BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups
Grant funding up to ₹5 Lakh for science-based sustainability innovations, with 6 months of incubation at Venture Center.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Venture Center (Incubator)
- Application deadline
- Closes in 2d (3 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Collaboration Grant is a funding opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups working on science-based innovations with significant social impact. Supported by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) through its Corporate Social Responsibility activities, this grant is managed by Venture Center, an incubator recognized by the Central Government (DST-NSTEDB and DBT – BIRAC).
The program aims to foster technology incubation and support technology entrepreneurs associated with Venture Center. It promotes the development and application of modern and advanced technologies to address pressing socio-economic challenges, particularly in the sustainability domain.
The grant is structured to help validate technology and products by supporting prototype development, pilot studies, and field trials. It also helps in exploring markets, assessing the commercial viability of applications, and attracting investors or licensors. Beyond financial support, the program emphasizes building a robust ecosystem of peers, mentors, investors, and service partners. The program duration is 6 months, ensuring focused and accelerated development for selected projects.
Highlights
- Grant funding up to ₹5 Lakh
- 6-month incubation program at Venture Center
- Focus on sustainability innovations
- Support for Proof of Concept & Prototype Development
- Mentorship & Investor Access
- Eligibility for individuals and registered companies
Who can apply
The project must define an innovative, novel technology solution to a well-defined problem, focusing on Proof of Concept (POC), prototype development/validation, or pilot studies. Pure software development without IP potential and pure academic research are not eligible.
Applicants can be individuals or Private Limited Companies/LLPs. The Project Leader (PL) must be an Indian Citizen, at least 21 years old, and must pursue the project full-time without concurrent commitments. PL must have basic undergraduate training in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine (e.g., PhD, MTech, BTech, BPharm, MD, MBBS, BDS, MSc, MPhil, MDes, MPH, MBA, MSW, or BSc with 1+ year experience).
If applying as a company/LLP, at least 51% of the entity must be beneficially owned by resident Indian citizens. The project must align with one of the focus areas: Waste to Value, Drinking Water, Circular Economy, Clean Energy, or Carbon Capture. Applicants should not have received another grant for the same objective and scope. Grantees must ensure they have all required IP rights and Freedom to Operate for the technology.
BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups 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
Applications for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups are open and the current deadline is Closes in 2d (3 Aug 2026). Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
This program provides grant funding of up to ₹5 Lakh per grantee, disbursed in tranches to support technology advancement. Funds can be used for outsourcing R&D, design engineering, consultancy, testing, raw materials, consumables, fabrication, and patent filing costs (up to 10% of approved project cost) and manpower (up to 10%).
Selected startups also gain access to Venture Center's state-of-the-art incubation facilities for 6 months. This includes comprehensive incubation support, networking with mentors and investors, and access to scientific services, prototyping facilities, and analytical support, all geared towards technology validation and commercialization.
About the provider
BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups is offered by Venture Center, a startup incubator. It is delivered directly by Venture Center 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
The selection of grantees is overseen by a dedicated Project Oversight Committee (POC) constituted by Venture Center. This committee evaluates all applications and makes final selection decisions.
Selection criteria include technical soundness and feasibility of the proposed technology, potential for significant social impact, and the underlying business opportunity. The capabilities and background of the applicant's team, along with the knowledge intensity, novelty, or IP potential of the innovation, are also critical factors. Shortlisted candidates are required to present their project proposals directly to the POC for in-depth assessment.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups, 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
BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups 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 provided?
The program offers grant funding of up to ₹5 Lakh per selected grantee. This amount is disbursed in tranches based on mutually agreed milestones and discussions with Venture Center.
What are the key focus areas for innovation in this program?
The program specifically targets science-based innovations in sustainability across five key domains: Waste to Value, Drinking Water, Circular Economy, Clean Energy, and Carbon Capture. Detailed sub-categories within these areas are outlined in the program guidelines.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Applicants can be either individuals (pre-incorporation) or registered entities such as Private Limited Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). The Project Leader must be an Indian citizen, at least 21 years old, with a background in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine, and committed to full-time project execution. Companies must be at least 51% owned by resident Indian citizens.
What types of projects are not eligible for this grant?
Projects that involve pure software development without significant IP potential or those focused solely on academic research are not eligible. The grant is specifically for technology solutions aimed at Proof of Concept, prototype development, validation, or pilot studies with a clear path to commercialization and social impact.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Grant funds can cover expenses such as outsourcing for R&D, design engineering, consultancy, testing, raw materials, fabrication, manpower (up to 10%), and patent filing costs (up to 10%). Funds cannot be used for loan repayments, rent for own accommodation, new infrastructure creation, or expenses incurred before the project start date.
Is intellectual property (IP) ownership a requirement?
Yes, grantees are required to ensure they possess all necessary IP rights (including any licenses or assignments) to advance their technology. They may also need to demonstrate Freedom to Operate, which could be a condition precedent for grant disbursement. However, grant funds cannot be used to procure technology licenses or assignments.
What is the duration of the program and the project?
The project duration supported by this grant and incubation program is a maximum of 6 months. This intensive period is designed to accelerate the development and validation of the technology and business model.
How much funding does BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups provide?
BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups provides ₹5L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
What is the application deadline for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups?
The application deadline for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups is Closes in 2d (3 Aug 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.
Does BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups take equity?
No. BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups?
BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups is offered by Venture Center, a startup incubator. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for BRBNMPL-Venture Center CSR Grant — ₹5L for Sustainability Startups?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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