Women Startup Program

Register Your Interest

*Note - This form is only for expressing interest in the program. The actual application form is the final step in the registration process.

Register Your Interest

*Note - This form is only for expressing interest in the program. The actual application form is the final step in the registration process.

NSRCEL’s Women Startup Program at IIM Bangalore, a CSR initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, aims to support ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs by enabling them to transform their ideas into business ventures.

First ideated in 2016, the program focuses on strengthening the entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities of women leading early and ideation-stage ventures. Anchored in a strong gender lens, the program is designed to address the unique barriers faced by women founders by fostering inclusive access, supportive networks, and tailored learning experiences.

Building on the impact of five successful cohorts over the past decade, Cohort 6 marks a strategic evolution of the program with a structured, stage-wise approach over two years.

We are offering multiple programs across 2 years of span- the Entrepreneurship Base Program is designed for ideation to MVP-stage founders, Incubation program for startups with validated MVP and early traction, and Scale Hub for growth-stage ventures led by alumni seeking market expansion, capital readiness, and sustained ecosystem support.

The program at NSRCEL begins with Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE), providing entrepreneurs with essential business knowledge. Selected candidates then progress through a hybrid pre-incubation program focused on prototype development and MVP design, followed by incubation for product development, scaling, and growth.

Program Highlights

Mentoring

Unparalleled access to our extensive mentor network including alumni, industry experts and VCs.

Network

Connects to prospects for sales, business development and technology, as well as access to researchers and academicians shall be facilitated.

Need Assessment

Focusing on area specific development of ventures and ecosystem mapping of their requirements.

Grant Support

Each selected venture will receive a grant of INR 10 lakhs.

Co-incubation with Partner Institutes

Founders get to Co-incubate with our Partner Institutes to enhance engagement and support startup growth across India.

Legal and Compliance

Pro-Bono legal and company secretarial advice from our experts.

Business Acceleration

Opportunities to showcase ventures periodically at startup events or exhibitions

Milestone Tracking

Timely track of Milestones to track the venture’s progress

Cohort-based Learning

Community-driven learning model promoting the potential of “women supporting women”.

Sustenance and Scale

Guidance and Interventions aimed at helping startups across stages build roadmaps to ensure sustained growth.

In-Person Engagement

Curated in-person events including bootcamps, workshops, alumni connect events, networking sessions, exhibitions, round-table conferences and demo days to enable hands-on learning and direct ecosystem exposure.

Program Impact

0 +

Learners Engaged

0 +

Ventures Incubated

0 +

Sectors

0 +

Partners

0 +

Partners

0 +

Jobs Created

0 +

States Touched

Stages in Focus

**Applications are now closed

Selection Process

Step 1

Applications Submission

Step 2

Screening and Evaluation

Step 3

Onboarding into the Program

How can you apply and get started?

Submit Your Application here

Testimonials

7 years ago, I started Circles of Safety as a passion project with a single-minded focus on putting an end to child sexual abuse. In 2022, the WSP4 program has brought tremendous strategic clarity, customer focus and mentorship support to guide us every step of the way! Eternally grateful to WSP team and this exceptional program for grounding my purpose! 50+ sessions 100 jargons later, I can explain my business to my grandmother, daughter and an investor. The contribution of this program to venture and my existence is priceless!

Anuja Amin

Founder, Circles of Safety

Overall, NSRCEL was a game-changer for me. The program facilitated a seamless transition from bookish knowledge to practical insights, phenomenal networking opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs through the country and globally and a solid learning setup. This program really helped me grow as an entrepreneur and gave me the skills I need to handle the challenges of business life.

Priyanka Khandelwal

Founder, BING Studios

My involvement in the Women Startup Program has been transformative, equipping me with essential skills, knowledge, and support to navigate the entrepreneurial journey successfully. The guidance of mentors was instrumental in taking my startup from the idea stage to successfully entering the commercial market. From initially seeking funding to navigating the intricacies of venture financing, WSP has been instrumental in propelling my startup from my brainchild to growth.

Swathi Gopalakrishnan

Founder, Base’P Solutions

Ecosystem Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Who is eligible to apply?

For the Entrepreneurship Base Program (EBP), aspiring women entrepreneurs aged 18 and above with a feasible business idea are eligible to apply.

For the Incubation phase of the program, applicants must be based in India with majority ownership in their venture, operating at an MVP-ready to early growth stage, with initial revenue or strong market validation, and a clear business model with projected revenues for the next 12 months.

The Scale Hub is designed for growth-stage alumni and operates as a continuous program.

Does the program focus on specific sectors or geographies?

We are sector agnostic and are open to startups in the idea, prototype and revenue stage from across the country.

The Scale Hub offerings are tailored for growth-stage alumni and are sector-specific, depending on the focus of each initiative.

Can a single founder apply to the program?

Yes, we accept applications from solo founders as well.

I have two ideas? Can I submit two applications?

Each applicant must apply with a single idea.

I applied for the program previously. Can I re-apply?

You can apply to the Women Startup Program if you meet the eligibility criteria. Please highlight any additional information on your progress from your application for a previous cohort, to improve your chances of selection

How much equity will NSRCEL take from my startup?

NSRCEL does not take equity from ventures part of the Women Startup Program.

When can I apply?

Application status will be clearly updated on the website. If applications are closed, you can register your interest using the form linked at the top of the page and you will be notified when the next cycle opens.

What stage should the startup be in to be eligible?

We are sector agnostic and support startups in the idea, prototype and revenue stage from across the country.

Scale Hub offerings are tailored for growth-stage alumni and are sector-specific, depending on the focus of each initiative.

How much does it cost to apply or participate in the program?

Participation in the Women Startup Program is largely free of cost.

What do we look for in an applicant?

Founders are required to be committed to their idea full-time and must demonstrate the ability and entrepreneurial mindset to build and grow an organization.

Can I apply for multiple Verticals under this program?

We recommend applying to one vertical or stage during the application process. Kindly choose the one that aligns best with your venture’s stage and requirements.

During the Program

What is the duration of each stage?

Each stage has its specific timeframe, Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE) – 5 Weeks, Pre-Incubation – 2 Months, Incubation – 8 Months.

Where will the program take place?

All the activities related to Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE) and Pre-Incubation will be conducted online and Incubation will be delivered in hybrid mode. We will be introducing you to certain tools and platforms during the induction session to facilitate the program related activities.

Do I need to be present for the entire duration of the program?

Yes, it is mandatory for you to be active throughout the program and attend the sessions and activities organized as part of Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE), Pre-Incubation, Incubation, and Scale-Hub, to fully benefit from the sessions and workshops.

What does NSRCEL expect from you?

We expect you to be an active participant and be involved in all the activities initiated to nurture your venture's growth.

Will my startup get funding in the process?

Funding is available through the Incubation phase of the program. Participants can pitch for grants, which are awarded based on the eligibility criteria

My question is not answered here. What do I do?

Reach out to us at – wspqueries@iimb.ac.in