IDFC FIRST Bank Catalyst for Impact Program

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Overview
Start-up
Eligibility
Participate
Road Map
FAQs

Overview

At IDFC FIRST Bank, we believe that innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of inclusive growth. As part of our CSR commitment to nation-building, we are proud to partner with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT Mumbai, to launch the IGNITE Program — an initiative designed to nurture early- to growth-stage innovators and entrepreneurs across India in the areas of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Health Tech.
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Through this collaboration, IDFC FIRST Bank will support startups with CSR grants of up to ₹20–30 lakhs, along with structured mentorship, technical guidance, business support, and access to the cutting-edge research ecosystems of FITT, IIT Delhi and SINE, IIT Mumbai. This initiative aims to help innovators transform their concepts into viable solutions for real-world challenges. Read less

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 since Inception

23farmers
20artisans
27solar dryers
2social startups

Eligibility to apply for the IGNITE program

Startup must be Registered with DPIIT

For-profit entity (Pvt. Ltd./LLP/OPC), under 7 years old

Product with social impact aligned to ESG goals

Clear roadmap for commercialization & scale

No defaults or blacklisting by any agency

Works in Sustainability, Green Tech, Climate Action, or AI for Social Good ( For Applications to FITT)

Works in Sustainability, Green Tech, Climate Action, or AI for Social Good, Health Tech ( For Applications to SINE)

Technology Readiness Level 6+

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 since Inception

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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