Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE
AIC RAISE's national climate and social innovation program supporting early-stage startups with mentorship, pilot deployment, and up to ₹5L seed funding.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- AIC RAISE (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Feb 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 is a national-level climate and social innovation program launched by AIC RAISE Business Incubator. It is run in collaboration with Startup India and DPIIT under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge. The challenge focuses on accelerating startups that build impactful solutions for a sustainable India, with a particular emphasis on climate-focused and socially inclusive innovations.
Selected startups are onboarded into a 14-week structured incubation program. During this period, they receive hands-on mentorship, pilot deployment opportunities, and market validation support. Beyond incubation, top-performing startups may receive seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs, which is intended to enable pilot deployment, technology validation, and early market adoption. Participants also gain national-level visibility and exposure to investors.
Highlights
- National-level climate and social innovation program by AIC RAISE, in collaboration with Startup India and DPIIT.
- 14-week structured incubation program with hands-on mentorship, pilot deployment, and market validation.
- Top performers may receive seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs for pilot deployment and technology validation.
- Open to DPIIT-recognized startups with an MVP or market-ready solution in climate tech, clean energy, circular economy, waste management, water technology, environmental sustainability, or social impact.
- Preference for startups from Tier II, Tier III cities, and rural regions.
- National-level visibility and investor exposure for all participants.
Who can apply
Startups must be DPIIT-recognized and registered in India, with at least one Indian founder. They should already have a minimum viable product (MVP) or a market-ready solution. Their solutions must fall under one of the following areas: climate tech, clean energy, circular economy, waste management, water technology, environmental sustainability, or social impact. Preference is given to startups based in Tier II and Tier III cities, as well as rural regions.
Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE 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 Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE closed on 15 Feb 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The top-performing startups of the program may receive seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs. This funding is intended to support pilot deployment, technology validation, and early market adoption. Additionally, all selected startups benefit from a 14-week structured incubation program that provides hands-on mentorship, pilot deployment opportunities, and market validation support. National-level visibility and exposure to investors are also part of the package.
About the provider
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The process begins with an online application through the official registration link. All applications are then screened and evaluated by program partners. Startups that are shortlisted are onboarded into the 14-week structured incubation program. Throughout the program, continuous evaluation is conducted based on performance and impact. Finally, startups that perform exceptionally well are selected to receive seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE, 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
Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total funding amount available?
Top-performing startups may receive seed funding of up to ₹5 Lakhs.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Who can apply?
DPIIT-recognized startups registered in India with at least one Indian founder. The startup must have an MVP or market-ready solution in climate tech, clean energy, circular economy, waste management, water technology, environmental sustainability, or social impact. Preference is given to startups from Tier II, Tier III cities, and rural regions.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant program, so no equity is taken from startups. The seed funding is a grant.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
Yes, DPIIT recognition is required for eligibility. There is no mention of an MSME registration requirement.
What happens after I apply?
Applications are screened and evaluated by program partners. Shortlisted startups are onboarded into the 14-week incubation program. Continuous evaluation based on performance and impact leads to final selection for seed funding.
What does the incubation program include?
The 14-week program provides hands-on mentorship, pilot deployment opportunities, and market validation support.
Can social impact startups apply?
Yes, social impact is one of the solution areas listed for this challenge.
How do I apply?
You can apply through the official Startup India registration link provided in the program details.
Who offers Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE?
Sustainovation Challenge 2.0 at AIC RAISE is offered by AIC RAISE, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from AIC RAISE
AIC RAISE runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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