Kotak Mahindra, NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore collaborate to launch 5th cohort of women startup programme

NEW DELHI: Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMBL) and NSRCEL- (Indian Institute of management) IIM Bangalore have announced the commencement of the fifth cohort of the women startup programme, part of KMBL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. This initiative aims to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs nationwide by supporting their efforts to build scalable businesses. Launched under KMBL’s CSR focus on education and livelihood, the programme seeks to nurture ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs.

As per the IIM Bangalore official statement, the women startup programme has assisted over 23,053 women in developing entrepreneurial and managerial skills. The participants come from more than 20 sectors, such as technology, social impact, agriculture, retail, healthcare, energy and environment, textile, apparel, and more, representing 24 states across India. So far, the programme has incubated over 590 ventures and created 2,083 jobs.

Programme phases and timeline

The women startup programme, will begin with a 5-week Foundation of Entrepreneurship (FOE) course, followed by a 2-month virtual pre-incubation phase focused on prototype development. Successful candidates will move on to a 5-month incubation at NSRCEL to scale their ventures.

Rs 3 crore funding for top ventures

As per the official IIM Bangalore press release, this program will support women entrepreneurs at various stages including ideation, prototype, and revenue, offering customized assistance through pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration phases. A dedicated accelerator cohort will target crafts, tech, and healthcare/life sciences. Participants will also have the option for lateral entry at any stage based on the venture's readiness. A total of INR 3 crore will be distributed among the top-performing ventures, providing crucial financial support to further their projects.

Learning and networking opportunities

The program will offer structured learning in business planning, marketing, finance, and operations, with mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. It emphasizes networking and community building, providing connections with other women entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Participants will gain access to IIMB faculty, infrastructure, startup kits, and comprehensive CA/CS and legal advice on trademarks, patents, and intellectual property.

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, said, “We at NSRCEL, with the support of our esteemed partner, Kotak Mahindra Bank, have made a significant impact on India's economy by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Through this program, we have supported ventures not only in major urban centres but also in tier 2 and tier 3 regions, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we are empowering individuals and contributing to the broader economic development of our nation.”