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Catalyst for IMPACT 1.0

Equity-free grants for startups

catalyst

Overview

IDFC FIRST Bank's Catalyst for IMPACT is an initiative to enhance the startup ecosystem by providing CSR grants to growth-stage startups addressing problems through science, technology, innovation, and engineering. The program supports social entrepreneurs who use scalable, sustainable business models to tackle social challenges on a large scale, ensuring long-term impact. This year, the bank has incubated two startups in the AgriTech and ClimateTech sectors, offering up to one year of incubation support and equity-free CSR grants. Additionally, IDFC FIRST Bank has partnered with AIC RAISE incubation partner to provide strategic mentorship and guidance to selected startups.

Raheja Solar Food Processing

About A solar-powered food drying venture that reduces post-harvest losses and increases income for smallholder farmers by introducing IoT-enabled solar drying technology to rural farmers, thereby extending shelf life of their produce and boosting farmers' earnings by reducing perishable losses.
Problem Areas Post Harvest Food Loss and wastage
Solution Spoilage and loss of surplus produce is a massive issue worldwide and we aim to reduce it through solar drying technology. Raheja Solar Food Processing (RSFP) manufactures reliable and budget friendly solar dryers. The affordable price supports farmers who often face financial constraints to buy expensive tools for their needs. These affordable solar dryers help farmers reduce post-harvest crop losses due to spoilage.
Bank's Support As part of our support, we subsidize the cost of solar dryers for the rural farmers. By offering an affordable solution, we ensure that farmers can access the technology they need without heavy investment, empowering them to preserve their produce and generate additional income. The bank supported 23 farmers with 27 solar dryers in FY 2024-25.

Golden Feathers

About An impact-driven startup transforming poultry waste into sustainable natural fiber and eco-products while empowering tribal women addressed the problem of food waste by upcycling butchery waste into raw materials for producing paper, yarn, and other products.
Problem Areas Water & Land Pollution, Environment, Carbon emission
Solution By transforming up-cycled Butchery Chicken Waste into high-quality, eco-friendly textiles and paper, we are not only innovating for the betterment of our planet but also empowering communities and fostering environmental stewardship.
Bank's Support With bank’s support, the startup established a paper manufacturing unit to produce environment friendly paper products. The startup has collaborated with Shivjan Kalayan Sansthan to train 20 artisans from ST & SC communities on machine handling for the handmade paper production unit, so that they can be employed post the training thereby generating employment for women from rural communities. The startup also works with ragpickers from various regions to pick waste to be recycled and sanitized, thereby generation livelihoods for them.

Impact since Inception

  • 23farmers
  • 20artisans
  • 27solar dryers
  • 2social startups

Eligibility

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Incorporation

Entity must be incorporated in India.

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Founder

At least one founder/co-founder should be an Indian National, residing in India & above the age of 18 at the time of applying to the program.

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Thematic Focus

Should be working towards innovation/ technology /improvement of products/services/ processes related to agriculture & allied activities, Environment & Climate Action, Assistive / Inclusive technology for disability

alt4

Bottom of Pyramid Focus

It should solve a social problem, with direct impact on under-served / marginalized communities, residing in India.

alt5

Entity Stage

Should have a prototype - Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready.

alt6

Entity Age

Should not exceed 10 years from date of incorporation.

Why Participate

BOOTCAMPS

Attend curated boot camps conducted by startup ecosystem experts

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RECOGNITION

Feature in the IDFC FIRST Report ‘Top 100 Startups To Watch Out For’

EQUITY FREE FUNDING

Receive equity free funding in form of CSR grants

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CSR GRANTS

CSR grants from IDFC FIRST Bank for startups

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INCUBATION SUPPORT

Receive mentorship & incubation support from bank supported CSR eligible incubators

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Leap To Unicorn & Catalyst for Impact Program?

• Leap to Unicorn program is for all eligible startups and gives select startups the access to investors, VCs and other types of funding which may or may not be equity based.

• Catalyst for Impact Program is an equity free, CSR grant funding program that focusses on social startups working on chosen thematic areas. 

Can I apply to both the programs i.e. Catalyst for Impact & Leap to Unicorn?

Yes, you may apply to both the program provided you fulfil eligibility criteria of both programs 

Which startups can apply for the program?

Refer the ‘Eligibility section’ to know more about startup eligibility.

Will you / bank’s partner incubator take equity for grants received as part of Catalyst for Impact?

No, Catalyst for Impact is entirely equity free. You retain full ownership of your startup.

What is the grant amount that the finalists will receive?

Each finalist will receive a grant of up to 50 lakhs, contingent to other parameters decided by IDFC FIRST Bank 

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