IIM Calcutta Innovation Park joins Kotak’s flagship CSR initiative as an incubator partner, extending its reach across eastern and north-eastern India

Mumbai: Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL” / “Kotak”) today announced Season 3 of the Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, its flagship CSR initiative for early-revenue-stage startups. Season 3 will run from August 2026 to October 2027 and support 100+ startups across India through mentorship, ecosystem access and catalytic funding.

Season 3 brings together five incubation partners: IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, CIIE Initiatives (IIMA Ventures), IIMBI/NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, T-Hub and FITT at IIT Delhi.

Since its inception, the Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme has received 4,500+ applications from startups across India, accelerated 125+ high-potential ventures, and awarded grants to 100+ startups, enabling founders to scale innovative and impact-driven solutions.

“Season 3 takes high-calibre support to regions where entrepreneurs with promising ideas often lack access to structured ecosystem support. Our partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park extends our reach across eastern and north-eastern India and connects Kotak BizLabs with a wider network of regional startup hubs. Our goal is to give every participating startup access to the mentorship, networks and funding support it needs to take its next step,” said Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

Season 3 will focus on sectors like Agritech, Climate tech, Fintech, Sustainability, Healthtech, Edtech, Clean energy, Waste management and Sustainable manufacturing and have a special focus on deep-tech. Across the five incubation hubs, participating startups will receive access to mentorship, industry connections and growth support, with the respective incubators managing cohort selection and acceleration.

The Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme is a CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

Applications for Season 3 are now open to DPIIT-recognised startups. Eligible startups can apply through the Kotak BizLabs Season 3 application page.