I-Venture @ ISB
About the Program
The HDFC Parivartan StartUp Grants program is HDFC Bank’s flagship initiative under the umbrella of ‘Parivartan’ aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem by providing critical funding and support to social impact startups. The initiative focuses on fostering innovation that addresses pressing societal challenges while advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
The program supports startups working across the following key focus areas: AI for Social Good, Climate Innovation, Financial Inclusion, Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Economy, Education and Livelihood Enhancement, and Gender Diversity and Inclusion.
This year, AIC at the Indian School of Business, in partnership with HDFC Parivartan, introduces the ArthX program, under their Parivartan StartUp Grants program, to support revenue-stage startups from Punjab building impactful solutions in the sustainability space. ArthX will enable founders through grant funding, and access to strategic networks and ecosystem connects to accelerate scale and impact.
Total Grant Corpus
INR 1 Crore
- Selected startups will receive Grant support of up to INR 10 lakhs
Who Can Apply
The program is for revenue-stage startups from Punjab working in the following sub themes of Sustainability
Sub themes
Climate Action
Waste Management
Circularity
Renewable Energy & Efficiency
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Materials & Green Manufacturing
Timelines
Call for Applications
Inviting applications from Punjab-based, revenue-stage startups working in the mentioned themes.
Roadshows
Two roadshows planned: Mohali in January and Ludhiana in February. (Exact dates TBA)
Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated based on the information submitted and alignment with the program.
Pitch Day
The top 25 shortlisted startups will pitch before the jury for grant support.
Fund Release
Grants will be disbursed to the winners from the Pitch Day.
FAQ
What is ArthX?
ArthX is a sustainability-focused initiative by AIC ISB, supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan, designed to support revenue-stage startups in Punjab building impactful and scalable solutions in sustainability.
Who is this initiative for?
ArthX is open to revenue-stage startups based in Punjab that are developing solutions aligned with sustainability and climate impact.
Startups should have:
- A validated product or solution
- Active customers or revenue
- Clear intent to scale operations and impact
Do startups need to be registered in Punjab?
Startups should be registered in Punjab or have significant operations and impact in Punjab.
How much grant amount will startups receive?
An amount of up to INR 10 lakhs can be provided as support to the startups along with mentorship, and connections.
What happens in the roadshows?
We will host two roadshows—one at the ISB Mohali campus and one in Ludhiana—featuring a program infosession that covers how to apply and qualify for grant support.
