LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation
IRMA iSEED's flagship incubation program offering up to ₹30L grant for early-stage social enterprises in livelihoods or livability themes.
- Funding amount
- ₹30L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IRMA ISEED Foundation (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (14 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
IRMA iSEED Foundation runs the LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 as its flagship Incubation Program, backed by LIC Housing Finance Limited's CSR initiative. The program aims to nurture the evolving ecosystem of Indian Social Enterprises by providing both financial and technical assistance.
It is designed to incubate 10 startups, helping them build capacity, become market-ready, and scale their businesses to tackle entrenched social and environmental problems. Participants get a chance to secure funding support of up to ₹30 Lakhs, along with expert sector mentorship, technical assistance, and support to build investment-ready, scalable business models. The program also offers access to a powerful network of changemakers and investors.
Cohort 4 is open for applications until 14 November 2025.
Highlights
- Grant funding of up to ₹30 Lakhs per startup (10 startups to be incubated).
- Open to early-stage social enterprises: Startups, FPOs, and FPCs.
- Must have a DPIIT certificate and be for-profit with 6+ months of operations.
- Focus on two themes: Livelihoods (agriculture, handicrafts, food processing) and Livability (sustainable housing, climate action, health).
- Backed by LIC Housing Finance Limited's CSR initiative and run by IRMA iSEED Foundation.
- Applications close on 14 November 2025.
Who can apply
The program is open to early-stage social enterprises including Startups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPC). Applicants must be registered in India with a DPIIT certificate and must be a for-profit entity with more than 6 months of operations on the ground. They must have a sustainable and viable business model with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or service ready stage and onwards.
Enterprises must address one of two core themes:
- Livelihoods: Agriculture, Handicrafts, Food Processing, and allied sectors.
- Livability: Sustainable Housing, Climate Action, Health, and related domains.
Social impact and innovation must be at the heart of the solution.
LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation 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 LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation closed on 14 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive:
- Funding support of up to ₹30 Lakhs (grant).
- Expert sector mentorship and technical assistance.
- Support to build investment-ready, scalable business models.
- Access to a powerful network of changemakers and investors.
- Capacity building to become market-ready and scale operations.
About the provider
LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation is offered by IRMA ISEED Foundation, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IRMA ISEED Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation, 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
LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹30L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Eligible startups can receive a grant of up to ₹30 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for Cohort 4 is 14 November 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Early-stage social enterprises that are for-profit startups, FPOs, or FPCs registered in India with a DPIIT certificate and more than 6 months of operations are eligible. They must have an MVP or service ready and must address either the Livelihoods or Livability theme.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, a DPIIT certificate is mandatory for eligibility.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant program, so no equity is taken.
What kind of support is provided besides funding?
The program offers expert sector mentorship, technical assistance, capacity building, and access to a network of changemakers and investors to help startups become market-ready and scale.
How many startups are selected?
The program aims to incubate 10 startups.
Can I apply if my startup is less than 6 months old?
No, the startup must have more than 6 months of operations on the ground.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the IRMA iSEED Accubate portal: https://irmaiseed.accubate.app/ext/form/13196/1/apply
Who offers LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation?
LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation is offered by IRMA ISEED Foundation, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to LIC HFL - Social Trailblazer Program - Cohort 4 (Incubation Grant) at IRMA iSEED Foundation
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