ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program
IIM Lucknow's ImpactNest 2.0 is an accelerator program for impact-driven startups, offering up to ₹2.5L grant, mentorship, and co-incubation support.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (8 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
ImpactNest 2.0 is a flagship social impact acceleration program jointly led by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre and BHARAT IMPACT, with support from the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation. The program targets startups building scalable, high-impact solutions for critical societal and environmental challenges. Participants receive structured acceleration, co-incubation support, and deep engagement with industry and ecosystem partners. The program provides access to institutional expertise, corporate partnerships, advanced infrastructure, and funding opportunities to enable sustainable growth and measurable impact. It emphasises innovation, scalability, and long-term value creation, helping startups refine business models, strengthen go-to-market strategies, and prepare for future investments while staying aligned with their social impact goals.
Highlights
- Up to ₹2.5L grant for impact-driven startups
- Jointly run by IIM Lucknow EIC, BHARAT IMPACT, and supported by Jubilant Bhartia Foundation
- Open to startups in AgriTech, Sustainability, Climate, MedTech, DeepTech, EdTech, and other social impact domains
- Accepts startups at prototype, MVP, or early revenue stage
- Structured acceleration and co-incubation support with access to corporate partnerships and advanced infrastructure
Who can apply
To be eligible, startups must be impact-driven and focused on building scalable solutions with measurable social or environmental outcomes. Eligible domains include but are not limited to AgriTech, Sustainability, Climate, MedTech, DeepTech, EdTech, and Social Impact. Applicants should be at the prototype, MVP, or early revenue stage and demonstrate a strong commitment to impact-led innovation. The program is open to Indian startups that are willing to actively engage in mentorship, acceleration activities, and ecosystem collaborations throughout the cohort duration.
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program 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 ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program closed on 8 Feb 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 up to ₹2.5L as a grant. Beyond funding, the program offers structured acceleration, co-incubation support, access to institutional expertise, corporate partnerships, and advanced infrastructure to help startups achieve sustainable growth and measurable impact.
About the provider
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program 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
Applications are reviewed by program partners based on impact potential, innovation, scalability, and team capability. Shortlisted startups may be invited for further evaluation, interactions, or presentations. Final selection is made jointly by IIML EIC, BHARAT IMPACT, and Jubilant Bhartia Foundation. Selected startups are onboarded into the ImpactNest 2.0 cohort for acceleration and co-incubation support.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program, 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
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total funding offered in ImpactNest 2.0?
The program offers up to ₹2.5L as a grant to selected startups.
What is the application deadline for ImpactNest 2.0?
The deadline to apply is February 8, 2026.
Which stages of startups are eligible for this accelerator?
Startups at the prototype, MVP, or early revenue stage are eligible to apply.
What sectors does ImpactNest 2.0 focus on?
The program is open to startups in AgriTech, Sustainability, Climate, MedTech, DeepTech, EdTech, and other domains that address social or environmental challenges.
Is ImpactNest 2.0 open to startups from all Indian states?
The program is open to Indian startups, and there is no specific state restriction mentioned.
What type of entity is eligible? Must it be DPIIT or MSME registered?
The eligibility does not explicitly require DPIIT or MSME registration. Any impact-driven Indian startup is welcome, but you should check the application form for specific entity requirements.
Does the program take equity from startups?
No. The funding is provided as a grant, which is non-dilutive — no equity is taken.
How do I apply for ImpactNest 2.0?
Applications are submitted through the official online form at the provided URL. The application is reviewed by program partners, and shortlisted startups may be invited for further evaluation.
What are the selection criteria?
Selections are based on impact potential, innovation, scalability, and team capability. Final selection is made jointly by IIML EIC, BHARAT IMPACT, and Jubilant Bhartia Foundation.
What are the documents required to apply?
The application details is available on the application page (bharatimpact.accubate.app/ext/form/18806/1/apply). Typically, startup pitch decks, business plans, or impact reports may be requested during the evaluation process.
How much funding does ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program provide?
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program provides ₹2.5L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Who is eligible to apply for ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program?
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program?
ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program is offered by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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Alternatives to ImpactNest 2.0 Accelerator Program
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