ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups
ImpactNest 3.0 is a grant-based startup programme run by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre with BHARAT IMPACT, offering up to ₹2.5 lakh along with mentorship and market access to impact-driven ventures.
- Funding amount
- ₹2.5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closes in 3d (19 Sept 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
ImpactNest 3.0 is the third cohort of an incubation-led funding programme from the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC). It is run together with BHARAT IMPACT and backed by the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation.
The programme is built for founders whose products take on serious, real-world problems. Instead of handing over a cash prize and stepping back, it bundles early-stage capital with the operating support a young venture needs to move from a first prototype towards paying customers.
Support covers grant money, hands-on mentoring, industry insight, market access and entry into a wider ecosystem of partners and investors. Ventures also get help with the legal and intellectual property side of company building, and can use advanced laboratory facilities.
Grants of up to ₹2.5 lakh are on offer, and the money is equity-free, so founders keep full ownership of what they build. Cohort 3.0 is open for applications and the selection process is under way.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹2.5 lakh, with no equity dilution
- Run by IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre with BHARAT IMPACT and the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation
- Open to Idea, MVP, Pre-seed, Seed and Early revenue stage startups
- Focused on AgriTech, MedTech, CleanTech, Sustainability, DeepTech, IoT and Social Impact
- Mentorship, market access, legal and IPR help, lab access and follow-on investor access
- Cohort 3.0 applications close on 19 September 2026 (see portal for the exact cut-off)
Who can apply
ImpactNest 3.0 is open to impact-driven startups — ventures built around solving a pressing, real-world challenge rather than chasing a purely commercial niche.
Applicants should be operating in one or more of the sectors the programme backs:
- AgriTech
- MedTech
- CleanTech and Sustainability
- DeepTech and IoT
- Social Impact
The programme works with teams across the early journey. Idea, MVP, Pre-seed, Seed and Early revenue stage startups are all accepted, which means both first-time founders with a concept and ventures already earning revenue can apply.
ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact 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 ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups are open and the current deadline is Closes in 3d (19 Sept 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
Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹2.5 lakh. The funding is non-dilutive — no equity is taken and the amount does not have to be repaid — so founders retain complete ownership of their company.
Cash is only part of the package. Recipients also get:
- Mentorship and deep industry expertise from practitioners in their sector
- Market access, plus support for taking the product to a global launch
- Legal and IPR assistance for company and intellectual property matters
- Access to advanced laboratories for product development and testing
- Ecosystem and networking connections through the cohort and partner network
- Follow-on investment opportunities via a network of investors
- Incubation support through the IIML EIC platform
About the provider
ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups 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 . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications for Cohort 3.0 go to a review committee made up of representatives from IIML EIC, BHARAT IMPACT and industry experts.
The first screening weighs four things: the impact potential of the idea, how innovative it is, the strength of the founding team, and the viability of the business model.
Shortlisted startups may then be invited to later rounds, which can take the form of interviews, presentations, or a pitch in front of a jury panel.
That jury stage decides the final Cohort 3.0 list. Applicants should keep an eye on their inbox after submitting, since communication about selection rounds and interviews is sent by email.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact 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
ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups 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 ImpactNest 3.0 and who runs it?
It is the third cohort of an incubation and grant programme from the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC). BHARAT IMPACT runs it alongside IIML EIC, with support from the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation. Its purpose is to back ventures whose products solve serious real-world problems.
How much funding does ImpactNest 3.0 offer, and does it take equity?
Chosen startups can receive grant money of up to ₹2.5 lakh. The funding is structured as a grant rather than an investment, so the programme takes no stake in your company and the amount does not need to be repaid.
Which sectors are eligible for ImpactNest 3.0?
The programme backs impact-driven ventures working in AgriTech, MedTech, CleanTech, Sustainability, DeepTech, IoT and Social Impact. Your startup should be operating in one or more of these areas and addressing a real-world challenge.
What stage does my startup need to be at to apply?
The programme accepts startups at the Idea, MVP, Pre-seed, Seed and Early revenue stages. That range means both founders who are still developing a concept and teams already generating early revenue can apply.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration, or a specific type of entity?
The programme details available do not list DPIIT or MSME registration as a condition, and no particular entity type is specified. If registration status matters for your application, confirm the eligibility terms on the application portal before you submit.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 3.0?
The programme listing gives a closing date of 19 September 2026. The application instructions separately mention 6 September 2026 with a cut-off of 11:59:59 PM IST, so the two dates differ. Confirm the exact closing date and time on the application portal and submit well before it.
How are startups selected for ImpactNest 3.0?
A committee with representatives from IIML EIC, BHARAT IMPACT and industry experts screens the applications. It looks at impact potential, innovation, team strength and business viability. Shortlisted startups may then go through interviews, presentations or a jury pitch before the final cohort is chosen.
What details and documents do I need for the application?
The form asks for information about your startup, your team, the impact vision behind the venture and your business model. Supporting documents are uploaded through the application portal as instructed there, so keep your pitch material and any proof documents ready before you start filling it in.
What do selected startups get beyond the grant?
Quite a lot. Selected ventures receive mentorship and industry expertise, market access, support for a global launch, legal and IPR assistance, access to advanced laboratories, incubation support and networking within an ecosystem that also opens up follow-on investment opportunities.
How and where do I apply for ImpactNest 3.0?
Applications for Cohort 3.0 are submitted online through the official Accubate application page at bharatimpact.accubate.app. Complete the form with your startup, team, impact and business details, upload any supporting documents the portal asks for, and submit before the deadline. Selection updates and interview calls are sent by email.
Who is eligible to apply for ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups?
ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
How do I apply for ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups
Not sure ImpactNest 3.0 by IIML EIC — ₹2.5L Grant for Impact Startups is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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