Call for
SBI Foundation LEAP Innovators for Bharat: Innovation for Social Good Program
About Organisation
SBI Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India, is committed to driving positive change through impactful social initiatives. In collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, a premier institution known for its innovation and research excellence, the foundation has launched the LEAP Innovators for Bharat: Innovation for Social Good program. This partnership aims to nurture and empower startups with transformative technologies to address critical societal challenges. By leveraging IIT Kanpur’s robust incubation infrastructure, technical mentorship, and research capabilities, this initiative seeks to create a dynamic platform for innovators. The program reflects SBI Foundation’s broader vision to support indigenous innovation, sustainability, and scalable social impact, especially in sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, and healthcare. Through this collaborative effort, the organization is fostering a strong ecosystem where high-potential startups are provided with the necessary tools, funding, and support to translate innovative ideas into real-world, impactful solutions that benefit communities across India.
About the Grant
The LEAP Innovators for Bharat: Innovation for Social Good program is an initiative of SBI Foundation in partnership with IIT Kanpur, aimed at supporting early- and growth-stage startups in the AgriTech, CleanTech, and Healthcare sectors. This program is designed to promote indigenous, high-impact innovations that solve real social challenges in a scalable and sustainable manner. The selected startups will receive not just financial support, but also technical guidance, mentorship, and strategic networking opportunities. The program provides tailored incubation through IIT Kanpur’s infrastructure and expert network to help these startups strengthen their business models, refine technologies, and accelerate market entry. In addition, startups will benefit from access to investor networks, potential partners, and government and industry stakeholders, enhancing their potential for long-term success. The initiative supports the vision of transforming breakthrough concepts into tangible results, offering a powerful platform for impact-driven startups to grow and thrive in the Indian ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
This grant opportunity is open to startups based and incorporated in India, focusing on innovative solutions in AgriTech, CleanTech, or Healthcare. Applicants must be Private Limited Companies, duly registered with all necessary compliances in place. The startup must have at least one full-time employee actively working on the project. Eligible products or technologies should offer functionalities that are either not available in existing off-the-shelf solutions or present a clear competitive advantage. Solutions must be original, either fully owned or legally licensed by the applying entity, with full freedom to use. The startup should represent a legally recognized entity with a clear structure. Only those companies that are eligible for incubation under IIT Kanpur’s incubation policy will be considered. The focus is on startups at either early or growth stages that are aligned with the themes of the program: agricultural innovation, sustainability, environmental preservation, and improving health and nutrition. This program is ideal for socially-driven entrepreneurs who want to take their ideas to the next level with the help of a structured ecosystem.
How to Apply?
Interested startups must complete the application process as per the guidelines provided by the organizers. The process involves submitting relevant documentation, company details, and a pitch highlighting the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and its impact. Applications will be reviewed based on innovation, feasibility, social impact, and scalability. Selected startups will then be onboarded into the incubation program at IIT Kanpur.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 15 June 2025, ensuring all documentation and eligibility criteria are fulfilled before this date. Late submissions will not be considered.
Last Date to Apply
The final deadline to apply for the LEAP Innovators for Bharat program is 15 June 2025. Startups are encouraged to apply early to allow time for evaluation.
Grant Amount
The program offers funding of INR 8 lakhs each to 24 early-stage startups and INR 12 lakhs each to 6 growth-stage startups, along with incubation and mentorship support.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
