Leaders from partner organizations highlight that BizLabs’ outcome-driven and inclusive approach is redefining CSR engagement and fostering scalable impact among first-time founders.

The second season of Kotak Mahindra Bank's BizLabs Accelerator Program, running from October 2025 to November 2026, aims to support over 75 startups across India, with a focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, emphasizing inclusivity and regional development.

In its first season, the program received over 1,500 applications, engaged numerous founders, and helped 32 startups secure funding, demonstrating significant impact in sectors like agritech, fintech, and healthcare.

Kotak’s initiative reflects a strategic investment in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, aiming to create impactful jobs, attract follow-on capital, and foster an innovation-led economy.

By supporting startups outside traditional venture capital hubs, BizLabs helps bridge gaps in mentorship, market access, and seed capital, reinforcing India’s position as a burgeoning global startup ecosystem.

Overall, Kotak’s initiative underscores its commitment to nurturing early-stage startups and building a sustainable, innovation-driven economy in India.

This initiative targets startups in sectors such as deep-tech, sustainability, clean energy, fintech, edtech, agritech, and healthtech, expanding its geographic reach across North, South, West, and Central India.

Building on the success of Season 1, which supported over 500 founders and accelerated 55 startups in diverse sectors, the program plans to engage more than 800 startups, accelerate over 75, and support over 60 ventures with funding, reaching more than 20 cities.

The program is part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR efforts, designed to support early-revenue startups with mentorship, funding, and market access, particularly focusing on social and environmental impact.

Partnerships with institutions like IIT Delhi’s FITT, IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, IIMA Ventures, and T-Hub strengthen mentorship, industry access, and incubation for participating startups.

The program’s second year aims to expand its outreach through knowledge sessions and roadshows, engaging over 800 startups, and providing funding to more than 60 ventures, with activities increasing across more than 20 cities.