HDFC Bank invites startups to apply for SmartUp grants

HDFC Bank is inviting applications from startups and solo entrepreneurs for its SmartUp grants. SmartUp grants by HDFC Bank under #Parivartan, the bank's umbrella CSR brand, is aimed at finding and deploying long-term, sustainable solutions at scale, to address social issues and contribute to the economic and social development of the country.

This year, the bank will focus on startups creating social impact at scale in sectors such as Education technology (ed-tech) and skill development, among others.

To screen, mentor, and monitor startups, HDFC Bank has partnered with nine startup incubators registered with Govt of India's MeitY platfrom. The nine incubators are from premier institutes and include: IIT Delhi, IIT BHU, AIC BIMTECH Noida, IIM Kashipur, GUSEC Gujarat, C-CAMP Bangalore, Banasthali University Jaipur, Villgro Incubation Chennai, and T-Hub Hyderabad.

How to apply and process

> Startups making social impact can send in their applications by clicking here. The application window opens on Tuesday and closes on Feb 16, 2021.

> Further, the bank's incubator partners and the SmartUp team will jointly scout for startups.

> Bank and incubators will jointly reach out and engage with start-ups through the SmartUp portal hosted on Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY's) platform 4. Incubator partners will screen and shortlist applications and the SmartUp team will select finalists.

> Finalists will pitch their startups to a jury comprising senior management of the Bank.

Evaluation criteria

> Market reach, penetration and scalability of product 

> Degree of social impact in beneficiaries' lives 

> Economic viability of product at scale 

“We begin the new decade with a renewed focus to enable and nurture social sector startups. Our partnership with incubators will mentor the winners to scale up their ideas. Enterprises working in the social sector are doing commendable work in changing the lives of millions of Indians. SmartUp grants is one way of offering our support and encouragement in this journey. We want to be a pillar of support for social entrepreneurs who want to bring a positive change to the society,” said Smita Bhagat, Country Head Government, E-commerce and Startups, HDFC Bank.