Kotak Mahindra Bank on April 6 announced the selection of 71 startups for Season 2 of its Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, with 60 startups set to receive structured grants of up to ₹30 lakh each. The programme marks a significant expansion in outreach, with 53% of selected startups coming from non-metro regions, reflecting a shift in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. The cohort includes startups from 13 states across 12 sectors such as AI, deep tech, agritech, sustainability, clean energy, edtech, and healthcare. Season 2 received 3,088 applications—an 80% rise from the previous edition—with over 80% of applicants from beyond the four major metros. The six-to-nine-month programme will conclude with a Demo Day connecting founders with investors and corporate partners.
According to Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head of CSR & ESG at Kotak, the programme has been redesigned to offer enhanced funding and a stronger network of incubation partners. Rohit Bhasin, President and CMO, said the diversity of applications highlights India’s widening entrepreneurial ambition. The initiative is supported by incubators such as IIM A Ventures, NSRCEL, T-Hub and FITT–IIT Delhi.
In Kolkata, the programme’s focus on non-metro regions is expected to boost startup activity in eastern India, including Kolkata. With increased access to funding and mentorship, emerging ventures in the city are likely to benefit from improved scalability and investor visibility, strengthening the region’s growing startup ecosystem.