Bharat Inclusion Initiative (BII)

About

IIMA Ventures' Bharat Inclusion Initiative is an accelerator for idea- to early-stage startups building technology-enabled financial inclusion, jobs and livelihoods, and skilling solutions for India's lower-income segments, offering mentorship, market access and financial support on a rolling application basis.

Benefits

• For selected startups (stated program offerings): bespoke support based on startup needs; training, mentoring, technical assistance and market access as needed and feasible; domain knowledge and access to experts; financial support of USD 50,000 and more for every startup supported; periodic corporate connects and investor demo days; regular check-ins for up to a year; showcase and visibility at corporate meetups, demo days and partner events; cloud credits and exclusive offers/services from essential service partners; fundraising support from pitching to deal closure. Conditional/not guaranteed: additional funding through grants, convertible debt or other programs; introductions to investors on a case-by-case basis; selection does not guarantee additional funding. Funds may be disbursed in tranches based on milestones and fund requirement, and startups may need to provide utilization certificates before the next tranche or at the end of the support period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: Startups must be building technology-enabled solutions in financial inclusion/fintech, jobs and livelihoods, or skilling, with potential to serve lower-income segments in India. At least part of the customers/beneficiaries served must be from lower-income segments, typically earning less than INR 50,000 per month. Applicants need not be a registered firm to apply, but must be an entity registered in India before selection can be confirmed and support provided. Preferred: Solutions in prototype, MVP or early traction stages; exceptional individuals with promising financial-inclusion ideas are also welcome. Startups that have participated in other accelerator programs may apply and should highlight prior support. Evaluation considers alignment with program objectives, innovation, potential for impact and team strength.

Participation Commitments

• Mentoring equity of 3-5% is expected; the startup is onboarded as an incubatee. Selected startups must participate in program activities and the program's impact measurement study. A Service Agreement will be signed capturing product, market opportunity, engagement objective, expected activities, and budgets. Funds are disbursed in tranches based on fund requirement and milestones; startups may be required to provide a utilization certificate before receiving the next tranche or at the end of the support period. Regular check-ins will be scheduled for up to a year; short bootcamps/events may be organized in Ahmedabad or other places, and participation is required. The program does not require startups to be based in Ahmedabad during the program.

Target Region

Applicants may apply without being a registered firm, but must be an entity registered in India before selection can be confirmed and support provided. Solutions must serve India's lower-income segments; no nationality or residence requirement is explicitly stated. The program does not require startups to be based in Ahmedabad.

Target Sector

Financial Services, Education, Other