Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator — Up to ₹30L Equity-Free Grant — Frequently Asked Questions

It is an accelerator programme from Kotak Mahindra Bank, run as part of the bank's CSR initiative in collaboration with five of India's leading incubators. The programme puts early-revenue-stage startups through a structured six-to-eight-month cycle of funding, mentoring and network-building so they can grow faster.

Registered entities recognised by DPIIT that are already generating revenue, have a market-ready product and an existing customer base. Your solution also needs to align with the programme's focus areas, which include Agritech, Climate Tech, Fintech, Health Tech, EdTech, Electric Mobility, Sustainability, Deep Tech and the Circular Economy. Founders should be ready to use ecosystem resources and industry insight in their growth plans and to build strategic partnerships.

No. The programme is specifically built for startups that have reached market readiness and are earning revenue, so that support goes to ventures with proven product-market fit and a clear growth path. If you do not yet have customers, this cohort is not the right fit.

Successful startups may receive catalytic grant funding of up to ₹30 lakh. The precise amount depends on the programme's evaluation criteria and the assessed potential of the venture. Participants also get opportunities to connect with external investors.

No. There is no transfer of equity from the ventures in the programme. The grant is entirely equity-free, so founders keep complete ownership of their companies.

Kotak BizLabs Season 3 is an intensive six-to-eight-month acceleration programme, during which selected startups receive mentorship, workshops and market access support.

There are no application or participation fees at all. As a CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the programme is fully funded and selected startups incur no cost for taking part.

The final deadline is 6 October 2026. Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is strongly advised — your submission gets considered before the closing date, and the programme may fill up if it receives enough eligible entries sooner.

Start by filling in the comprehensive online application form on the official portal, which asks about your vision, team, product, market traction and business model. You will then need to provide a compelling pitch deck or an introductory video that showcases your product, business model and the solution you are building. Shortlisted applicants go on to a final pitch round before a panel of experts and stakeholders, and the startups that succeed there are inducted into the accelerator.

Plenty. The programme offers hands-on mentorship from industry experts, a tailored curriculum delivered through bootcamps and expert-led workshops, curated networking with partners and fellow entrepreneurs, and direct access to investors and market entry points — including a dedicated Demo Day where startups showcase their innovations.

Applications are submitted through the official Kotak BizLabs portal at https://kotakbizlabs.accubate.app/ext/form/24005/1/apply.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator — Up to ₹30L Equity-Free Grant, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Kotak BizLabs Season 3 Accelerator — Up to ₹30L Equity-Free Grant is offered by Kotak Mahindra Bank, a corporate programme. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.