By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, announced the launch of the eighth edition of its flagship Parivartan Start-up Grants programme. This year, 15+ incubators and accelerators have been selected and onboarded to support 50–60 start-ups working in the social impact space. The programme will award grants of up to ₹50 lakh to selected start-ups, with a total programme budget of ₹20 crore.
About HDFC Bank Parivartan
HDFC Bank Parivartan is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank. Committed to sustainable and inclusive growth, Parivartan focuses on critical areas like financial inclusion, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Through innovative programmes and partnerships, Parivartan empowers communities and drives positive social change.
The Parivartan Start-up Grants programme has been a catalyst for innovation in India’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since its inception in 2017, it has:
- Supported 400+ social start-ups
- Partnered with 120+ incubation centres nationwide
- Helped start-ups scale solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Participating Incubators: The initiative collaborates with over 15 incubators and accelerators, including IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Villgro, ICAR Pusa Krishi, IIT Guwahati Bionest, ASPIRE – University of Hyderabad, IIM-Calcutta Innovation Park, i-Hub Gujarat, Kerala Start-Up Mission, and IFMR Catalyst AIC are among the incubators already shortlisted this year.
Application Process: Over the next few months, these incubators will invite applications from social entrepreneurs across India. This initiative will culminate in a series of “Demo Day” events, showcasing start-ups to the Bank, investors, corporates, and media, ensuring greater visibility and opportunities for these ventures.
Focus Areas for FY’25
HDFC Bank’s Parivartan Start-up Grants programme is aligned with India’s developmental priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In FY25, the programme will focus on:
- AI for Social Good – Leveraging artificial intelligence for social impact, from healthcare to education.
- Climate Innovation – Sustainable solutions for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
- Financial Inclusion – Expanding access to financial services for underserved communities.
- Agriculture & Rural Economy – Innovations to boost productivity and sustainability in farming.
- Education & Livelihood Enhancement – Empowering youth with skill development and employment opportunities.
- Gender Diversity & Inclusion – Promoting women-led enterprises and initiatives for social equity.
The programme will support entrepreneurs from diverse regions, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and the North-East.
Driving Impact Through Collaboration
Highlighting the programme’s significance, Kaizad Bharucha, DMD, HDFC Bank, stated:
“Our Parivartan Start-up Grants programme is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical societal needs. By nurturing social start-ups working towards SDG targets, we aim to create sustainable, inclusive solutions that benefit communities across India.”
Now in its eighth year, the Parivartan Start-up Grants programme continues to empower India’s entrepreneurs who are making a social impact. Since 2017, it has supported over 400 start-ups through more than 120 incubators nationwide, investing significant resources to drive meaningful change.
Arup Rakshit, Group Head, Treasury, HDFC Bank, emphasized the role of collaboration in driving impact:
“Through strategic partnerships with incubators and accelerators, we are building a robust start-up ecosystem. The programme empowers entrepreneurs with resources and visibility, enabling them to scale impactful solutions and contribute to India’s development journey. We aim to create a better future by supporting ventures that bring meaningful social change.”
The Bank has reached over 2 crore students till date for initiatives that focus on improving the quality of education through teacher training, scholarships, career guidance, and infrastructural support to schools. Its vocational training and skill development programmes aim to enhance employability and create sustainable livelihoods. The Bank has created over 9 lakh women entrepreneurs and trained over 3 lakh youth as of March 31, 2024.
Conclusion
A vision for the future with eight years of success, the Parivartan Start-up Grants programme continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and social progress. As the 2025 edition takes shape, HDFC Bank remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are solving real-world challenges and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable India.
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