How to Apply for Kotak BizLabs Accelerator 2026 — ₹30L Grant for Impact Startups

Selection is a multi-stage evaluation carried out jointly by Kotak Mahindra Bank and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.

1. Application review — every submitted application is screened for eligibility and alignment with programme objectives, then assessed on problem-solution fit, business viability, innovation, impact potential and scalability.
2. Pitching — shortlisted startups are invited to present their business models and impact potential to a selection committee.
3. Committee evaluation — a committee with representatives from Kotak Mahindra Bank and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park scores startups on problem-solution fit, business viability, innovation, impact potential and scalability. The committee's decision is final and binding.

Startups that make the cut then complete onboarding and due diligence, followed by approximately nine months of mentoring sessions, workshops and bootcamps, market and corporate connects, investor interactions and regular progress monitoring, before graduating through Demo Day. Applications are submitted through the official application portal.