Call for Applications: Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission (India)

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The IIT Mandi Catalyst Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission supports young SC and Divyang innovators in India to convert technology-driven ideas into startups. The program offers equity funding up to INR 30 lakhs, mentorship, and guidance under the IFCI Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SC), with a focus on socially impactful and commercially viable ventures.

Overview

The mission aims to:

• Support young SC and Divyang innovators in building startups

• Foster inclusive entrepreneurship and empowerment of underrepresented communities

• Nurture innovative, technology-driven business ideas

• Provide financial support in the form of equity funding

• Encourage startups with social impact or societal problem-solving focus

Funding Details

• Equity support: Up to INR 30 lakhs per startup

• Stage of startups supported: Ideation, prototyping, or pre-revenue

• Type of funding: Equity investment under IFCI Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SC)

• Support includes: Mentorship, guidance, and incubation services

Eligible Applicants

• Students, youth, and innovators within educational institutions or Technology Business Incubators (TBIs)

• Startups that have won hackathons such as the Smart India Hackathon

• Startups receiving support from CSR initiatives of companies

• Priority given to new, creative ideas with potential social impact

Program Objectives

• Convert innovative ideas into commercially viable startups

• Promote inclusive entrepreneurship among SC and Divyang innovators

• Enable the development of technology-driven solutions addressing societal challenges

• Foster a supportive ecosystem with mentorship and financial backing

Why This Program Matters

• Addresses underrepresentation in entrepreneurship among SC and Divyang communities

• Supports startups with high societal impact potential

• Provides equity funding, mentorship, and incubation to help early-stage ideas scale

• Encourages innovation and problem-solving that can benefit society and communities

How to Apply

1. Applicants must be SC or Divyang students, youth, or innovators within educational institutions or TBIs

2. Submit an application with a detailed business idea or prototype

3. Highlight social impact, innovation, and technology focus

4. Include details of hackathon wins, CSR support, or prior achievements, if applicable

5. Selected applicants receive mentorship and equity funding under VCF-SC

Expected Outcomes

• Creation of socially impactful startups

• Development of technology-driven solutions

• Strengthened inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem

• Empowerment of SC and Divyang innovators

Conclusion

The Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission by IIT Mandi Catalyst provides crucial support for underrepresented innovators to transform technology-driven ideas into successful startups. With equity funding, mentorship, and incubation, the program fosters inclusive entrepreneurship while encouraging innovation that addresses societal challenges in India.

For more information, visit IIT Mandi Catalyst.