IDFC FIRST Bank and BITS Pilani launch accelerator programme to support technology startups

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IDFC FIRST Bank, through its CSR initiatives, has partnered with the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), BITS Pilani, under IGNITE, the startup incubation programme of FIRST IMPACT, the CSR division of IDFC FIRST Bank, to launch an Accelerator Programme that will support startups developing solutions for some of today's most pressing health and environmental challenges.

Through catalytic grant support, incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and ecosystem linkages, the programme aims to nurture purpose-driven enterprises and help them scale sustainable, high-impact solutions.

IDFC FIRST Bank has partnered with BITS Pilani , as one of the implementing partners for IGNITE that will  support 8 startups across India working in areas such as climate technology, carbon reduction and removal, AI and machine learning-based healthcare diagnostics, medical devices, and assistive technologies.

Selected startups will receive mentorship, business guidance, access to industry experts and investors, and performance-linked grants of up to Rs 25 lakh per startup.

Expected Outcomes

• Support the growth and scale-up of 8 technology startups working in climate and healthcare sectors.
• Encourage innovative solutions for carbon reduction, carbon removal, and environmental sustainability.
• Improve healthcare access and outcomes through AI/ML-driven diagnostics, medical devices, and assistive technologies.
• Strengthen the business and investment readiness of participating startups.
• Contribute to employment generation, innovation, and sustainable development in India.