FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC
Fintech accelerator by IIM Lucknow EIC & HDFC Bank offering up to ₹1Cr grant for Agritech, Climate & Sustainability startups.
- Funding amount
- ₹1Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
FinNest 1.0 is a fintech acceleration program jointly launched by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC) in collaboration with HDFC Bank under the bank's Parivartan initiative. The program specifically targets startups working on technology-led solutions that drive financial inclusion, with a core focus on Agriculture, Climate, and Sustainability domains.
The program is designed to help early-stage fintech and finance-enabled innovations scale their impact by providing a structured acceleration journey, mentorship, ecosystem access, and pilot opportunities. At its heart is a total grant corpus of ₹1 Crore, which will be distributed among select startups.
Bringing together academic expertise from IIM Lucknow HDFC Bank's corporate resources, FinNest 1.0 aims to support ventures that align with green growth, inclusive finance, and sustainable development. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2026.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹1 Crore from a total corpus of ₹1 Crore.
- Acceleration program by IIM Lucknow EIC and HDFC Bank under Parivartan initiative.
- Focus on financial inclusion via solutions in Agriculture, Climate, and Sustainability.
- Structured support including mentorship, ecosystem access, and pilot opportunities.
- Application deadline: January 15, 2026.
Who can apply
FinNest 1.0 is open to Indian startups that leverage technology to promote financial inclusion. Eligible ventures must operate in sectors such as Agriculture, Climate, or Sustainability, building fintech or finance-enabled solutions that create social or environmental impact. Teams should be willing to participate in an intensive acceleration and mentorship program. Startups aligned with green growth, sustainability, and inclusive finance objectives are encouraged to apply.
Note: The program does not specify constraints on startup stage, industry sub-category, registered state, entity type, DPIIT/MSME registration status, or founder background in the reported facts.
FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC 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
The most recent application window for FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC closed on 15 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive grant funding up to ₹1 Crore from a total corpus of ₹1 Crore. In addition to financial support, participating ventures benefit from a structured acceleration journey that includes:
- Mentorship from industry experts and IIM Lucknow faculty
- Access to HDFC Bank's ecosystem and potential pilot opportunities
- Networking and exposure to investors and partners
The program aims to help startups scale their impactful fintech solutions.
About the provider
FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC is offered by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre 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 stages have not been disclosed. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early and prepare to demonstrate how their solution promotes financial inclusion and addresses challenges in Agriculture, Climate, or Sustainability.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC, 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
FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does FinNest 1.0 offer?
The program provides grant funding up to ₹1 Crore per startup, drawn from a total grant corpus of ₹1 Crore.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
Is this a grant or equity funding?
It is a grant program; no equity is taken.
Which startups are eligible?
Indian startups leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion, specifically focused on Agriculture, Climate, or Sustainability domains.
Does the program require DPIIT or MSME registration?
No such requirement has been stated.
What stage of startup can apply?
The eligibility does not specify a minimum stage; startups willing to participate in the acceleration program are considered.
Can startups from any Indian state apply?
There is no geographic restriction reported.
What type of entity is eligible?
No specific entity type has been mentioned; startups registered as any legal entity can likely apply.
What documents are needed?
Required documents have not been detailed. It is advisable to have a pitch deck, business plan, and relevant financials ready.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via the online form at https://parivartan.accubate.app/ext/form/13790/1/apply?source=startupgrantsindia.com
Who is eligible to apply for FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC?
FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC?
FinNest 1.0 Fintech Acceleration Program at IIML EIC is offered by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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