SBI Foundation has provided ₹2.64 crore in milestone-linked grants to 30 startups developing solutions in agriculture, clean technology and healthcare under its SBIF LEAP: Innovators for Bharat programme, implemented with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur.
The initiative combines financial support with incubation, mentoring and industry connections to help early-stage and growth-stage ventures develop their technologies, test solutions and move towards commercial adoption. Its focus is on businesses addressing practical challenges across livelihoods, environmental sustainability and healthcare.
According to the programmes impact assessment, participating startups have reached more than 8,000 farmers, benefited over 960 women and generated upwards of 195 direct jobs. Their work has also reportedly helped avoid more than 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, convert over 3,000 tons of agricultural waste into clean biomass fuel and protect 800 acres of farmland from stubble burning.
In healthcare, the ventures have screened, tested or served more than 4,000 people. The cohort has also recorded at least eight patents filed or granted, while seven startups are led by women founders or chief executives. These figures indicate the programme’s reach across economic, social and environmental priorities, although the outcomes vary by venture and solution.
Funding and Incubation for 30 Ventures
The programme’s portfolio comprises 20 agritech startups, five cleantech ventures and five healthcare businesses. Of the 30 participants, 24 early-stage startups received grants of ₹8 lakh each, while six growth-stage ventures received ₹12 lakh each.
Beyond funding, the participating businesses receive structured mentoring and capacity-building support, along with opportunities to connect with investors and industry partners. This model is intended to help startups move from prototype development and validation towards pilots, customer acquisition and wider market adoption.
The ventures are progressing at different stages. Nine are expanding through revenue generation, customer acquisition or paid pilots. Another 10 are advancing through partner pilots and regulatory milestones, while 11 are validating prototypes before field deployment.
Connecting Startups with Investors
The programme’s progress was showcased at a Demo Day and Investor Connect event at IIT Kanpur’s Noida campus. The event featured innovations from all 30 startups and provided a platform for founders to present their work to investors and industry representatives.
One-to-one pitching sessions connected eight startups with representatives from 14 investment organisations. These meetings offered opportunities to explore potential funding, strategic partnerships and routes to scale their operations.
By combining grants with incubation and investor engagement, the SBI Foundation–SIIC partnership seeks to strengthen the development of impact-oriented businesses. Its longer-term significance will depend on how effectively participating startups turn promising technologies into accessible solutions, sustainable enterprises and measurable public benefits.
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