Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth Foundation
12-week accelerator for women-led SMEs in South Asia scaling clean energy and low-carbon solutions, offering access to a $6M blended finance facility, mentorship, and growth perks.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Massive Earth Foundation (VC/Investor)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Oct 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Project SAFFAL (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) is a 12-week accelerator program run by the Massive Earth Foundation. It is purpose-built for women-led SMEs across South Asia that are already deploying clean energy or low-carbon technologies. The program tackles the twin challenges of financing and capacity gaps that hold back enterprises working at the intersection of climate action and gender equity.
Selected SMEs receive tailored technical assistance covering business development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies. They also gain direct connections to investors, markets, and ecosystem partners through an Investors Connect initiative. Participants get strategic guidance and mentorship on topics such as financial modeling, valuation, and go-to-market planning. Additionally, the program offers complimentary growth perks and credits from partners like Google Cloud, Microsoft, and HubSpot.
The ultimate goal is to help 100 SMEs scale their impact while unlocking access to a blended finance facility worth $6 million in catalytic capital.
Highlights
- 12-week accelerator for women-led SMEs in South Asia.
- Access to a $6 Million blended finance facility.
- Capacity building with tailored technical assistance for 100 SMEs.
- Direct investor connections via Investors Connect and Demo Day.
- Complimentary growth perks from Google Cloud, Microsoft, and HubSpot.
- Focus on clean energy, low-carbon technology, and gender equity.
Who can apply
The program is open to startups or SMEs that are women-led and registered as a legal entity. The enterprise must be based or operating in one of the following countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka.
Your business must operate in or strongly align with climate-tech, clean energy, or low-carbon technology sectors. Specific focus areas include Carbon Removal, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Fuel Switching, Waste Management, and Agri-Tech (Sustainable Agriculture). You must already be using clean or renewable energy solutions in your operations. A demonstrable environmental and/or social impact is required.
Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth 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 Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth Foundation closed on 31 Oct 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Participants gain access to a $6 Million blended finance facility that provides catalytic capital. The program also offers a Capacity Building Accelerator Program supporting 100 SMEs with tailored technical assistance in business development, financial literacy, and scaling strategies. Direct connections to investors (Investors Connect), markets, and ecosystem partners are facilitated. Strategic guidance and mentorship cover Financial Modelling, Valuation, and Go-to-Market Strategy. Additionally, startups receive complimentary growth perks and credits from partners such as Google Cloud, Microsoft, and HubSpot.
About the provider
Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth Foundation is offered by Massive Earth Foundation, a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by Massive Earth Foundation 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 official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted via the provided online form. Evaluation and selection of startups begin after the application deadline of October 31, 2025. Shortlisted startups then join the SAFFAL Bootcamp, a 3-month online program starting December 1, 2025, featuring intensive sessions and mentorship. Following the bootcamp, the top startups of the cohort participate in an in-person Demo Day (tentatively in March 2026) to pitch to investors. Finally, selected startups gain access to the $6M blended finance facility and may receive investment from Massive Earth Foundation on a case-by-case basis.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Project SAFFAL offer?
The program provides access to a $6 Million blended finance facility (catalytic capital). Additionally, selected startups may receive investment from Massive Earth Foundation on a case-by-case basis.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025.
Who is eligible to apply?
Women-led SMEs that are legally registered entities and based or operating in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka. The enterprise must already use clean or renewable energy solutions and operate in climate-tech, clean energy, or low-carbon technology sectors such as Carbon Removal, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Fuel Switching, Waste Management, or Agri-Tech.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The program does not explicitly require DPIIT or MSME registration, but applicants must be a legal and registered entity.
Does the program take equity?
The program is a grant-based accelerator. Access to the blended finance facility is non-dilutive, and any investment from Massive Earth Foundation is determined case-by-case.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The application is submitted via an online form. Specific document requirements are not listed, but you will likely need details about your business, clean energy usage, and impact.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the provided link: https://forms.massivefoundation.org/saffal?utm_source=startupgrantsindia.com
What is the timeline of the program?
Applications close on October 31, 2025. The 3-month online bootcamp starts December 1, 2025, and the in-person Demo Day is tentatively scheduled for March 2026.
Is the program open to startups at any stage?
The program targets SMEs that are already operating and using clean energy solutions. It does not specify a particular stage, but it is designed for scaling enterprises.
Can a business apply if it is not yet using clean energy?
No, enterprises must already be using clean or renewable energy solutions in their operations to be eligible.
Who offers Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth Foundation?
Project SAFFAL Accelerator (South Asia Finance Facility for Acceleration and Leverage) by Massive Earth Foundation is offered by Massive Earth Foundation, a venture-capital firm. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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