Kotak Mahindra Bank on Tuesday announced the launch of Season 3 of its Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, a flagship CSR initiative that aims to support more than 100 early-revenue-stage startups across India between August 2026 and October 2027.
The programme has expanded its national footprint through partnerships with five incubation hubs, including IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, CIIE Initiatives, NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, T-Hub and FITT at IIT Delhi. The addition of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park is expected to strengthen the initiative’s reach across eastern and north-eastern India.
The accelerator will focus on sectors including Agritech, Climate tech, Fintech, Sustainability, Healthtech, Edtech, Clean energy, Waste management and Sustainable manufacturing, with special emphasis on deep-tech ventures.
Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head – CSR & ESG at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the programme aims to extend structured mentorship, networks and funding support to entrepreneurs in regions with limited access to established startup ecosystems.
In Kolkata, the partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park could provide startups and entrepreneurs in eastern India with greater access to national-level mentorship, industry networks and catalytic funding, potentially strengthening the region’s startup ecosystem and its links with markets across the country.
Since its inception, Kotak BizLabs has received over 4,500 applications, accelerated more than 125 ventures and awarded grants to over 100 startups. Applications for Season 3 are now open to DPIIT-recognised startups.