Foundations & non-profits backing Indian startups

EarthON Foundation operates as an NGO/Foundation dedicated to supporting climate-focused startups and grassroots organizations. This provider focuses its efforts on initiatives across India and the Global South. It offers funding opportunities through grants and also conducts 10-month programs designed to nurture selected ventures. Startups can apply for the following programs: - Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation: This program provides grants up to ₹25L. - Greenovation Urban Climate Resilience Challenge: This challenge offers equity funding up to ₹20L.

NASSCOM operates as an NGO/Foundation and stands as India's premier body for the IT industry. Its official web presence is at nasscom.in.The organisation supports tech founders through key initiatives like 10,000 Startups and the DeepTech Club, aiming to foster innovation within the technology sector.NASSCOM provides grant funding through specific programs designed to assist emerging businesses. These include: - Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program - NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program

Philanthropic arm of APNIC funding internet infrastructure, security, and digital-inclusion projects across Asia Pacific.

India's largest social enterprise incubator with a 20-acre campus near Hyderabad

CII's industry-led hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups in Hyderabad, offering corporate accelerator programs, market access, and co-working infrastructure.

National apex body representing 65 million brick-and-mortar traders and retailers across India, advocating for ease of doing business for traditional commerce.

UN agency investing in rural development and agriculture worldwide, providing grants and loans to reduce poverty in developing countries.

Region-focused incubation centre in eastern Uttar Pradesh nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns through mentorship, market access, and funding.

India's first Assistive Technology innovation hub, funding and supporting startups building solutions for persons with disabilities.

SAMRIDH Impact Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is an NGO. The organisation runs the SAMRIDH Impact Accelerator Program 2026. This program offers grant funding. Under the SAMRIDH Impact Accelerator Program 2026, funding is available up to ₹1Cr. Further information is available on their website at https://www.samridhimpact.com.

Tata Trusts-backed platform incubating science and technology startups for large-scale social and environmental impact

Wildlife conservation foundation co-founded by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, disbursing over 16 crore rupees in grants to support habitat restoration and species recovery across 21 Indian states.

Social incubator supporting early-stage nonprofits and social enterprises building resilient livelihoods across India.

The Thiel Foundation operates as a foundation dedicated to supporting young innovators. It focuses on individuals who choose to build companies instead of pursuing a traditional college education. This organisation provides funding to entrepreneurs who are 22 years old or younger. Its initiatives are designed to empower these young founders in developing their ventures. A key offering is the Thiel Fellowship, which provides a grant. Through this program, eligible young founders can receive funding of up to ₹2.3 crore.

TiE Pune is an NGO/Foundation operating as the Pune chapter of the global entrepreneurship network, TiE. Its official website is https://pune.tie.org. This organisation provides grant funding to Indian startups through its programs. One program offered by TiE Pune is: - TiE Women – Pune Chapter: This initiative provides grant funding, with amounts available up to ₹45L.

Business-led non-profit accelerating sanitation innovation with 111+ SMEs graduated

UNICEF's pooled fund investing in early-stage open-source and frontier-tech startups in emerging markets, including India.

Wadhwani Foundation operates as an NGO/Foundation, providing support for various initiatives. Its official website, https://wadhwanifoundation.org, offers further details on its work. The foundation provides funding opportunities for startups. One notable program is the Wadhwani Innovation Network CoE Call for Proposals 2026. This initiative offers grant funding, with support available for up to ₹1Cr.

Founded by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug in 1986, this Des Moines-based foundation awards the $250,000 World Food Prize and runs youth programs engaging 4,000+ students in food security research.