4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation
A 4-6 month acceleration program for revenue-generating GreenTech startups offering up to ₹5L equity-free grant, mentorship, and IIITH research connect.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC-IIITH Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Social Impact Innovation Program (SIIP) at AIC-IIITH Foundation, now in its 4th cohort (named Akash ESIIP), is a 4-6 month acceleration program tailored for tech-based social enterprises that are already generating revenue and operating in Environment, Waste Management, or Clean Energy sectors. The program prioritizes GreenTech startups aiming to scale using deep-tech, research, and real-world impact. It provides a milestone-based grant of up to ₹5 lakh (equity-free), acceleration support, networking opportunities, masterclasses, and mentorship from industry experts. Startups also receive help refining their business model and scaling for impact, direct research connects with IIITH faculty and labs, and access to the IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed and CIE IIITH Startup services. Participants with readiness may also take part in demo-days and potentially secure seed funding. The program requires selected startups to take at least one seat for 6 months in the AIC-IIITH incubation space.
Highlights
- Up to ₹5L equity-free grant on a milestone basis
- 4-6 month acceleration program for GreenTech social enterprises
- Priority for startups with IIITH research connect potential
- Access to IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed and faculty/labs
- Must be DPIIT-registered, revenue ≥ ₹1L, for-profit entity
- Requires taking at least one incubation seat for 6 months
Who can apply
The startup must be a tech-based social enterprise solving social or environmental challenges in India, contributing to the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mandatory criteria include: being an India-based entity incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership (with majority Indian shareholding, including OCI & PIO holders); registration with DPIIT; cumulative revenue of ₹1 lakh or more at application time; at least one founder aged over 18; and a for-profit structure. Focus sectors (GreenTech) include Circular Economy/Resource Solutions, Energy (smart grid, clean/renewable, low carbon, efficiency), Green Data (GIS, IoT, AI/ML for industrial efficiency/environmental improvement), Climate Adaptation, Smart Cities, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Tech, Green Building and Construction, Sustainable Mobility, and Sustainable Living. Preference is given to startups that seek to establish a research connect with IIITH labs or can integrate IIITH-developed technologies.
4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
- Milestone-based grant of up to ₹5 lakh (equity-free).
- 4-6 months of acceleration support, including networking, masterclasses, and mentorship from experts.
- Assistance in refining business model and scaling for impact.
- Direct research connects with IIITH faculty and labs.
- Access to IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed and CIE IIITH Startup services.
- Opportunity to participate in demo-days and potentially receive seed funding.
About the provider
4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation is offered by AIC-IIITH Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by AIC-IIITH Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
- Application Submission: Fill out the online application form.
- Screening Rounds: Startups meeting eligibility and deemed best fit are called for screening rounds.
- Final Selection: A panel reviews applications based on sustainability/viability of the business model, potential for social impact, scalability, innovativeness/use of technology, and team strength.
- Due Diligence & Agreement: Selected startups undergo due diligence, submit necessary documents, and sign a program agreement with AIC-IIITH Foundation.
- Program Participation: Startups attend various training and mentoring sessions.
- Grant Disbursement: Funding is provided in multiple tranches, released only after pre-defined milestones are met.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to 4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum grant amount offered?
The program offers a milestone-based grant of up to ₹5 lakh, which is equity-free.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is not specified in the available information.
Which startups are eligible to apply?
Eligible startups must be tech-based social enterprises, for-profit, incorporated in India as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership (with majority Indian shareholding), DPIIT-registered, have cumulative revenue of ₹1 lakh or more, and have at least one founder over 18. They must operate in GreenTech sectors such as circular economy, clean energy, smart cities, sustainable agriculture, etc.
Is DPIIT registration mandatory?
Yes, DPIIT registration is mandatory.
Is MSME registration required?
MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement.
Does the program take equity?
No, the grant is equity-free. The program does not take any equity stake.
What documents are needed for application?
The exact list is not provided, but typical documents include proof of incorporation, DPIIT registration, financial statements showing revenue, and founder details.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via an online form. The apply URL is https://tinyurl.com/53uj445m.
Can non-Indian founders apply?
Majority shareholding must be Indian, but OCI and PIO holders are included as Indian shareholders.
Is there a location requirement?
Selected startups must take at least one seat for 6 months in the AIC-IIITH incubation space.
Who offers 4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation?
4th Akash ESIIP: EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program at AIC-IIITH Foundation is offered by AIC-IIITH Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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