakshit, Group Head of Treasury, emphasized the importance of incubator partnerships in building a robust startup ecosystem. Since 2017, HDFC Bank’s Parivartan initiative has supported over 400 startups through more than 120 incubators. This new round of grants is part of the bank’s ongoing effort to promote social entrepreneurship and drive sustainable impact.