EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort

The EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort, run by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad, is a 4-6 month acceleration program tailored for tech-based social enterprises that already have market revenue. It focuses on startups operating in the Environment, Waste Management, or Clean Energy sectors, with the goal of contributing to a green recovery stimulus in post-Covid India. The program aims to help these enterprises amplify their impact and build sustainable business models.

Participants receive milestone-based grant support of up to ₹5 lakhs, along with bootcamps, workshops, masterclasses, and expert mentorship. They also gain access to CIE IIITH startup services, the IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed, and the institute's technology expertise, lab facilities, and talent pool. Depending on readiness, startups may participate in demo-days and potentially secure seed funding. The program also offers networking opportunities with experienced mentors, investors, and peers.

• Milestone-based grant of up to ₹5 lakhs.
• 4-6 month acceleration program for tech-based social enterprises with revenue.
• Focuses on Environment, Waste Management, Clean Energy, and related green sectors.
• Access to IIITH's Smart City Lab Test Bed, technology expertise, and talent pool.
• DPIIT registration required; minimum ₹1 lakh cumulative revenue at application.
• Opportunities for demo-days and potential seed funding.

Startups must be tech-based social enterprises solving social or environmental challenges in India and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. They should be for-profit and operate in one of these sectors: Circular Economy/Resource Solutions (waste management, water, wastewater), Energy (smart grid, clean/renewable energy, low carbon energy, energy efficiency), Green Data (GIS, IoT, AI/ML for environmental improvement), Climate Adaptation, Smart Cities, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Tech, Green Building and Construction, Sustainable Mobility, or Sustainable Living.

Mandatory criteria: Technology must be integral to the startup. The startup must actively seek to establish a research connect with IIITH. It should work towards benefiting people at the bottom of the pyramid or the larger community and/or making a positive environmental impact. The entity must be India-based and incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership (majority shareholding Indian, including OCI & PIO holders). At least one founder must be over 18 years of age at the time of application. The startup must be registered with DPIIT and have a cumulative revenue of at least INR 1 lakh at the time of application as reflected in accounts.

Preference is given to startups with potential to establish a research connect with IIITH’s research centres and use its research capacity.

EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort 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.

• Milestone-based grant support of up to ₹5 lakhs, released in tranches as milestones are met.
• Bootcamps and workshops on various topics.
• Masterclasses and mentorship provided by experts.
• Support in refining the business model and scaling for impact.
• Access to CIE IIITH startup services.
• Access to the IIITH Smart City Lab Test Bed.
• Access to IIIT-H's technology expertise, lab facilities, and talent pool.
• Opportunity to participate in demo-days and potentially secure seed funding (depending on readiness).
• Networking with experienced mentors, investors, and peers.

EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort is offered by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), IIIT Hyderabad as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

1. Submission of the application form.
2. Screening and final selection based on: meeting all eligibility criteria, sustainability/viability of the business model, potential for social impact, potential for scalability, innovativeness/use of technology, and team strength.
3. Only the best-fit startups are called before the selection panel.
4. Additional information, clarification, or presentation may be requested before a final decision.
5. Selected startups must undergo due diligence and submit documents. Final acceptance is subject to satisfactory completion and signing a program agreement with AIC-IIITH Foundation.
6. Selected startups must take at least one seat for 6 months in the AIC-IIITH incubation space (provided at a concessional rate).
7. Startups are required to attend various training and mentoring sessions.
8. Funding is released in multiple tranches, milestone-based, after milestones are met.
9. Startups must share information on their progress on an ongoing basis.

Before you apply to EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort, 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.

EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program - 4th Cohort 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.