Bharat Inclusion Initiative (via IIMA Ventures)
Offered by IIMA Ventures (formerly CIIE.CO)
Overview
The Bharat Inclusion Initiative (BII) is a program led by IIMA Ventures that aims to bring the benefits of technological progress to underserved populations in India. It backs early-stage startups working in financial inclusion, jobs and livelihoods, and skilling that use technology to serve lower-income segments. The initiative is currently backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. Beyond capital, BII provides expert mentoring, market access, product development support, demo days and investor showcases.
Eligibility
- Stage: prototype, MVP, or early traction preferred, though promising ideas are also considered
- Sector focus: fintech (credit enhancement, financial resilience, payments, digital infrastructure) and livelihoods/skilling (job platforms, gig work solutions, AI-driven reskilling)
- Must serve lower-income segments, typically earning less than INR 50,000 monthly
- Incorporation not required to apply, but registration in India must be completed before program confirmation
Funding Purpose
Financial support is a minimum of USD 50,000 per startup, delivered as grants and convertible debt through affiliated programs. Disbursements happen in tranches tied to milestones and fund requirements set out in a Service Agreement, and startups must submit utilization certificates for audit purposes. IIMA Ventures takes 3 to 5 percent mentoring equity upon onboarding as an incubatee.
Application Process
Startups apply online through go.iimaventures.com/WebsiteForm. The process includes an initial application review for program alignment, followed by 2 to 3 rounds of pitching and feedback sessions. Evaluation happens on a rolling basis, with applicants typically hearing back within one month of submission.
How to Apply
- 1Click "Apply Now" above and submit your application directly on the official page.
- 2The offering organisation screens applications against its own eligibility criteria.
- 3Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a pitch or interview round.
- 4The final decision rests solely with the offering organisation.
- 5There is no guarantee of funding at any stage.
Before You Apply
- ZeedFund is an independent tracker, not the offering organisation or a funding body.
- Verify current eligibility, funding amount, and deadline on the official page before applying. Details can change after we last verified them.
- Once you apply, all follow-up (screening updates, interview or pitch invites, and the final decision) comes directly from the facilitator, incubator, or investor, never from ZeedFund. Check their application portal or email yourself for status updates; we won't have visibility into it.