Next Bharat Residency Program

The Next Bharat Residency Program, operated by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited (an initiative backed by Suzuki), aims to propel impact-first startups addressing India's vast and underserved rural and informal urban populations. These markets, referred to as 'India 3' and 'India 2' respectively, encompass over a billion people with annual household incomes between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹10 lakh. The program's core belief is that ventures serving these communities will be central to India's next phase of inclusive economic growth.

The program is structured as a three-month hybrid residency. It begins with an intensive three-week, in-person phase based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after which the engagement transitions to a virtual format for the remainder of the period. Participating startups qualify for an equity investment of up to ₹5 crore, supplemented by a nominal living stipend during the in-person component to cover basic expenses.

Beyond financial support, the residency offers hands-on mentorship to navigate the operational, market, and regulatory challenges distinct to rural and informal-sector enterprises. A key advantage is the exposure to the Suzuki group's corporate networks in both India and Japan, providing valuable market access and partnership opportunities. Additionally, founders become part of a Pan-India community of like-minded impact entrepreneurs, facilitating experience sharing and long-term collaboration. Past cohorts have included startups engaged in sustainable agriculture, food processing, artisan crafts, dairy, waste management, and other rural livelihood sectors.

• Equity funding of up to ₹5Cr for impact startups going after rural and informal urban markets.
• 3-month hybrid: 3 weeks in-person in Bengaluru followed by virtual sessions.
• Direct access to Suzuki's corporate network in India and Japan for partnerships.
• Dedicated mentorship covering scaling in underserved areas.
• Nominal living stipend included during the Bengaluru stay.
• Past cohorts tackled agritech, food processing, artisan crafts, waste management, and more.
• Open to revenue-stage companies with social impact + commercial viability.

This program is open to for-profit companies that are already generating revenue and demonstrating early market traction, specifically targeting India's urban informal economy (India 2) or rural economy (India 3). Eligible ventures should aim to increase incomes for low-income communities and be planning to raise equity funding in the next 3-6 months. The company's top equity holder must commit to full-time attendance during the entire program, including all in-person sessions; co-founders may attend as needed but cannot substitute the primary founder. The program is particularly suited to impact-focused businesses in sectors like agriculture, food processing, rural livelihoods, artisan crafts, waste management, and other similarly aligned areas, where ventures generate measurable social alongside commercial returns. Applicants must be structured as a private limited company or an LLP. There are no state-level restrictions, and DPIIT or MSME registration is not required.

Next Bharat Residency Program is open to startups at the revenue stage working in agri food rural, edtech social impact and climate energy ev. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited and llp.

Next Bharat Residency Program accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Selected startups receive an equity investment of up to ₹5 crore. A living stipend is provided during the three-week in-person residency in Bengaluru to help cover basic expenses. Additionally, participants access experienced mentors to address the unique operational, market, and regulatory obstacles of rural/informal sectors. The program grants exposure to the Suzuki group's extensive corporate networks in India and Japan, facilitating valuable market access and strategic partnerships. Founders become part of a national community of impact entrepreneurs, ensuring extended peer support and networking. All these benefits come within the format of a three-month hybrid residency.

Next Bharat Residency Program is offered by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are reviewed initially by the Next Bharat team based on impact focus, revenue traction, and scalability. Those shortlisted go through 2-3 rounds of interviews, which evaluate mission fit, commitment, and growth potential. Following the interviews, investment representatives conduct an on-site field visit to the startup's operations to assess its ground reality. Selected candidates are then notified and onboarded.

Before you apply to Next Bharat Residency Program, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

Next Bharat Residency Program is best suited for revenue-stage agri food rural, edtech social impact and climate energy ev startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.