IDFC FIRST Bank Catalyst for Impact Program

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Overview
Start-up
Eligibility
Participate
Road Map
FAQs

Overview

The IDFC FIRST Bank IGNITE Program believes that innovation and entrepreneurship are powerful enablers of inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our commitment to nation‑building through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we are proud to partner with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay, to launch the IGNITE Program.

IGNITE is a flagship initiative designed to support early‑ to growth‑stage startups and entrepreneurs across India working in the domains of GreenTech, HealthTech, and AI for Social Good. The program aims to help innovators translate promising ideas into scalable, real‑world solutions that address critical social and environmental challenges.

Through this collaboration, IDFC FIRST Bank will provide CSR grants of up to ₹30 lakh per startup, along with access to:

Structured mentorship from industry and domain experts
Technical and product development guidance
Business and market‑linkage support
The advanced research and innovation ecosystems of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay

By combining financial support with deep institutional expertise, the IGNITE Program seeks to accelerate the growth of impactful startups and strengthen India’s innovation landscape.

This year we supported 23 startups in partnership with SINE & FITT and 27 startups via the Startup Maharathi Program which is a subcategory of IGNITE program aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem by enabling high‑potential entrepreneurs to scale with purpose and resilience. Designed to support startups at critical growth stages, the program focuses on building capability, market readiness, and long‑term sustainability, while encouraging innovation that delivers meaningful economic and social impact.

Eligibility Criteria ( IGNITE)

Startups applying to the IGNITE Program must meet the following criteria:

Registered with DPIIT (Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
Product or solution with clear social impact aligned to ESG goals
Operating in GreenTech / ClimateTech, HealthTech, or AI for Social Good
Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above
Fulfil any additional criteria as specified by the program partners

Click here to read more about the Program & Apply to FITT, IIT Delhi ( Last date to apply 10th November 2026)

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

50FY 2024 Batch
41FY 2025 Batch
3States

Eligibility to apply for the IGNITE program

Registered with DPIIT (Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)

Product or solution with clear social impact aligned to ESG goals

Operating in GreenTech / ClimateTech, HealthTech, or AI for Social Good

Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above

Fulfil any additional criteria as specified by the program partners

Why Participate

BOOTCAMPS

Attend curated boot camps conducted by startup ecosystem experts

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

CSR GRANTS

CSR grants from IDFC FIRST Bank for startups

INCUBATION SUPPORT

Receive mentorship & incubation support from bank supported CSR eligible incubators

1
Registration & Application Submission
2
Shortlisting
3
Bootcamps
4
Video Pitch Submission
5
Panel Review / Pitch Presentation
6
Due Diligence of Select Startups
7
Finalist Announcement
8
Onboarding & Incubation

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

More FAQs

IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App

Drop a ‘Hi 👋’ on 9555 555 555

Call us on 1800 10 888

Locate our nearby

IGNITE Program

Overview

Start-up

Eligibility

Participate

Road Map

FAQs

Overview

Raheja Solar Food Processing

Golden Feathers

Impact

Eligibility to apply for the IGNITE program

Why Participate

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Which startups can apply for the program?

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

What is the grant amount that the finalists will receive?

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