Social Innovation Summit 2026
A competition for social entrepreneurs and startups building sustainable solutions for society and the environment — ₹50,000 grants for top 3 finalists plus mentorship at COEP's Bhau Institute, Pune.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.5L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Social Innovation Summit 2026 is the 3rd edition of a competition hosted by COEP's Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership, a DST-supported startup incubator in Pune. The challenge invites social entrepreneurs, innovators, and early-stage startups to develop sustainable solutions in healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, waste management, grassroots innovation, and SDG-aligned fields.
COEP's Bhau Institute has supported over 380 startups, created more than 1,500 jobs, and facilitated over 141 intellectual properties. The summit aims to nurture social entrepreneurs who build businesses with measurable environmental and societal impact. The top 3 finalists each receive a ₹50,000 grant, incubation, and mentorship at the institute, while all top 10 shortlisted teams receive a certificate and memento.
Who Should Apply Social entrepreneurs, innovators, early-stage startups, and students working on sustainability-focused solutions at the Prototype, MVP, or Commercialization stage. Teams and individual founders are welcome.
Focus Areas Healthcare, Agriculture, Environment, Clean Energy, Waste to Wealth, Grassroots Innovation, SDG-Aligned Innovation, and Sustainable Development.
Format & Timeline Applications are open until June 5, 2026. The summit takes place in the 4th week of August 2026 at COEP's Bhau Institute in Pune. The top 10 shortlisted innovations will present before a jury, and winners will be announced at the closing ceremony. Shortlisted innovators must arrange their own travel and accommodation. Detailed pitch deck templates and guidelines are available on the official website.
How to Apply Register and submit your innovation idea via the official Google Form linked on the Bhau Institute website. The deadline is June 5, 2026.
Highlights
- 3rd edition of the Social Innovation Summit hosted by COEP's Bhau Institute, a DST-supported incubator.
- Top 3 winners each receive ₹50,000 cash grant plus incubation and mentorship.
- All top 10 shortlisted teams receive a certificate and memento.
- Open to social entrepreneurs, startups, and students at prototype, MVP, or commercialization stage.
- Focus on healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, waste management, and SDG-aligned solutions.
- Applications close June 5, 2026; summit held in Pune during the 4th week of August 2026.
Who can apply
Open to social entrepreneurs, innovators, early-stage startups, and students working on sustainability-focused solutions at the Prototype, MVP, or Commercialization stage. Teams and individual founders are welcome. No geographic restriction is explicitly stated, but participants must be able to travel to or present at the summit in Pune. Focus areas include healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, waste management, grassroots innovation, and SDG-aligned innovation.
Social Innovation Summit 2026 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 Social Innovation Summit 2026 closed on 5 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Top 3 innovators each receive a ₹50,000 cash grant (Dr. Gauri Shah Best Ideation Grant).
- Top 3 innovators also receive incubation and mentorship support at COEP's Bhau Institute, Pune.
- All top 10 shortlisted teams receive a certificate and memento.
About the provider
Social Innovation Summit 2026 is offered by COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership as a competition. 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 reviewed and the top 10 innovations are shortlisted. Shortlisted teams present their solutions before a jury panel during the summit in the 4th week of August 2026. Winners are announced at the closing ceremony.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Social Innovation Summit 2026, 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
Social Innovation Summit 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Social Innovation Summit 2026?
It is the 3rd edition of a competition organised by COEP's Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership in Pune, a DST-supported incubator. It invites social entrepreneurs and startups to present sustainable solutions for social and environmental impact.
What funding is offered?
The top 3 finalists each receive a ₹50,000 cash grant, along with incubation and mentorship support at COEP's Bhau Institute. All top 10 shortlisted teams receive a certificate and memento.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Social entrepreneurs, innovators, early-stage startups, and students working on sustainability-focused solutions at the Prototype, MVP, or Commercialization stage are eligible. Teams and individual founders can apply.
Is there a geographic restriction?
No explicit geographic restriction is stated, but shortlisted teams must be able to travel to or present at the summit in Pune, as the top 10 present in person.
What sectors are covered?
The competition focuses on healthcare, agriculture, environment, clean energy, waste to wealth, grassroots innovation, SDG-aligned innovation, and sustainable development.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a competition with cash grants and non-dilutive support. No equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
Applicants need to submit their innovation idea via the official Google Form. Pitch deck templates and guidelines are available on the Bhau Institute website.
How are winners selected?
The top 10 shortlisted innovations present before a jury panel during the summit. Winners are announced at the closing ceremony.
How do I apply?
Register and submit your innovation idea through the Google Form linked on the Bhau Institute website at https://bhau.org/events/social-innovation-summit-2026/. The deadline is June 5, 2026.
How much funding does Social Innovation Summit 2026 provide?
Social Innovation Summit 2026 provides ₹1.5L (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Social Innovation Summit 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Social Innovation Summit 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Social Innovation Summit 2026?
Social Innovation Summit 2026 is offered by COEP Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Social Innovation Summit 2026
Not sure Social Innovation Summit 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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