Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge
Women-led & social impact innovation challenge by FAI Vyapar Mandal offering up to ₹5L grant for Indian startups, MSMEs, and innovators.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal (FAIVM) runs the Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge to find and support ventures building practical solutions that empower women, improve livelihoods, and drive inclusive economic growth.
The challenge is structured around four focus areas:
- Women-led innovation and entrepreneurship
- Livelihood and skill development
- Rural and community empowerment
- Scalable and inclusive social impact models
It seeks community-driven ideas that are innovative, scalable, and sustainable, with clear social relevance. The program is open to Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators at any stage — from a mere idea to early commercialization. Winners receive a grant of up to ₹5 lakh, and individual innovators who win will need to register a company or startup to receive the benefits.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹5 lakh for winners.
- Open to Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators.
- No DPIIT/Startup India recognition required at application.
- Focus areas: women-led innovation, livelihoods, rural empowerment, inclusive social impact.
- Individuals can apply with an idea; winners must register a company.
Who can apply
The challenge is open to Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators who are working on women-led enterprises or social impact solutions.
- Applicants must be incorporated or registered in India.
- DPIIT or Startup India recognition is preferred but not mandatory at the time of application.
- Startups at any stage — idea, prototype, MVP, pilot, or early commercialization — can apply.
- Solutions must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and measurable social impact.
- Individuals can apply with just an idea, but if selected as a winner, they must register a company or startup to receive the grant.
Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge 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 Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Winners receive a grant of up to ₹5 lakh. No other benefits (mentorship, incubation, etc.) are mentioned in the available facts.
About the provider
Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge is offered by Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge, 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
Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge 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
How much funding is offered?
The challenge provides a grant of up to ₹5 lakh.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 31 January 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators working on women-led enterprises or social impact solutions can apply. Applicants must be incorporated or registered in India.
Do I need DPIIT or Startup India recognition to apply?
DPIIT or Startup India recognition is preferred but not mandatory at the time of application.
What stage should my startup be at?
Startups at any stage — including idea, prototype, MVP, pilot, or early commercialization — are welcome to apply.
Can I apply as an individual without a registered company?
Yes, individuals can apply with just an idea. However, if you win, you will need to register a startup or company to receive the grant.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is a grant, which is non-dilutive. No equity is taken.
What documents are needed to apply?
The specific documents are not listed, but typical requirements include details of the solution, team, and proof of registration (if applicable). Check the official application page for exact requirements.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via the Startup India website at the URL provided: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/challenge.html?applicationId=695cc3afe4b06adb3eb582c9
What are the focus areas of the challenge?
The challenge focuses on women-led innovation and entrepreneurship, livelihood and skill development, rural and community empowerment, and scalable and inclusive social impact models.
Who offers Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge?
Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge is offered by Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge
Not sure Women-Led & Social Impact Startups Innovation Challenge is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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