Kotak BizLabs launches Season 2 to back over 75 startups

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. has launched Season 2 of its Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, extending its flagship CSR initiative to empower more than 75 startups across India with mentorship, market access, and funding support.

The year-long programme, running from October 2025 to November 2026, will be conducted in partnership with four leading incubators — IIT Delhi’s FITT, IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL–IIM Bangalore, and T-Hub — covering North, South, West, and Central India.

Read also- Deepika Padukone Appointed As India’s First-Ever Mental Health Ambassador By Union Health Ministry

“Kotak has always believed in backing the entrepreneurial spirit of India—not just in metros, but in Tier-II and Tier-III cities where innovation is thriving,” said Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head of CSR & ESG at Kotak Mahindra Bank. “With Season 2 of the Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, we are scaling our commitment to founders who dare to dream big and build bold.”

The first season of Kotak BizLabs supported 55 startups, offering mentorship and ₹5 crore in grants and seed funding to 32 ventures, which later raised over ₹12 crore in follow-on funding.

In the upcoming season, Kotak aims to engage 800+ startups and fund over 60, with outreach across 20+ cities through roadshows, networking events, and workshops.

“By extending deep mentorship, market access and catalytic funding to promising startups across diverse sectors, this initiative catalyses transformative innovation in Tier-II and Tier-III cities,” said Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL.

Advertisment

Startups in Season 1 spanned agritech, climate tech, fintech, edtech, healthcare, sustainability, and indigenous crafts, driving job creation and attracting new investments. Season 2 aims to scale this impact with wider outreach and deeper funding support.

Applications are now open for DPIIT-registered startups through the Kotak BizLabs portal.

Want to go deeper into the world of startups and entrepreneurship? Check out these categories on VIESTORIES:

Latest Business and Startup News: Discover Funding Trends and Stories Shaping Indian Startups.

Startup Funding News: Your Gateway to Every Funding Update.

Latest Startup News: Stay updated with the latest startup news and trends. Your go-to source for startup ecosystem updates.

Startup Stories: Discover inspiring tales of startups overcoming challenges, and achieving success.

Advertisment