WE Hub
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WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL

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Quick answer

A 12-week program by WE Hub for women-led startups in early growth or scaling phases, focusing on market access, funding, and networking opportunities.

Funding amount
Varies by program
Funding type
Grant
Provider
WE Hub (Government)
Application deadline
Closed (14 May 2026)
Eligible stage
Any stage
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Overview

The WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program is an intensive 12-week initiative designed to empower women-led startups across India. Operated by WE Hub, this program aims to provide crucial support to businesses in their early growth or scaling stages.

Participants benefit from focused assistance in key areas such as market access, securing funding, and expanding their professional networks. The program is structured to help women entrepreneurs overcome common challenges and accelerate their startup's development.

By fostering a supportive ecosystem, WE Hub's PROPEL program plays a vital role in strengthening the presence and success of women-led ventures within the Indian startup landscape.

Highlights

  • A 12-week intensive program.
  • Exclusively for women-led startups.
  • Focuses on early growth and scaling stages.
  • Provides grant funding (amount varies).
  • Offers support in market access, funding, and networking.
  • Open to startups from all industries across Urban India.

Who can apply

This program is exclusively tailored for women-led startups. To qualify, women founders must hold a minimum of 51% ownership in the company. If the startup has previously secured funding, the ownership requirement for women founders is at least 33%, or they must hold equal/majority ownership or a CXO role.

Eligible startups must be based in Urban India and be legally registered entities within India. Applicants should be in either the early growth or scaling stage of their business development and demonstrate active revenue. The program welcomes applications from startups across all industries.

WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL 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 WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL closed on 14 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

What the funding covers

The WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program offers recipients a grant, with the specific amount varying per selected startup. This financial support is intended to help accelerate the growth and operational capabilities of women-led businesses.

Beyond the monetary grant, participants gain significant advantages through the program's core focus areas. These include enhanced market access, strategic guidance for securing additional funding, and invaluable opportunities for networking with mentors, investors, and peers. The comprehensive support aims to equip startups with the resources and connections needed for sustainable expansion.

About the provider

WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL is offered by WE Hub, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Documents you’ll need

Before you apply to WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL, 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

What is the WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program?

This is a 12-week program by WE Hub designed to support women-led startups in their early growth or scaling phases, offering guidance and resources in market access, funding, and networking.

What kind of financial support does the program offer?

The program provides grant funding to selected startups, with the specific amount varying based on individual needs and assessment.

What is the application deadline for this program?

The application deadline for the WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program is May 14, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

The program is exclusively for women-led startups that are legally registered in India and based in Urban India. Startups must be in their early growth or scaling stage with active revenue.

What are the ownership requirements for women founders?

Women founders must hold at least 51% ownership. If the startup has received prior funding, women must hold at least 33% ownership, or occupy an equal/majority ownership or CXO role.

Are there any industry restrictions for applicants?

No, the WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program welcomes applications from women-led startups across all industries.

Does WE Hub take equity from participating startups?

No, this program offers a grant, which means WE Hub does not take any equity stake in the participating startups.

How long is the WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program?

The program runs for a duration of 12 weeks, providing focused support to the selected startups.

Where can I apply for the WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL program?
Is DPIIT recognition required for WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL?

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Who offers WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL?

WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL is offered by WE Hub, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

How do I apply for WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL?

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.

Alternatives to WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL

Not sure WE Engage - Wadhwani Liftoff: PROPEL is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.

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